Our Vision

Our Mission
Carlisle Cathedral is a community of prayer, welcome and rest for all to encounter the love of God in Jesus Christ.

Our Purpose
For centuries, Carlisle Cathedral has been a living Christian community, seeking God and bringing rest to restless hearts amid the ever-changing history of our borderlands.

We steward this place and its rich heritage for the city, county and diocese we serve. We are entrusted with the stories it holds. We are called to use this inheritance as we seek to tell anew the love of God in Jesus Christ for current and future generations.

As the seat of the Bishop of Carlisle, we are a sign of unity, committed to deepening our life of prayer and worship while embracing new ways to build a sustainable and hope-filled future.

We welcome all – visitors, travellers and pilgrims alike – inviting them to experience the transforming truth and presence of God. Through the stories of God’s love and the richness of Cumbrian life and heritage, we seek to inspire and uplift all who we encounter.

Our Values
Our values are drawn from the original foundation of the Cathedral based on the Rule of St Augustine. His words underpin our daily pattern of prayer and radiate out into all aspects of our life.

Vision 2026-2030
Building on more than 900 years of prayer, worship and discipleship, to create a vibrant, sustainable future for our community, buildings, heritage and music to enable everyone to take their next step with God.

Strategic Aims 2026-2030

• We will strengthen the Cathedral as a place of prayer and a centre of excellence in worship and mission to enable all to grow in God’s love.
• We will nurture our staff and volunteers to develop and flourish in their roles.
• We will welcome successive generations to be inspired and transformed through engagement with the Cathedral and our region’s heritage.
• We will establish the Cathedral at the heart of the region’s musical and cultural landscape.
• We will develop a sustainable, holistic financial model, maximising the potential of the Cathedral’s fabric, endowment and commercial activities.
• We will deepen our relationship with the people and communities of the Diocese and county through prayer and partnership.