New deacons ordained to begin ministry across diocese

Ten new deacons were ordained at a joyous service at Bradford Cathedral on Saturday, July 4, and began their ministry at churches across the diocese.

The new deacons were ordained by the Rt Revd Toby Howarth, Acting Bishop of Leeds and Bishop of Bradford, who started the service with a welcome to the congregation, made up of friends, family members and more.

The new deacons were presented by the Archdeacons of the diocese, before the Revd Canon Sean Robertshaw, Diocesan Director of Vocations, confirmed that they were called to serve in this ministry.

After the readings, the Revd Canon Dr Carlton Turner, Deputy Director of Research at the Queen’s Foundation in Birmingham, preached the sermon.

Revd Carlton preached powerfully on chapter 9 of the gospel of Matthew, speaking about how Jesus encountered, noticed and called the most unlikely of people, those who are real and imperfect.

He talked about the difficult realities that our deacons would face in their ministry, particularly with the rise of hatred and intolerance in our society today.

Revd Carlton encouraged the deacons that they had been chosen for this time, where the most unlikely are needed, because God sees who they are and knows their hearts.

In the week before the service, Revd Carlton had led the new deacons in their pre-ordination retreat.

After this, Bishop Toby laid out the responsibilities and duties of a deacon, before the new deacons made their declarations, supported and encouraged by all.

Bishop Toby prayed for each deacon, and with the laying on of hands called for the Holy Spirit to help each deacon in their office and work.

The deacons were welcomed enthusiastically by all present, before being given a copy of the New Testament.

The service ended with Holy Communion, before the deacons were sent out to begin their ministry.

A full list of the new deacons and where they are serving can be seen below, and their profiles can be read here.

The Bradford Area

• The Revd David Edwards - Benefice of Tong and Laisterdyke

The Huddersfield Area

• The Revd Megan Barford - Benefice of Todmorden with Cornholme & Walsden
• The Revd Alison Grant - Benefice of Lindley

The Leeds Area

• The Revd Samantha Clayton - Benefice of Headingley and All Hallows
• The Revd Joanna Leidenhag - Benefice of Farsley

The Ripon Area

• The Revd Juliet Balme - Benefice of High Harrogate St Peter
• The Revd Sarah Hobbs - Benefice of Upper Nidderdale
• The Revd Siaa Mathurin - Benefice of Wetherby

The Wakefield Area

• The Revd Kathleen Pullan - Benefice of Ossett & Gawthorpe
• The Revd Megan Thornton - Benefice of Horbury Junction, Middlestown, Overton & Netherton