Bishop of London presides over annual ordination ceremony

29/06/09

A lawyer, a city banker and a former nurse are among the 36 new clergy who were welcomed to the Diocese of London at an ordination service in St Paul’s Cathedral on Saturday.

The graduates from theological colleges and courses around the country have come from a variety of backgrounds in the pursuit of a more spiritually rewarding occupation in London’s churches.

At the annual event presided over by the Bishop of London, Dr Richard Chartres, the 36 candidates, of whom 10 were women, were ordained to the office of Deacon, which is usually a first step towards priesthood. They will each be working in churches across the capital; serving their local communities and undertaking public worship, teaching and pastoral work.

At the annual event presided over by the Bishop of London, Dr Richard Chartres, the 36 candidates, of whom 10 were women, were ordained to the office of Deacon, which is usually a first step towards priesthood. They will each be working in churches across the Diocese; serving their local communities and undertaking public worship, teaching and pastoral work.

The new Deacons joining the Diocese of London make up over 10% of a total of 330 being ordained this summer across the Church of England. The Diocese of London has a further 150 men and women in training for the priesthood.

The Church of England in London is growing and held a church planting conference last week to help co-ordinate the seeding of new congregations in the Capital.

The Bishop of London, Dr Richard Chartres said:

"The church is supposed to be the community of hope. This year’s new deacons inspire me again with hope for the future and confidence in the transforming power of the Gospel of Christ."

Ordination of Deacons, St Paul’s Cathedral, 27 June 2009, 5pm

The Bishop of London, assisted by Area Bishops & Assistant Bishops

The Diocese of London's new deacons and where they will be serving their titles.