Seven new parish deacons have joined the Bishop of Stepney’s team of clergy in east London following their ordination at St Paul’s Cathedral.

East London Advertiser: Bishop of Stepney Adrian Newman (at the back) with seven new deacons now assinged to his east London parishes. Picture: Graham LacdaoBishop of Stepney Adrian Newman (at the back) with seven new deacons now assinged to his east London parishes. Picture: Graham Lacdao (Image: Graham Lacdao)

The four men and three women were among 38 ordained into the Diocese of London, bringing professional experience to the clergy.

“They join us in east London in what is a place with a rich and vibrant history,” the Bishop of Stepney Adrian Newman said. “The seven are a varied group who are a sign of the health and strength of the church in this part of London.”

The seven are Roxane Liddell, Duncan Cowan-Gray, Anna Mason, Tosin Oladipo, Caroline Taylor, Matt Way and Aidan Bartlett, being assigned to parishes in Tower Hamlets and neighbouring Hackney and Islington.

East London Advertiser: Bishop of London with some of the new deacons ands her bishops on the steps of St Paul's.Picture: Graham LacdaoBishop of London with some of the new deacons ands her bishops on the steps of St Paul's.Picture: Graham Lacdao (Image: Graham Lacdao)

Roxane had a career as a television producer before taking her first step on the path to priesthood. She has also worked for housing and educational charities including the Shakespeare Schools Festival and in a north London primary school.

The new deacons are undertaking public worship, teaching and pastoral work in the community working with organisations like migrant centres and food banks. The office of parish Deacon is a step on the path towards priesthood and follows two to three years of training. Some 30 deacons are soon to be ordained as priests, having completed their training year.

East London Advertiser: Bishop of Stepney Adrian Newman (at the back) with seven new deacons now assinged to his east London parishes. Picture: Graham LacdaoBishop of Stepney Adrian Newman (at the back) with seven new deacons now assinged to his east London parishes. Picture: Graham Lacdao (Image: Graham Lacdao)