Bishop of Liverpool ordains a record number of new ordinands
Nineteen people saw their lives transformed
as the Bishop of Liverpool, the Right
Reverend James Jones ordained them as
Christian ministers. At a time when there
are often repeated predictions of the
decline of those becoming clergy, these ten
men and nine women are the largest
number of people that have been ordained
for over twenty years. Most were ordained
at a special service held at Liverpool
Cathedral on Sunday 29th June, four will be
ordained in their own parishes.
Those being ordained will then serve as
curates in parishes across the Diocese of
Liverpool.
The candidates for ordination have come from both within the diocese and across the country. They also come from a variety of backgrounds including a former solicitor, landscape architect, a drama lecturer, teacher, health worker and former singer on cruise ships. This shows the rich variety of people who feel strongly called to fulfil a Christian ministry within the Diocese of Liverpool.
All 19 candidates were ordained to the order of Deacon which enables them to perform certain key duties within a parish, including the baptism of new Christians. The Deacons will then normally spend a year working as an assistant to a vicar before the Bishop ordains them to the priesthood when they are also able to celebrate Holy Communion and conduct marriages.
Ordination is an important and ancient part of the Church of England. The tradition stretches back to the early Christian church and it recognises the importance of having ministers who can, through the way they conduct their lives, point others to the love and fellowship of Jesus.
Those ordained have all felt a strong call to offer themselves to God’s service. This call has been examined and tested and the ordinands have then undergone rigorous education in biblical and theological studies as well as the practicalities of being a minister in today’s church of England.
Nine of those who were ordained are seeking to work as full time (stipendiary) ministers. Traditionally this will involve them becoming parish priests but some opt to pursue other vocations – for example in youth ministry. Another six ordinands are offering themselves as non-stipendary or volunteer ministers who will serve in the parishes they currently live. The remaining four are Ordained Local Ministers who work as part of a specific team in their own church setting.
Having 19 ordinands is particularly pleasing for the Diocese of Liverpool who are preparing to mark Bishop James ten year anniversary as their Bishop with a focus on vocations.
Bishop James said “the church depends on good leadership. These 19 new Deacons will play a key role in learning how to lead the church at a local parish level.”
David Parry, the Diocese Director of Ordinands said “I am delighted that the Bishop of Liverpool is able to ordain so many candidates today. It has been a privilege to watch as these Christians grow and develop in their ministry and I pray that they continue to prosper through becoming ordained Deacon”
