News Stories
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20 March 2026
in Latest NewsStatement - South Lakes Islamic Centre
We are aware of concerns and protests around the development of the South Lakes Islamic Centre in Furness and recognise that these touch on deep questions about identity, faith, and our common life.
Cumbria is home to people of many backgrounds who contribute richly to our shared life and we celebrate this. Our Christian story teaches that strength is shown not in dominance but in service, not in fear but in love. We seek a kingdom whose character is shaped by its king, Jesus Christ, who teaches us how to love, how to serve and who calls us to work together for a world where there is justice and peace for all. We ask all who care about the moral and spiritual future of our country to speak and act with courage, humility, and respect, so that our communities can be places of peace and truth. Read more -
17 March 2026
in Latest NewsBishop visits Cumbrian farms to strengthen links with farming community
The Bishop of Carlisle has visited farms to further strengthen links between the church and Cumbria’s agricultural community.
The Rt Rev Rob Saner-Haigh was joined by the Rev David Newlove, Cumbria Agricultural Chaplain, as they met farmers in the Eden Valley and listened to their experiences and the challenges of current farming practice.
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17 March 2026
in Latest NewsCumbrian churches launch new pilgrimage route and book
A group of Cumbrian churches has created a near 30-mile-long pilgrimage route to promote the rich Christian heritage of their area.
The Bishop of Carlisle, the Rt Rev Rob Saner-Haigh, joined members of eight churches in the Kent Estuary Mission Community in the south Lakes for a launch event of the pilgrimage and guide.
Developed over a year by a group drawn from the churches, the new guidebook includes five circular walks and a return route which connects churches in Levens, Heversham, Milnthorpe, Beetham, Storth and Arnside. Read more -
12 March 2026
in Latest NewsIn Pics: New Bishop of Penrith's Tour
It is wonderful to be able to share some pictures taken during a tour of the Diocese by our newly appointed Suffragan Bishop of Penrith, the Rev Canon Dr Michael Leyden. o
Please continue to pray for Michael and all his family as he prepares for consecration in April. Read more -
11 March 2026
in Latest NewsWell-respected northern theological college Dean to be next Bishop of Penrith
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. Read more -
11 Feb. 2026
in Latest NewsDirector of Operations and Executive Chaplain to Bishop of Carlisle appointed
A new Director of Operations and Executive Chaplain to the Bishop of Carlisle has been appointed.
Ali Ng will take up the high-level advisory role in May, having been Acting Bishop’s Chaplain to Bishop Rob Saner-Haigh since December 2023, following the retirement of the Rev Canon Cameron Butland.
It means Ali will stand down entirely from her other current roles as the Diocese of Carlisle’s Head of Human Resources and Governance and Deputy Diocesan Secretary.
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29 Jan. 2026
in Latest NewsArchbishop of Canterbury’s Confirmation of Election is welcomed
The Bishop of Carlisle, the Rt Rev Rob Saner-Haigh, has welcomed the Confirmation of Election of the new Archbishop of Canterbury.
The special service held at St Paul’s Cathedral yesterday (Wednesday 28 January) marked the date that Bishop Sarah Mullally DBE legally became the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury.
The Confirmation of Election is a legal ceremony, set within a church service, at which Bishop Sarah, the Archbishop-Elect, legally becomes the Archbishop of Canterbury. Archbishop Sarah’s first act as Archbishop was to take up the Primatial Cross and give the blessing at the end of the service.
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28 Jan. 2026
in Latest NewsKey new ministry development lead appointment is made
A key appointment has been made to support the growth of ministry development across the Church of England in Cumbria.
The Rev Jennifer Totney is to become the Diocese of Carlisle’s first Ministry Development Lead, supporting both licenced and authorised leaders, and with responsibility for spearheading two areas of the Diocese’s Ministry Development Plan: Growing Together and Growing Resilience.
She will also oversee delivery of the Northern Young Leaders Programme - our internship programme for young people aged between 18 and 30 - as well as developing mentoring and training programmes for ministers and promoting clergy wellbeing.
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25 Jan. 2026
in Latest NewsClergy husband-and-wife team head for new pastures
A husband-and-wife clergy team who have served Cumbrian communities for 60 years combined are to leave the county.
The Rev Canon Jane Maycock – currently the Diocese of Carlisle’s Acting Director of Ministry Development and Interim Diocesan Director of Ordinands – has been appointed as the new Canon Missioner and Residentiary Canon at Durham Cathedral. Her husband, the Rev James Richards, is to stand down from his role as Team Rector of the South Lakes Team.
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14 Jan. 2026
in Latest NewsRydal Hall general manager appointed to new job
The general manager of Rydal Hall – the Diocese of Carlisle’s Christian retreat and conference centre – is to step down having secured a new position.
Nigel Evans will leave Rydal Hall this month after two years developing the Lake District site and helping to further shape its mission and business strategy. He has been appointed centre manager of The Franciscan Centre Ladywell in Godalming, Surrey.
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