News Stories
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24 March 2020
in Latest NewsChurch of England church buildings to temporarily close across Cumbria
The Diocese of Carlisle has temporarily closed all its church buildings in Cumbria with immediate effect, in line with national Coronavirus guidance issued by the Government.
It comes after Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced new restrictions as to when people can leave their homes in efforts to further stem the spread of the virus. In his address to the nation, the Prime Minister confirmed that all places of worship are to close and that baptisms and weddings are not to take place.
Meanwhile in line with newly-published national Church of England guidance, funeral services must not be held in Church of England buildings in Cumbria. These can only happen at the Crematorium or at the graveside with only immediate family members there (if the crematorium allows) – that is, spouse, parents and children – and social distancing must be maintained.
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19 March 2020
in Latest NewsDiocese of Carlisle's Church School Closures
The Diocese of Carlisle – the Church of England in Cumbria – can confirm that all of its church schools are to close from Friday afternoon, in line with national Coronavirus guidance issued by the Government.
It follows a joint announcement made today (18 March) by the Education Secretary Gavin Williamson to the House of Commons and Prime Minister Boris Johnson to journalists at the daily Coronavirus briefing
The Diocesan Board of Education (DBE) is now to write to all the headteachers of its 104 schools. Two of its church schools have already closed: St Bega’s in Eskdale and Trinity School in Carlisle.
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18 March 2020
in Latest NewsSuspension of public worship in Church of England churches in Cumbria
The Diocese of Carlisle is to suspend all public worship in Cumbria with immediate effect, in line with national Coronavirus guidance issued by the Church of England,
The decision also follows publication of a joint letter from the Archbishops of Canterbury and York to all clergy which calls for the suspension, affecting Sunday services and other planned gatherings.
Weddings and funerals can still take place, but with limited numbers of people in the congregation to ensure social distancing rules are not breached.
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27 Jan. 2020
in Latest NewsBishop endorses new Cumbrian pilgrimage book
A new book penned by a Cumbrian interfaith minister celebrates the launch of a pilgrimage route in honour of Cumbria’s ‘patron saint’.
The Kentigern Way, A life and Lakeland pilgrimage is written by the Rev Prof Stephen Wright and takes readers along a new pilgrimage route which connects churches named in honour of the 6th Century saint, St Kentigern. It also provides readers with an historical backdrop to both the saint and the region, while exploring what pilgrimage is. Prayers and reflections are provided throughout each stage. Read more -
20 Dec. 2019
in Latest NewsCommunity pastor’s surprise BBC Christmas Star award
A south Cumbrian community pastor has been named a BBC ‘Christmas Star’ for services to her parish.
Gill Grisedale runs a Clothes Bank at St Mark’s Barrow which has had 35,000 visits since it opened in September 2016.
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17 Dec. 2019
in Latest NewsBishops congratulate newly appointed Archbishop of York
Both bishops in the Diocese of Carlisle – the Church of England in Cumbria – have welcomed news that the Rt Rev Stephen Cottrell is to be the next Archbishop of York.
Bishop Stephen, currently Bishop of Chelmsford, will succeed Dr John Sentamu who retires in June, 2020, becoming the 98th Archbishop of York.
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16 Dec. 2019
in Latest NewsThe Bishop of Carlisle's Christmas Message 2019
The Bishop of Carlisle has filmed his annual Christmas message from the main stage of Keswick’s Theatre by the Lake.
Drawing on the theatre’s festive production – A Christmas Carol - the Rt Rev James Newcome reflects on the tradition of Christmas carols and the need to seek God’s peace as we face the challenges of climate change, terrorism and increased inequality.
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12 Dec. 2019
in Latest News£1.6 million funding boost for God for All
The Diocese of Carlisle – the Church of England in Cumbria – has been awarded £1.6 million from the national church to further support the God for All vision.
The Archbishop’s Council will release the money from their Strategic Development Funding over the next five years.
It will enable further growth across the whole church in Cumbria, including the continued development of Fresh Expressions of church which reach out to new people in new ways, and support the recently-launched Northern Pioneer Centre; a collaboration between the diocese and Church Mission Society.
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21 Nov. 2019
in Latest NewsThe Bishop of Penrith publishes new book
A new book for leaders, authored by the Bishop of Penrith, explores what success looks like from a biblical perspective.
Ambition: What Jesus Said About Power, Success and Counting Stuff is published today (21 November) and is the second book to be penned by the Rt Rev Dr Emma Ineson.
It provides church leaders (as well as secular leaders) with an opportunity to reflect on the attendant pressures of Church growth which are allied with ambition, a search for success, and the need to monitor and measure outcomes.
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28 Oct. 2019
in Latest NewsPrayer Hour for Brexit Reconciliation
Church leaders across Cumbria are encouraging congregations to gather in prayer for reconciliation as a Brexit ‘milestone’ approaches.
While EU leaders have agreed in principle to extend Brexit until 31 January 2020 - meaning the UK will not leave as planned on Thursday - a prayer hour is planned from 7pm to 8pm that day, with Christians across the county asked to pray that healing, love and respect be demonstrated by all, to all. Read more