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Carlisle favourite returns to be its next suffragan

27 May 2022

Diocese of Carlisle

Canon Rob Saner-Haigh, who will be the new Bishop of Penrith

Canon Rob Saner-Haigh, who will be the new Bishop of Penrith

THE next suffragan Bishop of Penrith in the diocese of Carlisle will be Canon Rob Saner-Haigh, it was announced on 27 May.

Canon Saner-Haigh is currently director of mission in the diocese of Newcastle. Before moving to this post in 2020, he spent his entire ministry in the diocese of Carlisle, starting as Assistant Curate of St Lawrence’s, Appleby in 2005, and ending with a ten-year stint as Priest-in-Charge at Holy Trinity, Kendal, the parish church of the town in which he will live as Bishop of Penrith.

The post of suffragan has been vacant since the former holder, Dr Emma Ineson, became the Bishop to the Archbishops of Canterbury and York (News, 19 April 2021).

Canon Saner-Haigh, who is 49, was ordained in 2005 after training at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford. From 2007 to 2010 he served in the Dalston benefice, south of Carlisle, becoming also Director of Ordinands in 2008. In addition, he served as domestic chaplain to the Bishop of Carlisle, the Rt Revd James Newcombe, who on Friday welcomed Canon Saner-Haigh’s appointment.

“He will be welcomed back with huge excitement and overwhelming support, as together we further commit to our ecumenical God for All vision”, Bishop Newcombe said.

Before ordination, Canon Saner-Haigh worked as an archaeologist, and holds an MPhil from Birmingham University. He is married, and has three children, aged between 16 and 20.

On Friday, Canon Saner-Haigh said: “As someone with 15 years’ experience of ministry in Cumbria, I’m well aware of the great things that are being done in parishes and mission communities across the diocese. . .

“There are, of course, also challenges — for our communities and for the Church — but it will be a privilege and joy to serve with people as we prayerfully share God’s love and hope with our neighbours.”

The Archbishop of York, the Most Revd Stephen Cottrell, said that Canon Saner-Haigh’s “love of the communities of Cumbria and his significant experience of mission in Newcastle diocese will equip him well” in his new role.

Canon Saner-Haigh will have responsibility for developing the ecumenical “God for All” campaign, built around four key themes: Follow Daily, Speak Boldly, Care Deeply, and Tread Gently. He will be consecrated in York Minster on 15 July, followed by a service of introduction and welcome at Carlisle Cathedral on 11 September.

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