THE Bishop of Penrith has been appointed the central chaplain of the Mothers’ Union.

The Rt Rev Dr Emma Ineson has taken up the position serving a worldwide organisation which is made up of four million members.

She will help guide the spiritual lives of its members and staff as well as ensuring that Mothers’ Union continues to work effectively alongside clergy and the wider Anglican Communion.

Bishop Emma said: “I am honoured to have been asked to take on this role. I have long admired the work of the Mothers’ Union in its worldwide reach. Now, more than ever, the ministry of Mothers’ Union in sharing the good news of Jesus, in supporting family life, in influencing positive change in our communities, and in giving voice to the issues facing women and girls globally, is of vital importance.

“I have longstanding connections with Mothers’ Union myself - my grandmother was a member for many, many years and both my husband and I became members during our curacy. I look forward to seeing what I can do to support and pray for the members, and the various boards and committees, over the coming years."

It is the latest senior appointment within the Mothers’ Union for people connected to the Diocese of Carlisle – the Church of England in Cumbria. In 2013 Lynne Tembey, who is originally from Whitehaven, was appointed the organisation’s world-wide president.

Bev Julien, chief executive of the Mothers’ Union, said: “We are thrilled and honoured that Bishop Emma has chosen to accept this critical role for Mothers’ Union.”

Mothers' Union provides a network through which members can serve Christ in their own community, through prayer, financial support and actively working at grassroots level in projects that meet local needs.

In Cumbria there are 78 groups with 1,240 members and overseas links to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Nigeria, Zimbabwe and Australia.