News Stories
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10 Feb. 2023
in Latest NewsBishops call for reflection and prayer
The Bishop of Carlisle and the Bishop of Penrith note the outcome of the General Synod debate around Living in Love and Faith and are calling for a period in which people across the Diocese can “pause, reflect and pray”.
It follows yesterday’s General Synod vote in favour of proposed prayers of thanksgiving, dedication and for God’s blessing for same-sex couples and to “lament and repent” the failure of the Church to welcome LGBTQI+ people. The motion that was carried also endorsed the decision of the College and House of Bishops not to propose any change to the doctrine of marriage. This was further reinforced by an amendment agreed by Synod.
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18 Jan. 2023
in Latest NewsBishops respond to Living In Love and Faith proposals
Both bishops in the Diocese of Carlisle have written a joint pastoral letter to clergy following an announcement that the College of Bishops – all serving bishops in the Church of England – have proposed prayers of thanksgiving, dedication and for God’s blessing for same-sex couples.
Under the proposals, same-sex couples would still not be able to get married in a Church of England church and formal teaching that Holy Matrimony is between one man and one woman for life would not change.
The College will issue an apology later this week to LGBTQI+ people for the “rejection, exclusion and hostility” some have faced in churches and the impact this has had on their lives and will call on congregations to “unreservedly and joyfully” welcome same-sex couples.
Today’s announcement follows three meetings of the College, which both the Bishop of Carlisle, the Rt Rev James Newcome, and the Bishop of Penrith, the Rt Rev Rob Saner-Haigh, have been involved with as part of a six-year period of listening, learning and discernment across the Church of England known as Living in Love and Faith.
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1 Jan. 2023
in Latest NewsThe Bishop of Penrith's New Year Message
In his New Year message, the Bishop of Penrith calls for people to focus on the light of Jesus Christ as they contend with potential challenges in 2023.
The Rt Rev Rob Saner-Haigh was filmed at St Andrew’s Penrith and, in part, reflects on the cost-of-living crisis that tens of thousands of people are currently facing.
Bishop Rob says: “Today, in one of the largest economies in the world, many will go hungry and cold because they cannot afford the basics. Despite all the amazing work that so many people in our communities and churches do to support people, many feel pretty lacking in hope as this new year begins.”
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20 Dec. 2022
in Latest NewsChristmas gift bags distributed to combat loneliness
A Christian charity which supports people combating isolation, loneliness and mental health issues has distributed special Christmas gift bags.
RESTORE builds community for those who would not normally go to church and operates from its city centre headquarters and warehouse in Carlisle, sourcing and recycling pre-owned items for sale in their five shops.
The charity also supports people who may otherwise struggle to socialise through its Community Shed Project, helping clients develop woodworking skills.
And now it has handed out more than 30 special Christmas gift bags to those who may otherwise struggle during the festive period.
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19 Dec. 2022
in Latest NewsThe Bishop of Carlisle's Christmas Message 2022
The Bishop of Carlisle focuses on the warmth of God’s love in his annual Christmas message.
The Rt Rev James Newcome was filmed at a ‘Warm Spot’ in Keswick, one of more than 130 which have been registered across Cumbria as people contend with rising energy bills and the cost-of-living crisis. Read more -
14 Dec. 2022
in Latest NewsChurch’s energy saving thermal tent
A Cumbrian congregation has come up with a unique way to save on energy bills by creating a thermal tent inside their church.
The balcony, roof space and chancel area of Christ Church Cockermouth have been sealed off using temporary flame-retardant sheeting, effectively reducing the building’s volume to a quarter of the original space.
It means that the church – which was facing an estimated increase in their annual gas bill of £12,000 due to the energy crisis – is now set to claw back thousands of pounds.
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3 Nov. 2022
in Latest NewsBishop’s Chaplain to retire from full-time ministry
The Chaplain to the Bishop of Carlisle has announced he is to retire from full-time ministry at the end of January 2023.
The Rev Canon Cameron Butland will step back from the role he has held since October 2015.
However, he will continue to support the Rt Rev James Newcome and other senior leaders in a part-time capacity during a period of transition of leadership for the Diocese of Carlisle over the next 12 months.
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12 Oct. 2022
in Latest NewsSafeguarding Season expands across the Diocese of Carlisle
A Safeguarding Season which supports survivors of abuse is set to expand across the Diocese of Carlisle in coming weeks.
Last year, Carlisle Cathedral ran a special season based around a need for the Church to lament, to listen and learn from survivors of abuse.
It included a LOUDfence installation in the Cathedral’s grounds which people were invited to tie ribbons to, in support of those who had experienced abuse.
This year the Safeguarding Season has grown with St Andrew’s Penrith, Holy Trinity Kendal, and St Mary‘s in Maryport set to mark it with special services and prayer spaces. A LOUDfence is also being planned at Peter’s Kirkbampton.
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5 Oct. 2022
in Latest NewsDiocese of Carlisle publishes PCR2 Executive Summary Report
The Diocese of Carlisle today welcomes completion of a detailed independent examination of hundreds of its files as part of a national Church of England review into safeguarding.
The Past Cases Review 2 was launched in 2019 and has seen an independent review of the files of all 42 Anglican dioceses to establish:
• all known safeguarding cases have been appropriately managed and reported to statutory agencies or the police where appropriate,
• that the needs of any known victims have been considered and that sources of support have been identified and offered where this is appropriate,
• that all identified risks have been assessed and mitigated as far as is reasonably possible.
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3 Oct. 2022
in Latest NewsIn Pictures: Welcome to Bishop Rob and Farewell to the Dean
A selection of pictures from the Choral Evensong at Carlisle Cathedral in which we welcomed the Rt Rev Rob Saner-Haigh as Bishop of Penrith and bade farewell to the Very Rev Mark Boyling as Dean of Carlisle. Read more