09/05/2025
In May 2022, Rob was appointed the Bishop of Penrith and has been the Acting Bishop of Carlisle since September 2023. Having served his curacy in the county from 2005, he has ministered for all but two years in Cumbria.
Bishop Rob, 52, said: "It is such an honour to have been nominated as the next Bishop of Carlisle and to be able to continue to serve this county that I love.
“This will be a time of both continuity and change for the Diocese of Carlisle. I’m a local vicar at heart and love the local church. It’s where we learn together about who God is and what that means for our lives and the place where we can best serve our local communities.
“There is a rich variety of churches across the county, from those which have stood as a sign of God’s love at the heart of their communities for a thousand years, to those starting new today in village halls or on fellsides. I will do all I can to help each flourish as, together, we seek to share the good news of Jesus.
“As Bishop of Carlisle, I will also seek to highlight this wonderful county and to do all I can for the people of Cumbria.
“I’m delighted to be able to help lead our county’s ecumenical vision and strategy, God for All, and alongside my denominational colleagues remain committed to seeing more people follow daily, speak boldly, care deeply and tread gently in service to Jesus.”
Read the full announcement from the Diocese of Carlisle.
Read the Downing Street announcement.