The Diocese of Carlisle has made a key appointment to strengthen the way it encourages and supports vocations to lay and ordained ministry across Cumbria.

The Rev Dr Raewynne Whiteley has been appointed the new Diocesan Director of Ordinands and Vocations. Working closely with the Bishop of Carlisle, the Bishop of Penrith and diocesan colleagues, she will oversee the discernment process for those exploring ordained and lay ministry and help develop a broader culture of vocation in local churches.

Her appointment supports the ecumenical county’s God for All vision, with a focus on discipleship and encouraging the vocation of all God’s people. This work is central to the Diocese’s ambition toestablishat least 100 new worshipping communities by 2030, supported by local leaders who can nurture prayer,worship and service in communities across Cumbria.

In her new role, Raewynne will combine the statutory responsibilities of the Diocesan Director of Ordinands with oversight of a wider approach to vocations, helping people of all ages and backgrounds to explore how God may be calling them. This includes supporting ordinands and Readers in training, strengthening relationships with theological education institutions, and helping develop future leaders for a mixed ecology of church in Cumbria.

Raewynnesaid: “I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve the Diocese of Carlisle in this way. I’m passionate about helping people respond faithfully to God’s call, and about creating clear, prayerful and supportive pathways for those exploring both lay and ordained ministry.

“Cumbria has a strong sense of local church life and a real commitment to mission through its Mission Communities. I’m excited to work with clergy and lay leaders across the diocese to encourage vocations, to support those in discernment, and to help people connect their calling with the life of discipleship in everyday life.”

Raewynne brings wide experience in parish ministry, diocesan leadership and theological education. Since July 2024 she has served as the Diocese of Carlisle’s Vocations Lead for Ministry Development. Prior to this she was Warden and Lecturer in Practical Theology at Wollaston Theological College (University of Divinity) in Perth, Western Australia.

Earlier in her ministry, Raewynne served in the Diocese of Southwark as Deputy Director of Discipleship and Lay Ministry, and previously as Missioner for Discipleship and Vocations. She has also held academic and parish leadership roles in both the United States and Australia, including over a decade as Rector of St James Episcopal Church in New York. She holds a PhD in Practical Theology (Homiletics) from Princeton Theological Seminary.

Australian by birth, Raewynne has longstanding roots in Cumbria, with family connections in Barrow-in-Furness, and currently assists in ministry in the Appleby area, remainingclosely connected to parish life in the Diocese of Carlisle.

Rachel Head, Director of Mission and Ministry Support and Innovation, said: “We are delighted to appoint Raewynneas our new Diocesan Director of Ordinands and Vocations. This is a significant role, bringing focused leadership and additionalcapacity to the delivery of our Ministry Development Strategy, particularly in the areas of Growing our Own and Growing Younger.

“Raewynne is passionate about supporting people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to explore their calling, and brings both commitment and experience in vocational discernment and formation. Working with our experienced Mission and Ministry team andAssistant Diocesan Directors of Ordinands, I am excited about what she will bring to the role and how her work will contribute to our 2030 vision for developing diverse models of ministry across Cumbria.

“Our ministry development work in Cumbria is shaped by the needs of our local churches, leaders andMission Communities. Raewynne’s ability to combine theological depth, careful listening and practical leadership will help us encourage a wider and more diverse range of vocations across the county.”

The Rt Revd Rob Saner-Haigh, Bishop of Carlisle, said: “A central part of our life together is recognising vocation, not only to ordained ministry, but the calling of every Christian to follow Jesus in the places where we live and serve in Cumbria. The Director of Ordinands and Vocations has a crucial role in helping people discern God’s call, and in ensuring that this process is prayerful, wise and supportive.

“As we work to establish new worshipping communities and strengthen existing churches across the county, we will need a wide range of leaders, lay and ordained, stipendiary and self-supporting, rooted in Christlike character and committed to serving their communities. I am delighted that Raewynne will be leading this work with us, and I look forward to all that God will do through her ministry among us.”

Raewynne will take up the role in late February 2026.