This year the Diocese of London welcomes 34 new deacons into 32 churches as they are ordained at three different services – at St Paul’s Cathedral and St Andrew’s Holborn on Saturday 27 June, and at St John, Downshire Hill on Monday 29 June.
The ordinations build on the foundations laid through training, study and experiences in parishes and mark the next stage in the journey to priesthood.
The Acting Bishop of London, the Rt Revd Dr Emma Ineson, said:
These ordinands have already given so much to their churches and communities over the past years, serving faithfully and preparing diligently for this moment, and now they are ready to be ordained as deacons, in obedience to God’s call.
London is a remarkable and unique place to exercise ministry. It is a city that is constantly moving and evolving, revealing God’s presence in countless, often unexpected ways. This new cohort of deacons reflects London’s diversity and vibrancy.
I pray that each of our new deacons will grow ever deeper in their relationship with God, and lay strong foundations for a life committed to ministry in Jesus’s name.
Willesden
One of the new deacons for the Willesden area is Ximena Hernandez-Hudson, and will be undertaking her curacy at St Peter, West Harrow. Ximena has worked as an NHS psychologist for 19 years, which has shaped her approach to ministry.
Ximena Hernandez-Hudson said:
One of the things I value most is walking alongside people through different seasons of life, whether that is times of joy, uncertainty, loss, or change.
Through my research, I have explored how faith helps people navigate the opportunities and challenges of ageing, and I hope this will help me contribute to ministry with older members of the community and building relationships across generations and cultures.
The Bishop of Willesden, The Rt Revd Lusa Nsenga-Ngoy said:
Today the Church across Willesden grows richer, not in gold or status, but in hearts given freely to serve. In these eleven deacons, God answers the prayer for labourers, sent not to be served, but to serve, and to give their lives as an offering.
We rejoice with them as they show us the way into the ordinary, the overlooked, the holy ground of other people’s lives. We send them out with joy and with prayer.
Kensington
In Kensington, Matt Dobson is a new curate for St Andrew’s in Fulham Fields. Before training for ordination, Matt worked to serve people affected by homelessness in the area for five years, experience which he brings to his ministry and engagement with the local community.
Matt Dobson said:
Having completed my ordination training whilst working with people experiencing homelessness, I am looking forward to bringing all I have learnt from all those incredibly special encounters and experiences into the parish. I want to show what it means to ‘act justly, love mercy and walk humbly’.
The Bishop of Kensington, the Rt Revd Dr Emma Ineson, said:
Our Kensington deacons will be a real blessing to our parishes, communities and the everyday places where people are longing for hope, care and the love of Christ.
I am delighted to welcome them into this next stage of their ministry, and I pray that they will know God’s grace and joy as they begin.
Stepney
Abie Hepworth is undertaking her curacy across two churches in the Stepney area: St Mary’s Islington and Hope Church. Abie previously worked at the Top Secret Comedy Club for five years and also brings experience as a children’s pastor.
Abie Hepworth said:
Until last autumn Hope Church was in a long interregnum period, but the impeccable community spirit is clearly alive and well in the congregation!
St Mary’s mission statement is ‘Calling Islington Home’ and I am looking forward to not only making a home for myself and my family, but also being a part of the journeys of others as they discover their seat at the Lord’s table.
The Bishop of Stepney, the Rt Revd Rod Green, said:
As someone who has also recently been welcomed into the Stepney area, I can relate to all the feelings our new deacons may be experiencing: excitement, anticipation but overwhelmingly the joy and love of the local community.
It is a real privilege to welcome them and to serve alongside them in Stepney, as together we seek to see our churches, communities and neighbourhoods transformed by the work of the Holy Spirit.
Edmonton
One of the new deacons in Edmonton is Ascala Byfield, a trained actress at the National Film and Television School. Ascala’s career has taken her beyond the screen too, including teaching in religious schools, colleges and pupil referral units, as well as five years serving communities across Asia on mission. Ascala will serve her curacy at St Luke’s Kentish Town.
Ascala Byfield said:
My mission has always been to know God and to make Him known. I’m so grateful to be bringing that calling to Kentish Town, and I can’t wait to serve the people here.
The Bishop of Edmonton, Rt Revd Canon Dr Anderson Jeremiah, said:
We are living in a moment when many churches are welcoming new people through their doors, including those exploring faith for the first time. Given that, it is wonderful to be ordaining and sending out new deacons to serve our local communities.
The breadth of experiences and backgrounds among these ordinands is a great strength of this cohort, and it fittingly reflects the diversity of the communities of Camden, Barnet, Enfield and Haringey that make up this Area.
A full list of ordinands for 2026 can be found here.
Please pray for these candidates in the coming weeks.