The Diocese of Bristol is pleased to announce eight individuals who will be licensed or Ordained Deacon on Sunday 5th July 2026. These individuals come from diverse backgrounds and bring with them a rich tapestry of experiences, gifts, and callings. Each has responded to God’s invitation to serve, and we give thanks for their faithfulness and courage. As they prepare to begin their ordained ministry, we invite you to join us in prayer and celebration of their next steps.
Meet the 2026 Deacon Ordination Candidates
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Charlie Blackett The Benefice of All Saints and St Mary, Fishponds "The journey to ordination has been a long one. For many years I sensed God’s call on my life, but it took time to fully discern it. During that that, I completed both Growing Leaders and Exploring Christianity, immersed myself in a number of volunteer roles in my sending parish, and even changed the field of nursing I worked in — each time thinking I had found my calling. "The turning point came when a good friend asked me, “So when are you going to take this seriously and go forward for ordination?” That was the push I needed. Looking back, I can see how God was patiently shaping and preparing me through every part of the journey. "A few years on, here I am, excited for all that God has in store. I am thankful for the many people who have supported, encouraged, and prayed for me along the way." |
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Claire Campbell The Benefice of Chippenham with Tytherton Lucas "I have served the Church in many ways since my teens, but my sense of call to ordained ministry came unexpectedly, shortly after being diagnosed with a lifelong disability. Feeling completely inadequate, I told God I wanted confirmation from two people before I would believe it. It wasn’t unwillingness, but surprise that God would call me, in my brokenness, to ordination. I told no-one and continued to serve and share my faith, assuming I had got it wrong. Then, suddenly, eight years later and within quick succession, two people independently affirmed the call to ordained ministry. Trusting God and stepping out in faith, I began the discernment process without hesitation. Looking back, I can see how those years shaped and strengthened me for what lay ahead. The journey has not been smooth, but my confidence remains in Christ, and I am excited for what God has in store for curacy and beyond." |
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Jenny Cresswell The Benefice of South Severnside "I have been a Christian my whole life and it was as a teenager in church, feeling a desire to ‘be at the front,’ that God first called me to be a leader in his church. I didn’t tell anyone about this feeling at the time and didn’t recognise it as being from God until 15 years later when, after many conversations with family and friends, I began to explore ordained ministry. After a couple of house moves for my husband’s job (including a move of diocese), and a return to work after a period as a full-time parent, I was recommended for ordination training. I am hugely grateful to all who have walked with me on this journey so far, particularly my family, for their encouragement, support and patience. I am excited for this next part of my walk with God as a Deacon and trust he goes before and beside me, leading me and equipping me for all that is ahead." |
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Sophie Duncan The Benefice of Westbury on Trym "A somewhat reluctant ordinand, I find my hope in a God who loves people, who walks alongside them, and who welcomes them into a transformationally inclusive family. I am committed to valuing older people and encouraging them in their faith, and long to see people living with dementia valued as participants in our church communities. My recent MA research showed me how God ministers to people living with dementia and how they minister to others and I’ve been inspired by the many ways we can learn from and with them. I am grateful to God for my time at Sarum, a rich place to learn and to deepen my faith, and am thankful for my friends, family, fellow students, and churches for their support. I have come to recognise that ordination as deacon is a part of my story and look forward to how this story will continue to unfold." |
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Som Okonkwo The Benefice of St Mary, Rodbourne Cheney "My journey to ordination began in an unexpected and transformative way at Bishop Crowther Seminary Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria, where I was appointed Chapel Prefect. Responsible for leading worship and nurturing the spiritual life of the school, this role became a defining moment in discovering God’s call. "Like Jeremiah, I felt unprepared, yet God provided what I needed. Drawing from my upbringing as a priest’s son, I grew into the role and found deep joy in serving God and others. That experience planted a seed that has continued to grow. "This call led to my ordination as a Deacon on 27th December 2020 in the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion). Since then, my journey across Church of England contexts, theological training, and the support of family and church communities has deepened my vocation. "I now step forward in faith, trusting God, who continues to guide and equip me for service." |
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Val Slade The Benefice of Fromeside "God’s call sends each of us on a continuing spiritual journey throughout our lives. Recognising the call towards a specific vocation involves others persuading us to explore where it might lead. This happened to me enabling me to move on from Licensed Lay Ministry towards becoming an Ordained Minister. The discernment process can be quite an intense experience involving many other people; support from family and friends is invaluable during this time. College brought new challenges associated with academic learning and moving from the familiarity of home church to a placement in a different location. During this time support from Faculty and other students created strength and Christian fellowship. I am looking forward to my next chapter in this journey and excited as I take on the role of Curate as a self-supporting minister in The Fromeside Benefice of Churches." |
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Chris Toms The Benefice of Bishopston and Saint Andrews "If you had said to me five years ago that I would be about to become ordained in the Church of England, I would have laughed and said it wasn’t for me. Originally training as an electrician, with a passion for youth work, my life changed in 2021 when I joined a church plant and was then asked to consider discernment. Since then, God has made it abundantly clear that He has called me to ordination, and after three years studying at Trinity College Bristol, I am here, thanking God for this amazing opportunity, along with the support of my wonderful wife Amy and our three awesome daughters. I would also like to thank everyone who has encouraged, shaped and guided me on this journey. I am living proof that God equips the called, and I am now ready to move into this new season, ready to step into whatever God has in store for us as a family." |
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Anne-Marie Tuck The Benefice of St Peter, Penhill & The Bishops Mission Order of Shine Pinehurst "It’s 7.5 years since I first said out loud “I think God might be calling me to be a vicar” – an initially inconvenient call for many reasons. Early on, a friend said, “this might be more about the journey than the destination”, which has kept me grounded! "It hasn’t always been easy, but along the way I have learned a lot about myself and about God. I am grateful for the support and opportunities I’ve received and am still feeling a little surprised to have reached ordination! "As I start my curacy, I pray for the courage to be authentically myself, while seeking God in all things. I am excited for this new chapter, and hope to join in with what God is already doing in Penhill & Pinehurst. “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you.” from Joshua 1:9" |
As these candidates step into ordained ministry, we celebrate their journeys and the unique ways God has called each of them. Please continue to hold them in your prayers as they begin their curacies and serve the Church with humility, courage, and joy. May their ministries bear lasting fruit and inspire others to listen for God’s call in their own lives.