THE next Bishop of Penrith, in the diocese of Carlisle, is to be the Revd Dr Michael Leyden, Downing Street announced on Wednesday. He succeeds the Rt Revd Rob Saner-Haigh, who became the diocesan Bishop last year (News, 9 May 2025).
Dr Leyden has been the founding Dean of Emmanuel Theological College since 2021. He studied theology and philosophy at the University of Oxford and later was awarded a Ph.D. in theological ethics by the University of Chester. He trained for the ministry at St John’s College, Nottingham, and was ordained deacon in 2011.
After serving his title at St Ann’s, Rainhill, in Liverpool diocese, and a secondment to St Mellitus College, North-West, Dr Leyden was appointed half-time incumbent of Weston and Shavington, in the diocese of Chester, while also working as lead academic tutor at St Mellitus College. He was appointed full-time director of St Mellitus College in 2018, and was licensed as associate priest of St Peter’s, Chester, in 2019.
Dr Leyden said on Wednesday that it was a joy to be nominated, and that he was “really looking forward to getting to know the people of the diocese and the county”.
“There is no doubt that God calls people from a wide range of social, economic, educational, and ethnic backgrounds into ministry. I’m excited to be working with priests and lay leaders to help God’s people identify and celebrate their gifts, and to offer training and support so they can use them effectively — especially those with potential leadership gifts who might otherwise have discounted themselves.”
Bishop Saner-Haigh said that he was delighted to welcome Dr Leyden. “Many of us will know him already through his work with Emmanuel Theological College. He loves Jesus and is an excellent communicator and theologian who brings faith alive. He will help us all to go deeper in our relationship with God.”
The Archbishop of York said: “Michael has served faithfully in parishes in Liverpool and Chester, and his expertise in liturgy, theology, and the formation of ordinands will be an invaluable asset in serving God’s people across the diocese of Carlisle. As he embarks on this new season of ministry, we pray for God’s blessing, guidance, and grace to accompany him every step of the way.”
Dr Leyden is married to Anna, a vicar in Chester diocese, and they have two children. In the summer, they will move to Cumbria and will live in Clifton, near Penrith. He will be consecrated in York Minster on 30 April. A service of introduction and welcome will follow at Carlisle Cathedral on 19 July.
