News Stories
-
3 Oct. 2025
in Latest NewsBishop of Carlisle and Interim Dean of Carlisle Cathedral Welcome the next Archbishop of Canterbury
Bishop of Carlisle and Interim Dean of Carlisle Welcome the next Archbishop of Canterbury
The Bishop of Carlisle, the Rt Revd Rob Saner-Haigh, and the interim Dean of Carlisle, the Venerable Michael Everitt, have welcomed today’s announcement of the Rt Reverend and Rt Honourable Dame Sarah Mullally as the next Archbishop of Canterbury.
The Rt Revd Rob Saner-Haigh, Bishop of Carlisle, said:
“I warmly welcome today’s announcement of Dame Sarah Mullally as the new Archbishop of Canterbury and assure her of our prayers as she takes up this role of national and international significance.
The Archbishop has a particular calling to draw people together in Christ and to serve as a focus of unity in the Church of England and the wider Anglican Communion. At a time when our world deeply needs hope and God’s healing, I look forward to working with the new Archbishop to share the good news of Jesus Christ and to encourage the Church in its mission.
Please join me in praying for the Archbishop and her family, and for all who serve the Church of England in leadership, that together we may witness to God’s love for the world and for every person.”
The Venerable Michael Everitt, Interim Dean of Carlisle, said:
“I join with Bishop Rob in welcoming Dame Sarah Mullally’s appointment as the next Archbishop of Canterbury. Bishop Sarah and her family are very much in our thoughts and prayers as they prepare for this tremendous responsibility.
We are grateful to all who have carried additional responsibilities during the vacancy and continue to pray for Archbishop Stephen Cottrell and for the life and witness of the Church across these lands.”
ENDS
Read more -
2 Oct. 2025
in Latest NewsThe Big One Unites 200+ Young People from Across Cumbria in Keswick
On Saturday the 27th of September, over two hundred young people from across Cumbria gathered at the Pencil Factory in Keswick for a day of fun, connection, food, and faith at The Big One. The Christian event, organised annually by the Network Youth Church, provides a safe and welcoming space where young people can come together to build relationships, make lasting memories, and explore discipleship in new and creative ways.
Many activities were on offer throughout the day. For the adrenaline-seekers a warehouse filled with giant inflatables, go-karts, bungee trampolines, laser tag, archery, and outdoor sports, evoked many laughs and healthy competition. Additionally, the crafts tent was packed with a variety of arts and crafts, attracting a large volume of young people seeking to showcase their creative talents and catch-up with friends in a chill, chatty atmosphere. In the café space, young people had the option to play video games, table football and pool, board games and cards, or gather a team to take on the Big Quiz. Young people flocked to the café throughout the day, purchasing candy floss and popcorn in time to watch a movie, Flushed Away (2006), and hot dogs, pizza, nachos, and toasties before heading to the breakout seminars: Café Worship, Faith and Art, and Chill Church. This year, the breakout seminars looked at the theme of ‘Worries’ and considered different anxieties in our own lives, before looking at how God consistently loves and sustains us.
This is the Big One’s third consecutive year of running. Andy Ward, a co-organiser of the event, said: “This year was a huge success in terms of both growth and reach. We had young people attending from every deanery in Cumbria with their churches and youth groups, coming together for a day of fun, faith, and laughter as part of God’s wider family.”
Young people from Penrith Network Youth Church described the event, one saying: “There was something for everyone this year at the Big One! The general vibe of the day was so loving and welcoming from the moment we got off the bus. As a young Christian living in Cumbria, it is always amazing going to events like the Big One, where I am reminded that I am not alone but a part of something much bigger.” Read more -
30 Sept. 2025
in Latest NewsAdmission and Licensing of Readers
On Saturday 27 September, the Diocese of Carlisle gathered at Carlisle Cathedral to celebrate the ministry of Readers across Cumbria.
During the service, Bishop Rob Saner-Haigh admitted and licensed three new Readers:
Paul Smith, licensed for the first time, serving in the Deanery of Brampton.
Nicola Whitehead, transferring from the Diocese of Blackburn, serving in the Benefice of Underbarrow with Helsington.
John Rennles, transferring from the Diocese of St Albans, serving in the Benefice of Aspatria with Hayton and Gilcrux, and the Benefice of Allonby, Crosscanonby and Dearham.
The service was filled with prayer, music and joy as family, friends, clergy and fellow Readers gathered to support Paul, Nicola and John. 📸 The photo shows (left to right): Nicola, Bishop Rob, Paul and John.
Before the service, more than 40 Readers met for a Symposium led by Canon Cindy Rigney from the Diocese of Blackburn on the theme “Knowing your Context.” This time together offered encouragement, fresh insight and an opportunity to connect with one another.
The role of Readers in Cumbria
Readers are lay people who are trained and licensed by the Bishop to serve in parishes and mission communities. Their ministry includes leading worship, preaching, teaching, and offering pastoral care. They work closely with clergy and other lay ministers to help the whole Church share God’s love in our communities.
