Sir, Concern has been expressed about the Church Commissioners’ decision to move the residence of the Bishop of Carlisle away from Rose Castle in Dalston (letters, June 21, 22 and 24). I understand that concern, but I do not share it. Geographically, the castle is at one end of this large county; a more central location would make operations much easier. Financially, it must make sense for the commissioners to identify somewhere less expensive to run than a medieval castle with all the implied costs and liabilities, so freeing up scarce resources to be used more effectively in the support of mission in the dioceses.
Socially, bishops who are trying to engage and identify with the more deprived communities in their care are not greatly helped by appearing to live in luxury in large palaces. This gives all the wrong signals. Spiritually, the ideal must be the provision of a house and office from which a bishop can operate easily and effectively as a leader in mission without huge cost.
Of course, we all hope that after 800 years of service to the Church in Cumbria an appropriate use will be found for Rose Castle. It is an important part of this county’s history.
Anne Robinson
Milnthorpe, Cumbria