An extensive Diocese of Carlisle consultation has been launched in support of work to appoint a new Bishop of Carlisle.

Earlier this month, the Rt Rev James Newcome announced he would retire from his role as Diocesan Bishop at the end of August.

As a result, a Vacancy in See Committee has now been convened and has begun the process for discerning and appointing the next Bishop of Carlisle. Two sub-groups have been created: one a drafting group for a Statement of Needs and a second consultative group.

Five in-person meetings are to be held as part of a diocesan consultation, as well as an online consultation (via Zoom). An online questionnaire has also been published which as many people as possible are encouraged to complete.

The Rt Rev Rob Saner-Haigh, the Bishop of Penrith and chair of the Vacancy in See Committee, said: “This is a really important opportunity for all those within our churches and indeed our wider communities to feed in their thoughts and feelings as we look to prayerfully discern who God is calling to this role.

“It is a chance for people to let us know what they think are the special qualities that we need to look for in our next bishop and to also highlight the challenges that they feel we need to face up to as congregations, mission communities and as a county over the coming years.

“We are committed to reading all the feedback which in turn will support the drafting of our Statement of Needs, which will give a brief descriptive overview of our diocese and set out the desired profile and qualities of our new Bishop. My prayer is that as many people as possible feel able to feed into this process.”

Five in-person meetings will take place across the county in coming days, which are open to all. There will be no need to pre-book places, and these will take place on:

• Monday 3 April, 12 noon - St John's Workington
• Tuesday 4 April, 12 noon - Kendal Holy Trinity
• Tuesday 4 April, 7pm - St Pauls Barrow
• Wednesday 5 April, 12 noon - Carlisle Cathedral
• Tuesday 11 April, 7pm - Church House, Penrith

Meanwhile, an online meeting via Zoom will also be held at 7pm on Wednesday 12 April. People can book onto this event by clicking here.

And an online questionnaire is also available here which people are encouraged to complete and share links to. The questionnaire will close at 4.30pm on Thursday 13 April.

A national consultation process will also run in tandem, overseen by the Archbishops’ Appointment Secretary and the Prime Minister’s Appointment Secretary. Between 2 and 11 May, the Appointment Secretaries will consult via Zoom with individuals and groups representing various aspects of life, ministry and society across our diocese.

They will also hold a public consultation meeting on the evening of Thursday 11 May via Zoom.

ENDS

Notes to editors

For more details visit https://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/vacancy-in-see/

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