Four newly ordained deacons have begun their ministry in churches across north London.
They will serve in the boroughs of Camden, Barnet, Enfield and Haringey within the Diocese of London's Edmonton Area.
Their duties include leading worship, teaching and offering pastoral care. The office of deacon is a significant step on the journey toward priesthood.
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Rt Revd Canon Dr Anderson Jeremiah, Bishop of Edmonton, 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 who will serve as ministers of Christ’s love in parishes across the Edmonton Area.
"The breadth of experiences and backgrounds among these ordinands is one of the great strengths of this cohort, and it fittingly reflects the diversity of the communities of Camden, Barnet, Enfield and Haringey that make up this Area. I pray that their ministry will help people encounter God for themselves and deepen the life of the local Church."
Among the newly ordained is Ascala Byfield, an actress who trained at the National Film and Television School and appeared in Spiderman: Far From Home (2019). She has also worked in education, teaching in faith schools and pupil referral units, and spent five years on mission in Asia.
Ms Byfield said: "I’ve taught across various sectors but the calling has always been the same: I’m here to love God and love people. And 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 – such a wonderfully diverse and creative place – and I can’t wait to serve the people here."
She will serve her curacy at St Luke’s Kentish Town alongside the other new deacons, who are part of a cohort of 34 newly ordained clergy.
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