A well-known vicar who ministered in Cumbria for 15 years has been chosen as the next Suffragan Bishop of Penrith.

The Rev Canon Rob Saner-Haigh, who is currently Residentiary Canon Director of Mission and Ministry in the Diocese of Newcastle, was appointed by the Bishop of Carlisle.

The title of Bishop of Penrith is a historic one, dating back initially to 1888 and designates the Bishop who assists the Bishop of Carlisle - in technical terms the Suffragan Bishop.

Rob is "thrilled" to be returning to the Diocese of Carlisle where he had served all his ordained ministry until his move to Newcastle in 2020, whilst also returning to live in Kendal where he was the former vicar of the town’s parish church for 10 years. 

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Rob, aged 49, said: "I am thrilled to be returning to Cumbria; a place whose people and landscape I know and love so much. I come seeking to serve this place and its people, and to work prayerfully for the good things of God for us all over the coming years.

" 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 and am excited at what lies ahead as together we continue the God for All strategy and vision.

"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. I’m also thrilled at the prospect of meeting up again with so many valued friends – both across the county and the denominations - supporting them in their ministry and rising to the challenge to follow daily, speak boldly, care deeply and tread gently as servants of Jesus," the father of three said. 

The Most Rev and Rt Hon Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York, said he "welcomed" the appointment.

"His love of the communities of Cumbria and his significant experience of mission in Newcastle Diocese will equip him well as he joins Bishop James in encouraging the people and the parishes of Cumbria in sharing the good news of the gospel.

"He has my prayers as he prepares to take up this new role," he said. 

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