News Stories
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18 June 2026
in Latest NewsStatement - Historical Adoptions Practices Apology
The Diocese of Carlisle welcomes the Church of England’s apology for its role in historic adoption practices.
We acknowledge the deep hurt of those with lived experience of forced adoption and those who suffered abuse at the hands of people who should have cared for them and their children. We also acknowledge with deep regret the accusations of abuse and malpractice which have centred on the Diocese’s former St Monica’s maternity home in Kendal which closed in 1970. It is a matter of deep shame that there are those who were not afforded the appropriate care. We are truly sorry. Read more -
10 June 2026
in Latest NewsStatement - St Monica's Maternity Home
The Diocese of Carlisle has released a statement in connection with a report compiled by University of Lancaster research fellow Dr Michael Lambert into historical allegations of abuse and neglect which centre on the former St Monica's maternity home which closed in 1970. The report has been passed to Cumbria Constabulary who we are committed to work alongside with full transparency in any subsequent investigation. Read more
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21 May 2026
in Latest NewsPrayers for our 2026 ordinands
Please do pray for all those to be ordained Deacon or Priest in just over a month's time. And please remember to uphold their families in prayer also.
Four people will be ordained Deacon and three Priest at a service at Carlisle Cathedral on Saturday 27 June at 11am. Read more -
30 April 2026
in NoneBishop Michael Consecration Photos
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30 April 2026
in Latest NewsHundreds gather as new Bishop of Penrith is consecrated
Hundreds of people gathered at York Minster today as the new Suffragan Bishop of Penrith was consecrated.
Bright sunshine welcomed the Rt Rev Michael Leyden as he emerged onto the Minster’s western steps following the two-hour service which began at 11am and was presided over by the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell. Read more -
22 April 2026
in Latest NewsRural church plant celebrates growth
A newly formed rural church plant – created as part of multi-million-pound investment in mission in Cumbria – is celebrating growth.
St Aidan’s Cumbria serves people living in towns and villages along the A66 corridor around Keswick and Cockermouth. It forms part of The Cumbrian Way project which received £6.8 million funding from the central Church of England and has a focus on growing younger and growing mission.
The church plant is working closely alongside existing churches in the Derwent Deanery and meets each Sunday afternoon at Bridekirk Church, where a new worshipping community – The 3PM - has been formed. Read more -
15 April 2026
in Latest NewsBishop’s consecration to reflect a passion for teaching
The new Suffragan Bishop of Penrith’s passion for teaching will be reflected at his forthcoming consecration.
The Rev Canon Dr Michael Leyden, will be consecrated at York Minster on Thursday 30 April, marking the start of his ministry in the Diocese of Carlisle. He comes to the role having been the founding Dean of Emmanuel Theological College (ETC) based in the northwest.
To mark his new ministry, Michael commissioned Ulverston jeweller Nisha Postlethwaite from Nisha Halo to cut and shape a Bishop’s ring from recycled Argentium silver to emulate a Bishop’s mitre, before it being hammered and engraved with a cross. And the Diocese of Chester – where he previously served as a vicar and where his wife, Anna, is in ministry – has gifted him a Bishop’s crozier (a staff). Read more -
1 April 2026
in Latest NewsThe Bishop of Carlisle’s Easter Message 2026
In his Easter message, the Bishop of Carlisle draws on close ties with our county’s farming community as he talks of new life through Jesus Christ.
The Rt Rev Rob Saner-Haigh, was filmed during a tour of three farms in the Eden Valley and later at Bishop’s House in Keswick for his message which speaks of the hope our famers see in the arrival of Spring and the new life Christians experience through Jesus’ resurrection.
Bishop Rob explains: “There’s a moment farmers know well. After long, cold nights, and months of hard work, when it seems like winter will never end, one morning, something shifts. The light comes earlier. Lambs are born. Snowdrops give way to Daffodils. You can feel a hint of warmth in the air. The land opens up again. Easter is that morning — but for all of creation, for all of history.” Read more -
26 March 2026
in Latest NewsMission community leaders’ day focuses on discipleship
Mission community leaders from across Cumbria gathered for a special day of worship, learning and support focussing on discipleship.
More than 30 people came together at Rydal Hall – the Diocese of Carlisle’s Christian retreat and conference centre – for the event which was led by the Rev Jo Trickey from The London Institute for Contemporary Christianity.
Her presentation included a particular focus on the LICC’s 6M model to grow daily life disciples: modelling godly character, making good work, ministering grace and love, moulding culture, being a mouthpiece for truth and justice and being a messenger of the gospel. Read more -
25 March 2026
in Latest NewsPrayers for the new Archbishop of Canterbury
The Bishop of Carlisle, the Rt Rev Rob Saner-Haigh, is encouraging people to pray for the new Archbishop of Canterbury, following her historic installation today.
More than two thousand people from across the country and around the world attended Canterbury Cathedral for the Installation of Archbishop Sarah Mullally as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury.
And just as Archbishop Sarah prays for healing and hope for the world, so too Bishop Rob – who was at the service with the Archdeacon of West Cumberland, the Ven Stewart Fyfe – is asking people to pray for her after she publicly took up her ministry. Read more