54 clergy have joined the Diocese of London’s churches, following their ordination in ceremonies taking place in St Paul’s Cathedral, St Andrew Holborn and Christ Church Mayfair in July 2022.

This is the fourth successive year that the Diocese of London has welcomed over 40 new Deacons. The new Deacons will serve across 45 churches in the capital.

Their ordination to office of Deacon follows two to three years of training, and often marks a step in the path towards priesthood. The new Deacons duties will include working across the Diocese, serving local communities and undertaking public worship, teaching and pastoral work.

The Bishop of London, the Rt Revd Dame Sarah Mullally, said:

“It is an absolute joy to welcome 54 new clergy to the Diocese of London. This year’s ordinands have come from a wide array of backgrounds ranging from medicine to acting to policing, and I have no doubt that their unique experiences will serve to strengthen the diversity of the Diocese.”

Among London’s new deacons is Angela Sheard, previously a junior doctor, who will be serving in St Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square’s renowned 18^th century church.

Angela commented:

“Being in the centre of London, the parish of St Martin’s is a meeting place for wealth and poverty, business and the arts, culture from this city and around the world. I am looking forward to being immersed in these many meeting places, and being part of a church which opens up space for encounter with God – that most essential meeting place – in the midst of it all.”

Also ordained is Raff Vinhas Chaves, who will be serving at All Hallows Bow. Raff, originally from Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, works with the those battling addiction.

He said:

“I think what will be most special, is continuing to support those in the area that are in recovery or still battling addiction, but this time around as an ordained minister. That in itself will show them that there’s hope, that I have come exactly from where they are, and that God has brought me this far, and sharing with them that what God has done to me and through me, He can and will do through them as well.”