On Saturday 27 June at 11am, twelve people will be ordained Deacon at Southwark Cathedral by the Bishop of Southwark, The Rt Revd Christopher Chessun. The Venerable Dr Chigor Chike, Archdeacon of Lewisham & Greenwich, will lead the ordination retreat and preach at the service in the Cathedral. Please find below the link to Livestream of the Ordination Service:
Find out more about our new deacons below – please pray for them and the communities where they will serve their curacies.
Croydon Episcopal Area
Archie Warsap
Archie Warsap grew up in Somerset; he moved to Manchester for university in 2018. There he studied history and politics and later international development. Last summer, Archie went on placement to South Sudan where he spent time learning about conflict resolution and peacebuilding. In his spare time Archie enjoys reading, running, and going to the pub, and is an enthusiastic rather than talented cricketer. Archie will serve his curacy at St John the Evangelist, Upper Norwood.
Kingston Episcopal Area
Samuel (Sam) Baker
Sam Baker was born and raised in Bristol, where he completed a degree in Youth and Community Work with Applied Theology. Since moving to London in 2010, he has pioneered youth ministries in churches across East and South-West London. Sam has been married to Helen since 2012, and they have one child. He is a keen football fan, supporting his boyhood club, Bristol City, and dare he say it after this season, also supports Tottenham Hotspur. Sam will serve his curacy at Christ Church, Gipsy Hill.
Damilola (Dami) Bamidele
Dami Bamidele was raised in South London and has spent most of her life living and working in London. Gaining a degree in European International Studies and with over 20 years of national and international experience, Dami is a seasoned grants and programmes professional. Her background spans education, manufacturing, and not-for-profit sectors, with a strong focus on grant-making and programme design across private, philanthropic, public, health and international contexts. Dami is actively involved in her local community, serving on several boards and working groups across Lambeth. She is also a trustee of a local grant-making trust, which supports Black-led charities and CICs in Lambeth and Southwark. Outside of work, Dami enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, watching films, and immersing herself in theatre and the arts. Damilola will serve her curacy at St Thomas & St Stephen, Telford Park.
Michael (Mike) Clayton
Mike Clayton grew up in a vibrant Christian home in southeast London. He channelled that spirit into his studies at St Mellitus, earning a degree in theology, mission, and ministry. Today, Mike and his wife, Emily, stay busy raising their four wonderful children. When he isn’t tending to his blossoming garden, you’ll find him soaking up the sunshine and sharing a laugh with friends and family in the great outdoors! Mike will serve his curacy at All Saints, Clapham Park.
Jacqueline Gray
Jacqueline Gray was born in South London to Windrush generation parents and raised in a Christian household. She studied for her Master’s in theology ministry and Mission at St Augustine’s. She comes with experience across a range of sectors, including local government, education, healthcare, the private sector, and the charity sector. Prior to ordination training, she served as a Chaplain within a social enterprise supporting women at different points of intersectionality. The organisation received The Queen’s award for enterprise in 2021. Outside of ministry, Jacqueline enjoys travelling. She is also an enthusiastic armchair sports fan, with a particular interest in tennis, athletics, cricket, and football. She supports Arsenal and has even been known to camp overnight for tickets to Wimbledon. Jacqueline will serve her curacy at Holy Trinity & St Augustine, Tooting.
Gemma Hill
Gemma Hill was born in Berkshire but spent most of her life in London. She gained a degree in Music Technology (Audio Systems) and has had a lifelong passion for music. She is married to Martin with four daughters, but also welcomed Mercy, their goddaughter, into the family when she was 12. When she has the time, you will find her with a guitar writing or singing worship songs. Gemma also loves spending time with loved ones and keeping active including running, karate and walks in nature. Gemma will serve her curacy at St Paul, Kingston Hill.
Joshua (Josh) Moxon
Josh Moxon, born and brought up in Nottingham, came to London with his wife Amy for a job in a church back in 2014. Since then, they have lived in Clapham and are now accompanied by their three children. Josh enjoys cooking, fantasy football, the occasional game of touch rugby, and watching his children play football. Josh will serve his curacy at Holy Trinity, Clapham.
Anne O’Neil
Anne O’Neil grew up by the sea in County Durham, coming to London after university. She gained a business degree and went on to be a management consultant advising on projects around the world. She did postgraduate study in 19th century literature and has a love of poetry and art. Anne has two wonderful teenage sons. She used to compete in martial arts but now enjoys running and hiking, cheese sandwiches and persuading her children to run up hills. Anne will serve her curacy at Richmond Team Ministry.
Amelia Turncliffe
Amelia Turncliffe was born and raised in Worcester and grew up attending Worcester Cathedral. She studied Divinity at The University of Edinburgh, where she met her husband, Tom. She went on to achieve a Master’s at Union Theological Seminary in New York. After moving to London, Amelia worked for Christian Aid, Churches Together in England and the Church of England, including at both Church House and Lambeth Palace. During this time, she discerned a calling to the priesthood. She has been training for ordination at Westcott House in Cambridge. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, going to the theatre and most of all spending time with friends. Amelia will serve her curacy at St Mary, Barnes.
Woolwich Episcopal Area
Alice Colwell
Alice Colwell was born in Birmingham, raised in Devon, and eventually made the classic pilgrimage to London – ostensibly for a degree in Philosophy and Religion, but really for character development. Since graduating, she’s spent most of her time working in various church ministry roles, with a particular passion for evangelism. She’s married to Brandon, with whom she shares one son, Silas – who keeps things lively. When she’s not busy wrangling a small human, Alice can usually be found at a gig, halfway up a hill somewhere new, or enthusiastically planning her next adventure. Alice will serve her curacy at St Peter, Brockley.
Anna Grabowska
Anna Grabowska is originally from Warsaw, Poland, where she was raised in the Roman Catholic tradition. She moved to London 22 years ago, and not long after arriving discovered the Anglican Church. From the moment she first stepped into an Anglican church, she felt something deeply welcoming, and has remained part of it ever since. Anna is a mother of two children, a daughter and a son, and her faith has grown alongside her life as a parent. Over the years, her journey has led to a deeper sense of calling, and she now feel drawn towards ordained ministry, with a desire to serve others with care and compassion. In her spare time, she enjoys being in nature and spending time having fun with the children, which brings her great joy. Anna will serve her curacy at St Barnabas, Dulwich.
June Knowles
June Knowles senses a calling to be present, to listen well, and to walk alongside others with care and gentleness. It’s a calling that feels most at home in the everyday rhythms of parish life, often in simple, grounded moments ideally not too far from nature, fresh air, and… sheep! She was born in Germany and spent her childhood moving between RAF bases, which gave her an early sense of adaptability and love of different communities. She brings a professional background in programme management and governance, working across complex public and third-sector settings and is married with two adult children. June has a particular interest in trauma-informed practice and safeguarding. She also lives with hearing loss and auditory processing differences, which shape her desire to help shape church communities that are attentive, inclusive, and life-giving for all. June enjoys creating reflective resources and leading contemplative worship, including Taizé and pilgrimages. She loves exploring new art forms, enjoys science fiction, and finds that time spent in nature and gardening helps keep her grounded day-to-day. June will serve her curacy at St Michael, East Wickham.
