St Andrew's, Aikton

The following announcement was made at the United Benefice Service on Sunday 31 May 2026 held in Kirkbampton Church.

The Bishop of Carlisle has appointed The Reverend Ian Johnston and The Reverend Peter Streatfeild, who at present both hold Permission to Officiate in the Diocese of Carlisle, as Associate Priests in the Benefice of the Barony of Burgh. These appointments are subject to the usual legal checks.

Message from The Venerable Stewart Fyfe, Archdeacon of West Cumberland

I am conscious of the challenge to recruitment posed by a half time post for six parishes. However, in practice, the benefice is well served by its retired clergy on PTO (Permission to Officiate). Indeed, this service is not significantly different from many serving licensed Associate Priests. Ian Johnston is looking to move his ministry increasingly back into the benefice, now that he has retired as priest-in-charge of Rockliffe and Blackford and his chaplaincy at Austin Friars. Between them, Peter and Ian are conducting ministry that is equivalent to a half-time post.

Accordingly, with their agreement, I am asking the Bishop to recognise their ministries by granting them each a licence as Associate Priest, instead of treating them as PTO retired clergy. This should (a) give proper recognition to the ministry they already carry out; and (b) make it clearer to potential applicants that the support available from their ordained colleagues makes a half-time incumbency a do-able job.

It is, however, important to note that, as with all self-supporting ministry, Peter and Ian are volunteers and only have capacity for limited service. It must, therefore, be strictly understood that neither is taking on any additional responsibilities under this new role and congregations must not expect additional duties from them. In particular, neither is taking on any of the responsibilities or legal duties of priest-in-charge or Rector. These are deliberately reserved for the incoming priest-in-charge and during the vacancy they will remain with the churchwardens and Rural Dean. Ian is hoping that, once his mobility issues are resolved by a successful operation, he will be able to take on more ministry. Peter,however, is already operating at the limit of his capacity. Accordingly, congregations are asked to honour the ministry Peter and Ian carry out, without placing any additional burdens or expectations upon them. Please pray for them in their ministry.

The Venerable Stewart Fyfe

Archdeacon of West Cumberland.

May 2026.

St Andrew's, Aikton

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