THE search to replace a priest in a Furness village is continuing.

The benefice of Kirkby Ireleth has been vacant since the retirement of the Rev Malcom Cowan as Priest in Charge, on September 30, 2015.

The benefice entered a period of interregnum during which time the church congregation was fully supported.

This continues to be the case, while ministry is also offered through the South West Cumbria United Area focussed at Kirkby Methodist Church.

In January 2018 the position of Priest in Charge for the Benefice of Broughton and Duddon and the Benefice of Kirkby Ireleth was advertised.

There were no applicants.

The role was re-advertised in June 2018 but again no applications were received.

The Diocese of Carlisle – the Church of England in Cumbria – continues to look to recruit across the Broughton, Duddon and Kirkby Ireleth benefices.

A further advert is scheduled for early next year and will be posted on all relevant national faith platforms.

A spokesman said: “As a diocese, we remain committed to the growth of God’s Kingdom here in Cumbria through our ecumenical God for All vision, that: By 2020 everyone in Cumbria of all ages and backgrounds will have had an opportunity to discover more about God and God’s purpose for their lives so that they will discover more of Jesus and the Good News and become followers of Jesus within a Christian community.

“At the same time, we have to recognise that we have experienced difficulties in filling some clergy posts.

“This is mirrored in many other dioceses in the Church of England’s Northern province, with many clergy feeling called to ministry further south.

“We continue to work hard in encouraging applications for all our clergy vacancies while our prayer remains that God will bring the right people to minister here at the right time.”