On 17 November 2014, it was announced that Newcome had been appointed Clerk of the Closet.[13] As such, he is head of the College of Chaplains of the Ecclesiastical Household and he undertakes a number of ceremonial roles such as presenting new diocesan bishops to the monarch.[14] He is also a senior advisor to the sovereign on spiritual affairs.
He was a chaplain to the Royal British Legion, and officiated at the 2016, 2017 and 2018 Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall. He was asked to step back from the role in 2020 after he have a character reference to a clergyman of the Diocese of Carlisle who was being prosecuted for child sexual abuse:[15] the clergyman was found guilty and sentenced to eight years and four months in prison.[16][17] Newcome later retracted the reference and described it as "error of judgement".[18] Newcome was investigated by the Church of England's National Safeguarding Team which resulted in him receiving an "informal rebuke" and a requirement to undergo further safeguarding training.[19][20]
In March 2023, it was announced that Newcome will retire as Bishop of Carlisle effective 31 August 2023.[21] In his role as Clerk of the Closet, he took part in the Royal procession at the 2023 Coronation 6 May 2023.[22] A service of thanksgiving and farewell was held on 16 July at Carlisle Cathedral to mark his retirement.[23]
He holds a "traditional view of Holy Matrimony" (i.e. one man and one woman).[26]
In 2023, following the news that the House of Bishop's of the Church of England was to introduce proposals for blessing same-sex relationships, he signed an open letter which stated:[27]
many Christians in the Church of England and the Anglican Communion, together with Christians from across the churches of world Christianity, continue to believe that marriage is given by God for the union of a man and woman and that it cannot be extended to those who are of the same sex. [...] Without seeking to diminish the value of many committed same-sex relationships, for which there is much to give thanks, we find ourselves constrained by what we sincerely believe the Scriptures teach which cannot be set aside.[27]
Personal life
Newcome married Alison, a health visitor, in 1977, and they have four adult children. He is a keen amateur runner, squash player and hill walker, and also enjoys films and restoring furniture.[2][28]
Newcome was appointed a deputy lieutenant for Cumbria in 2013.[29] He was a governor of St. Bees School which announced that, after 432 years, it was closing in March 2015. It reopened in 2018.
^"Bishops respond to Living In Love and Faith proposals". Diocese of Carlisle. 18 January 2023. Retrieved 22 January 2023. Bishop James and Bishop Rob add: "Many of you will know that, as bishops in this diocese, we hold a traditional view of Holy Matrimony and that we have argued for this.
