News Stories
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18 Jan. 2024
in Latest NewsDiocese welcomes Argentinian link team
A six-strong delegation from the Diocese of Northern Argentina is touring Cumbria as part of special link visit.
The group arrived in Cumbria on Tuesday, having left temperatures of over 30 degrees to face snow and freezing conditions in Cumbria. The visit strengthens ties between the Dioceses of Carlisle and Northern Argentina, which have been in place since 1995.
The Argentine group is led by the Rev Dany Lescano, Vicar General in Northern Argentina, who is acting Bishop following the retirement of the Rt Rev Nick Drayson last May. Read more -
9 Jan. 2024
in Latest NewsDiocese completes work on first Net Carbon Zero vicarage
Work has been completed on the Diocese of Carlisle’s first Net Carbon Zero vicarage.
Five months ago, the Diocese purchased a property in Natland, just south of Kendal, as a replacement for the village’s existing Victorian vicarage.
Work has since been undertaken to install a new air source heat pump, pressurised water heating system, solar panels on the roof and battery storage to improve efficiency and provide two thirds of the electricity supply, increased insulation in the roof space and new external doors. Read more -
5 Jan. 2024
in Latest NewsThe Archdeacon of Carlisle Announces His Retirement
The Archdeacon of Carlisle, the Ven Richard Pratt, has announced he is to retire at the end of March.
Richard has served in Cumbria for more than 26 years, initially as Priest-in-Charge of St Cuthbert’s with St Mary’s in Carlisle from 1997 before his appointment as Archdeacon of West Cumberland in 2009.
From 2020 he served as Associate Archdeacon of West Cumberland whilst also holding parochial duties for Maryport, before his appointment as Archdeacon of Carlisle last year.
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1 Jan. 2024
in Latest NewsThe Bishop of Penrith's New Year Message 2024
In his New Year message, the Bishop of Penrith references the conflicts in the Holy Land, Ukraine and Sudan, while calling for people to focus on the light of Jesus Christ in 2024.
The Rt Rev Rob Saner-Haigh, who was filmed at St Andrew’s Penrith, also touches on the difficulties faced by thousands due to the continued cost-of-living crisis and global climate change.
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18 Dec. 2023
in Latest NewsThe Bishop of Penrith’s Christmas Message 2023
The Bishop of Penrith focuses on a theme of hospitality in his annual Christmas message.
The Rt Rev Rob Saner-Haigh was filmed at Rydal Hall, the Diocese of Carlisle’s Christian Retreat and Conference Centre near Ambleside, where staff are preparing for their usual busy Christmas period.
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15 Dec. 2023
in Latest NewsArchbishop of York Statement on the Crown Nominations Commission for the next Bishop of Carlisle
At the conclusion of a lengthy process of discernment, culminating in two days of interviews on 13 and 14 December, the Crown Nominations Commission considering the nomination of the next Bishop of Carlisle has, very sadly, not been able reach the level of consensus required to nominate a new Diocesan Bishop.
Over the course of the next months, the Crown Nominations Commission will need to reflect, and make a decision about which stage it wishes to re-commence the discernment process. This is not likely to be before the Spring of 2025. Read more -
4 Dec. 2023
in Latest NewsChurches help support hundreds of people stranded by heavy snowfall
Churches in the South Lakes have helped come to the aid of hundreds of people stranded by heavy snowfall over the weekend.
On Saturday evening Cumbria Police declared a major incident after the wintry conditions left about 200 vehicles stranded with people forced to find temporary accommodation.
In Ambleside up to 150 people were given shelter in the Parish Centre and St Mary’s church building, with local businesses rallying to provide hot food, drinks and bedding.
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30 Nov. 2023
in Latest NewsService of celebration for Reader ministry
Dozens of people attended a special service at Carlisle Cathedral to celebrate lay ministry and welcome newly licensed Readers.
The Bishop of Penrith, the Rt Rev Rob Saner-Haigh officiated at the annual Reader and Admission Licensing Service which took place on Saturday 18 November at 2pm.
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17 Oct. 2023
in Latest NewsStatement - St Monica's Maternity Home
The following statement from the Diocese of Carlisle has been issued following accounts received from Mr Stephen Hindley about historical abuse suffered by his wife, Judith, and which focus on the Diocese of Carlisle's former St Monica's Maternity home.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Mr Hindley and his family after he came forward with accounts of historical abuse suffered by his wife, Judith, and which centre on the Diocese of Carlisle’s former St Monica’s Maternity Home.
It is shocking to learn of such mistreatment, and we offer our sincere apologies and deepest sympathy to Mr Hindley and his family. Huge trust will have been placed on those who supported the young women and girls at St Monica’s, and we are truly sorry if that trust was breached in the care of Mrs Hindley and her baby, Stephen, leading to her long-term mental health issues.
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29 Sept. 2023
in Latest NewsCharity director takes key role to support county’s God for All vision and strategy
A charity director and vicar’s daughter is to take on a key role helping Cumbrian churches grow in new and exciting ways.
Rachel Head, currently the Head of Children and Young Peoples Services at the Brathay Trust, has been appointed Director of Mission and Ministry Support and Innovation at the Diocese of Carlisle.
The externally funded role is a new one for the Diocese and will see Rachel oversee a central team supporting local churches to grow God’s Kingdom in Cumbria through the ecumenical God for All vision and strategy. That team supports the 34 mission communities that have been created across the county – groupings of mutually supportive churches which have a mission focus and are mainly cross-denominational.
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