Bishop Rob said:
“Our Readers are a huge gift to the Church in Cumbria. Week by week they lead worship, preach, teach and pastor with grace and dedication. I’m so thankful for all who serve in this ministry, and I’m delighted to welcome Paul, Nicola and John—please join me in praying for them.”
We rejoice in this celebration of calling and service, and pray that God will bless the ministry of all Readers across Cumbria. Read more -
18 Sept. 2025
in Latest NewsYvette Lads appointed new Safeguarding and Support Engagement Officer
We are delighted to announce that Yvette Ladds has been appointed as the Diocese’s new Safeguarding Support and Engagement Officer, starting full time on Monday 24 November 2025. She will join the Diocesan Safeguarding Team alongside Jo Van Lachterop (Diocesan Safeguarding Officer) and Kelly (Safeguarding Administrator). Recruitment is also under way for a Deputy Diocesan Safeguarding Officer, further strengthening the team’s capacity.
Yvette brings over 20 years’ experience in youth work across Cumbria, including nearly 13 years leading Solway Network Youth Church and earlier work on an ecumenical project in the Eden Valley while completing a degree in informal and community education (youth work). Read more -
18 Sept. 2025
in Latest NewsLol Wood appointed Growing Young Enabler for Children and Families
We are pleased to announce the appointment of Lol Wood as the Diocese’s Growing Younger Enabler for Children and Families. This role sits within The Cumbrian Way programme and focuses on children aged 0–10, working alongside the existing youth strand (11–25s) to help churches and schools nurture faith and spiritual flourishing across Cumbria.
In this role, Lol will:
· equip local churches and mission communities to implement their children-and-families plans, developing new or strengthening existing provision
· work with the Diocesan Education Team and selected primary schools to design and deliver invitational ministry in school communities
· lead and grow the children and families network, providing training, resources and peer support for leaders and volunteers
· Support churches and schools in guiding children through key transitions (nursery to primary, Year 5–6 into secondary/NYC) so their discipleship journey continues without interruption.
· contribute to the diocesan Growing Younger strategy and ensure the voices of younger people shape decision-making and practice across the diocese
Rachel Head said: “I'm thrilled to welcome Lol Wood as our Growing Younger Enabler for Children and Families. Lol is well known across the county and co-chairs the Children and Families Network. She is a respected, gifted leader in children-and-families ministry and brings rich, practical experience to supporting churches and schools. She has a proven talent for creating inclusive, welcoming, playful and creative worshipping communities where children and families can explore faith and grow together.
Her role is to resource and serve the diocese, working collaboratively with colleagues county-wide. Lol will focus on encouraging and equipping leaders, joining up work across parishes, schools and Network Youth Churches, and sharing practical resources and approaches that help others join in this important work.”
Lol Wood said: “I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve in this new role. My first priority will be to listen to children, families, volunteers and leaders. I’m looking forward to visiting parishes and schools, helping teams start simple, sustainable ideas, and sharing resources and stories so others can adapt what works in their context, so we can see churches across Cumbria grow younger.”
We give thanks to God for Lol’s faithful ministry in Lunesdale, and for the volunteers and partners who have served alongside her. Please pray for those communities as they plan next steps, and for Lol as she begins this new season supporting churches, schools and families to grow younger across Cumbria. Read more -
2 Sept. 2025
in Latest NewsConfirmation of Election for the Bishop of Carlisle
-
28 Aug. 2025
in Latest NewsAPCS Data Breach
Data breach: DBS checks via Access Personal Checking Service (APCS)
We have been made aware that the software supplier to APCS, the external organisation we use to conduct DBS checks, has suffered a significant cyber attack resulting in a data breach. Personal information used to verify identity has been compromised, including names, dates of birth, addresses, and passport or driving licence details. APCS has confirmed that they do not store payment card details or records of criminal convictions.
On 17 August 2025, APCS was notified by Intradev, their external software supplier, of a potential data breach. Intradev confirmed they had been subject to unauthorised access and that certain files containing personal data were copied from their systems during a recent cyber attack.
We understand the breach concerns data collected between December 2024 and 8 May 2025. APCS and our own diocesan network and servers were not compromised. APCS is working with affected dioceses and conducting a thorough investigation to determine the full scope of the data involved.
We are advised that around 13,000 people have been affected nationally. This included two people who completed a DBS check via the Carlisle Diocesan Office. We have contacted these individuals directly. If you do not receive an email from the Diocese within the next couple of days, there is no indication that any of your personal information is affected by this breach.
We are liaising with APCS to understand how many of our parishes complete their own DBS checks and may have been affected. If you have received a notification from APCS and have not yet told us, please contact us so we can support you with contacting affected individuals or completing required reports.
If your parish completes its own DBS checks using APCS and you have been notified that the parish is affected by the breach, it is important that the parish itself files reports with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) and the Charity Commission. We can provide templates to help you do this if needed. PCCs (like the DBF) are separate legal entities, and we have been advised it is not possible for the DBF or the national team to make a single blanket report for all affected entities. We have already notified the ICO and the Charity Commission so they are aware of the breach.
