SIX women and two men have joined the clergy team in Hillingdon, Ealing, Brent, and Harrow after being ordained as deacons this week. 

They were among 45 from across the Diocese of London, coming from diverse backgrounds, including an NHS mental health worker, a former rock singer and a married couple.

The couple, Tony and Rosie Richardson, will join Holy Trinity, Northwood, as curates. 

Rosie trained as a classical pianist and worked as a musician for 20 years, and Tony has worked in publishing and as an English teacher.  

They said in a joint statement: “At the moment, it all seems a bit of a venture into the unknown - but one that offers a deep sense of possibility.”

The Bishop of Willesden, the Rt Rev Pete Broadbent, said:  “This is a year like no other for our churches. Whether it is through organising food banks, coordinating volunteers or fund-raising, churches are working with other faiths and local groups to help support their communities during the pandemic.”

After a period of normally a year, a deacon is often ordained to the priesthood.