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.

Cameron said: “The last seven years as Bishop James’ Chaplain have been a remarkable time of service and I am grateful to him for the trust he has shown me and his kindness. It has been an honour to support him in his role as Diocesan Bishop and his national roles on behalf of the Sovereign and Church of England.

“The most enjoyable aspect of my ministry over many years has been my involvement in the spiritual ministry, encouraging others into the life of prayer.This has been the most rewarding work over the last eighteen years both at Rydal Hall and in the role of the Spirituality Adviser.

“As the Diocese looks to the future, so I have been asked to provide support in the short-term for both Bishop James, his senior staff and office colleagues. That is something I shall gladly do on a part-time basis as long as is needed.”

Whilst moving away from the Diocese to the Peak District, Cameron will work the equivalent of two days a week in support of Bishop James and colleagues at the Bishop’s House.

He came to the role having previously served as the Rector of Grasmere and Rydal parishes from 2003.

Between 2011 and 2014 he also acted as the Diocesan Ecumenical Officer and is currently the Diocesan Spirituality Advisor, a role which has run in tandem with his chaplaincy.

As Bishop’s Chaplain, Cameron has overseen the running of the Bishop’s Office and the continued implementation of the county’s ecumenical vision and strategy God for All. He has acted a private secretary to Bishop James as well as offering spiritual support and advising as a member of the Bishop’s Senior Leadership Team.

He added: “I wish everyone well in the Diocese, ecumenical county, spirituality network, parishes and churches.

“Especially I wish Bishop James and Bishop Rob every blessing together with the members of the Bishop’s Leadership Team through this time of transition and look forward to seeing the Christian faith continue to flourish in Cumbria in the years ahead.”

Bishop James said: “I have been blessed to have had the support of Cameron as my chaplain for the past seven years. My sincere thanks go to him for all the help and support he has offered me, both in my role as Diocesan Bishop and in my various national roles.

“Throughout this time, he has also offered tremendous pastoral care and support and I have greatly valued our times of prayer, fellowship and reflection together.

“Whilst for the time being he will not be leaving the role completely, my prayer for both Cameron and his wife Alison is that they are able to enjoy more rest, relaxation and family time.”

ENDS

For further information contact Dave Roberts, Diocesan Head of Communications on 07469 153658 or at communications@carlislediocese.org.uk.