A well-respected head of a northern theological college is to be the next Suffragan Bishop of Penrith.

This morning, a Downing Street announcement confirmed that His Majesty The King has approved the nomination of the Rev Canon Dr Michael Leyden, who is the founding Dean of Emmanuel Theological College, following recommendation by the Bishop of Carlisle, the Rt Rev Rob Saner-Haigh.

Through his theological college role Michael has close ties with the Diocese of Carlisle, having supported dozens of people from the county in training for ministry, ordination and lay leadership. He will move to Cumbria in the summer and will live in Clifton, near Penrith. As Suffragan Bishop he will have particular responsibility for further developing discipleship, vocations and leadership as well as supporting the Diocese’s 104 church schools.

Michael said: “It is such a joy to be nominated to become the next Bishop of Penrith, and I am really looking forward to getting to know the people of the Diocese and the county. I already know the Church is alive and well in Cumbria, and that so many of our new and inherited worshipping communities – led by faithful ministers – are motivated by Christ’s love for all people to be a positive, constructive, and creative presence in their neighbourhoods. I am excited to play my part in nurturing and supporting those and, under Bishop Rob’s leadership, working with colleagues from across the various traditions of the Church as we step toward the future together.”

Michael has been Dean of Emmanuel since 2021, overseeing the college community and heading up its Leadership Team from the organisation’s central headquarters near Warrington, Cheshire. He grew up on council estates on Merseyside before studying theology and philosophy at Oxford University and later gaining a PhD in theological ethics at the University of Chester. He has taught in universities and theological education institutions for 20 years, including alongside parochial ministry. Michael has drawn upon his working-class roots to champion the faith journey of others from under-represented backgrounds. He has worked on national Church projects to develop more diverse training pathways and recently appeared in a Church of England film to support vocations for those from similar upbringings to his own.

He added: “There is no doubt that God calls people from a wide range of social, economic, educational, and ethnic backgrounds into ministry. I’m excited to be working with priests and lay leaders to help God’s people identify and celebrate their gifts, and to offer training and support so they can use them effectively – especially those with potential leadership gifts who might otherwise have discounted themselves. Jesus Christ can do all sorts of things with all sorts of people – and that’s my story too!”

After ordination, Michael served his curacy in the parish of Rainhill St Ann’s in the Diocese of Liverpool and then as vicar in the Benefice of Weston with Shavington in the Diocese of Chester. In both parishes he worked with lay leaders to develop a mixed ecology of church; time-honoured church working alongside new and pioneering forms. He has ministered in underprivileged, urban, sub-urban, and semi-rural contexts in various traditions. He has also been a local board member of the Triangle of Hope - a project through which three global Anglican dioceses with shared links to the historical slave trade look to transform the long history of slavery and the ongoing effects of present-day slavery through repentance, education, reconciliation and mission.

Michael is married to Anna, a vicar in the Diocese of Chester, and they have two children.

He said: “It has been an absolute honour to be the founding Dean of Emmanuel Theological College, working with exceptional colleagues to establish a community of formation and training that has made a significant impact on the life of the Church across our region. As I pass on the baton in coming weeks, I know that the Christ-centred, Hope-filled, and Mission-orientated ethos will stay with me for the rest of my life.”

Today Michael and Anna are touring the county with Bishop Rob. Starting at Trinity School in Carlisle, the group will then meet diocesan staff at their Church House headquarters in Penrith. From there they will explore rural ministry with the Binsey Ministry Team before traveling to a church-run Warm Welcome café in Distington. Later Michael will call in at the 4Teens After School club run by Carlisle Network Youth Church before attending Evensong at Carlisle Cathedral.

Bishop Rob said: “I’m delighted to welcome Michael as the next Bishop of Penrith. Many of us will know him already through his work with Emmanuel Theological College. He loves Jesus and is an excellent communicator and theologian who brings faith alive. He will help us all to go deeper in our relationship with God. As Bishop of Penrith, he will join me in supporting local churches and ministers but will have particular responsibility for encouraging the vocations of people from many different backgrounds. This is something he has been committed to through Emmanuel Theological College and is the experience of his own life and faith. He will also be active in supporting our schools. I’m really looking forward to working with Michael as we seek to support and nurture local churches in their faith and ministry.”

Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York, said: “I am delighted that Michael Leyden is to become the new Suffragan Bishop of Penrith. Michael has served faithfully in parishes in Liverpool and Chester, and his expertise in liturgy, theology, and the formation of ordinands will be an invaluable asset in serving God’s people across the Diocese of Carlisle. As he embarks on this new season of ministry, we pray for God’s blessing, guidance, and grace to accompany him every step of the way.”

Michael succeeds Bishop Rob as the Suffragan Bishop of Penrith, following Rob’s appointment as Bishop of Carlisle in May 2025. He will be consecrated at a service in York Minster on Thursday 30 April, followed by a service of introduction and welcome at Carlisle Cathedral on Sunday 19 July.

ENDS

Notes to editors

• The title of Bishop of Penrith is an historic one, dating back initially to 1888, and then to 1944 and designates the Bishop who assists the Bishop of Carlisle - in technical terms the Suffragan Bishop. The Bishop of Penrith, with the Bishop of Carlisle, serves the whole of the Diocese of Carlisle which is largely co-terminus with the county of Cumbria.
• To view the Church of England film which features The Rev Canon Dr Michael Leyden visit: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1464571375325316

For more information contact Dave Roberts, Diocesan Head of Communications, on 07469 153658 or at communications@carlislediocese.org.uk.