The Archdeacon of Westmorland and Furness is set to retire after 10 years ministering in the Diocese of Carlisle.

The Ven Vernon Ross will step back from the position in March 2027 as he and his wife, Francesca, prepare for a move to Northumberland.

Vernon was appointed in October 2016, taking up the post in February 2017 and having previously served as the Mission and Ministry Advisor for the Barking Episcopal Area of the Diocese of Chelmsford. His appointment followed the retirement of the previous Archdeacon of Westmorland and Furness, the Ven Penny Driver.

He said: “It has been a privilege to serve in the Diocese of Carlisle. I have valued beyond measure the support of my clergy and lay colleagues across my Archdeaconry and within the senior team. In turn it has been an honour to support them in all the wonderful ministry which they embark on daily as together we look to help more people meet Jesus, follow Jesus and seek the Kingdom of God in all the places He has put us.

“When I took up this role I was struck by the sense of mission, evangelism and discipleship which abounded in this county. Safe to say, I have not been disappointed. It has been a blessing to see the wonderful ways in which God is working through his plan each day across Cumbria.”

The Archdeaconry of Westmorland and Furness comprises the Deaneries of Barrow, Furness, Kendal and Windermere, taking in 107 parishes. Vernon has held responsibility for its administration, including overseeing and supporting the development of mission and growth of the Church.

As Archdeacon he has also been a member of the Bishop’s Leadership Team as well as being an ex-officio member of the Diocesan Board of Finance. As a member of the Diocesan Advisory Committee, he has helped oversee planning applications related to church buildings and has acted as convenor for the link with the Diocese of Stavanger in Norway.

The 68-year-old is married to Francesca who is a part-time artist and illustrator. They have two grown up children, Sam and David. He has a background in nursing – acute care and hospice - prior to coming to ordination in 1991. Following a curacy at St John’s Fareham in Hampshire, he was Priest in Charge of the Witheridge Group in Exeter Diocese for six years, becoming Team Rector of Barnstaple in 2000 and eight years later was appointed Priest in Charge of the Fyfield Benefice in the Diocese of Chelmsford. That position included allocated time as Mission and Ministry Advisor which became a full-time post in 2015.

Vernon, who has been based in Lindale in south Cumbria, added: “I’m looking forward to taking things a little easier and investing time in my photography hobby, though I am sure I shall also be called by God to ministry in a new place, in a new way.”

A service celebrating Vernon’s ministry as Archdeacon of Westmorland and Furness will be held in the South Lakes on the evening of Sunday 7 February.

The Bishop of Carlisle, the Rt Rev Rob Saner-Haigh, said: “It has been great to work alongside Vernon for so many years. When he was first appointed, I worked alongside him as a parish priest when I was ministering in Kendal. I’m delighted to say that that close working relationship carried through to my time as Bishop, throughout which he has been a great support and advisor.

“The role of an Archdeacon is not an easy one. As well as great joys and encouragements it also carries associated tensions and pressures. However, Vernon has always brought a gentleness, grace, conciliatory approach and a listening ear to the role. I know this has been hugely valued by those who have worked with him. As he and Francesca prepare for the next chapter in their life and ministry, they will go with our love and prayers.”

An appointment process for an acting Archdeacon for Westmorland and Furness will be launched, with plans for a long-term appointment to be made later in the new year.

ENDS

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