17 new priests and 6 new deacons were ordained at St Philip’s Cathedral, Birmingham today, Saturday 20 June 2026.
Bishop Michael and Bishop Esther presided over the two joyful services, which marked a significant moment in the lives of those called to serve in churches across Birmingham and the region.
Also today, Victor Aghahowa was welcomed as a priest in The Church of England, recognising and affirming the ordination he previously received in the Anglican province of Nigeria.
Order of service
During each service, the congregation heard readings from Isaiah 6.1–8, 2 Corinthians 4.1–10 and John 1.1–14, and joined in hymns led by the Cathedral Choir.
The sermons were delivered by Rev Libby Talbot, Vicar of St Stephen's, Twickenham. Rev Libby, who also led the Ordination Retreat earlier this week, reflected on following Jesus the Good Shepherd and encouraged the ordinands to see ordination as a faithful next step in their journey of discipleship and ministry.
The ordinands then made a series of declarations, and family and friends committed to praying for and upholding them in their ministry.
After The Ordination Prayer, each candidate knelt before the ordaining Bishop for the laying on of hands, as their names were read. This signifies the empowering of the Holy Spirit.
New deacons were presented with a New Testament, and priests were given a Bible, followed by an anointing from the Bishop.
They were formally welcomed by Very Reverend Matt Thompson, Dean of Birmingham, and greeted with applause and ringing of the Birmingham Bell.
The service concluded with Holy Communion, before family and friends joined loved ones for celebrations and photographs.
Stories of calling
The new deacons and priests have each followed a unique journey of calling and discernment to reach today’s significant milestone.
Some have served in churches across Birmingham and the region for many years, while others are new to the Diocese.
Their varied backgrounds include a midwife, builder, engineer, actor, parent, grandparent, nurse, headteacher, veterinary practice manager and charity CEO.
Watch our short Stories of Calling videos to find out more about some of our new priests and deacons’ journeys to ordination.
Interesting in exploring your calling? Find out more about vocations at Church of England Birmingham and sign-up to our next Called to Serve event.
List of those ordained on 20 June 2026
Deacons
Matthew Blair | St John the Baptist, Longbridge
Edward Chan-Stroud | St John the Baptist, Harborne Heath
Annette Daly | All Saints, Gravelly Hill
David Mills | St Luke, Birmingham & Gas Street South (Bishop’s Mission Order)
Laura Slater | St John the Evangelist, Walmley
Lisa Wakeman | St Barnabas, Kingshurst & All Saints, Shard End
Welcomed into The Church of England
Victor Aghahowa | Christ Church, Summerfield
Priests
Peter Brayshaw | St Peter, Harborne
Joyce Brown | St Mary and St Ambrose, Edgbaston (Rea Church)
Patricia Brown-Richards | St Mary and St Ambrose, Edgbaston (Rea Church)
Heather Carty | St Michael, Handsworth, and Bishop Latimer with All Saints, Birmingham
Aubrey Clarke | Holy Trinity, Sutton Coldfield & St Peter, Maney
Clare Gladstone | St Francis, Bournville
Michelle Grannell | St Matthew with St Chad, Smethwick
Andrew Harris | St Mary Magdelen, Hazelwell
Christine Hibbert | All Saints, Gravelly Hill
Ronia Jamera | St Luke, Birmingham
Karen Marlow-Tipple | St John, Sparkhill, and Christ Church, Sparkbrook
Ngaatendwe Mudzvovera | St John the Evangelist, Walmley
Diane Reeves | St Hilda, Warley Woods
William Stevenette | St Philip, Dorridge with St James, Bentley Heath and St Thomas, Nuthurst-cum-Hockley Heath
Wendy Terry | St Mary Magdelene, Tanworth-in-Arden
Sheila Williams | St Giles, Sheldon and St Peter, Tile Cross
Keith Woodward | The Whitacres, Lea Marston and Shustoke