Please remain vigilant in managing your personal information online to minimise risk, especially if you are approached by unknown individuals or organisations. Be cautious of phishing emails and avoid clicking links or opening attachments if you are unsure of their source.
Support for individuals affected by the data breach
The National Church Institutions are offering 12 months of free credit and web monitoring services from Experian to individuals within the Church of England affected by the breach. The Experian Identity Plus account helps detect possible misuse of personal data and provides identity monitoring support, focused on the identification and resolution of identity theft.
Access codes will be provided to the Diocese for distribution. Instructions on how to activate an Experian account will be sent shortly.
END
Text of email to Parish Safeguarding Officers
Subject: Important update – APCS data breach and DBS processing
Dear Parish Safeguarding Officer,
You may be aware that Intradev, the software supplier to one of our DBS providers, Access Personal Checking Service (APCS), has suffered a data breach affecting personal data collected between December 2024 and 8 May 2025.
A data breach is a security incident that leads to the accidental or unlawful destruction, loss, alteration, unauthorised disclosure of, or access to, personal data. This breach has impacted several dioceses, including two people in the Diocese of Carlisle. Our diocesan network and servers were not compromised.
If your parish has used APCS independently (that is, outside checks processed by the Diocese), you may receive a separate communication directly from APCS. If you do, you must:
1. Report the breach to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) and the Charity Commission (we can help with this).
2. Notify all individuals whose data may have been compromised.
APCS will provide you with the relevant information about those affected.
In the meantime, national guidance advises that no further DBS checks should be processed via APCS until further notice.
Please note:
• Do not verify any new DBS applications with APCS, even if reminder emails are received.
• Ensure all parish verifiers are informed and instructed not to proceed with verifications via APCS.
We will issue further updates as soon as we receive more information from the National Church Institutions or once assurances are provided regarding APCS’s data security.
ENDS
Read more -
30 July 2025
in Latest NewsTwo new home-grown Network Youth Church Leaders are appointed
Two new Network Youth Church leaders – with strong connections to Cumbria – have been appointed to help support ministry to hundreds of young people.
Catriona (Cat) Kinghan - who lives in Cockermouth and completed a Certificate in Pioneer Mission in 2023 - will start in Derwent Denery. Lily-Beth Smith, who was born and raised in west Cumbria and who has discerned her call through the Future Youth Ministry Experience Scheme in Whitehaven, will move to Kendal Deanery as a first ever Trainee NYC worker.
Read more -
7 July 2025
in Latest NewsRev Beth Honey announced as Director of Missional Revitalisation
The Diocese of Carlisle has made a key appointment to support the ambition to grow 100 new worshipping communities across Cumbria by 2030.
The Rev Beth Honey is to take up the new role of Director of Missional Revitalisation and will work closely with local churches and mission communities, diocesan and ecumenical partners. She will have a particular focus on encouraging creative and imaginative mission as well as encouraging younger people to explore their faith and become lifelong Christian disciples.
Her appointment follows a successful bid for £6.8million made by the Diocese to the national Church of England in March. This will fund ‘The Cumbrian Way’ –to both grow in mission and grow younger – in support of the county’s ecumenical vision and strategy ‘God for All’. There’s also a specific focus on the development of 100 new worshipping communities and developing new and diverse lay and ordained leaders, which Beth and colleagues will work towards.
Beth, 43, said: “I am thrilled that God has given me this opportunity to focus on mission here in Cumbria, a county I’ve come to know and love since moving back to the North in 2021. I’m passionate about developing faithful and bold outreach and encouraging mission through which more and more people can come to know something of the transformative love of Jesus.
“I’m excited at the thought that I will be working with dozens of people across local churches and worshipping communities who hold that same passion. My prayer is that together we will see more and more barriers removed to the love of God, and of more people being called to be part of his beautiful story. It’s also wonderful to know that my family and I will continue to be based in Cumbria, a place which our three children all love dearly!””
In her new role Beth will encourage and enable local church leaders to pioneer new worshipping communities in creative ways, which could be developed in existing or new worship spaces which honour all traditions of church.
She will also champion the work of pioneer lay and ordained ministers across Cumbria who focus on reaching out in innovative and creative ways to create new worshipping
communities. Beth will also have oversight of the work of the Network Youth Church Read more -
4 July 2025
in Latest NewsStatement - The Dean of Carlisle
The Dean of Carlisle, the Very Revd Jonathan Brewster, has announced today that he is to step down from his role.
Jonathan was appointed the 42nd Dean of Carlisle nearly two years ago, having served in the Diocese as Cartmel Peninsula Mission Community Leader and Interim Team Vicar in the parishes of Haverthwaite, Finsthswaite and Staveley in Cartmel, and Associate Priest in the parishes of St Paul Grange-over-Sands and Field Broughton.
During his time as Dean, Jonathan has worked tirelessly to support and grow the Cathedral community and to foster relationships with partner agencies across the city.
Read more