FOUR men and seven women joined the team of clergy in Brent, Harrow, Ealing and Hillingdon after being ordained as deacons this week.

They were among 49 to be ordained from across the Diocese of London, from diverse backgrounds, including advertising, youth work and even the Australian rugby sevens team.

This year’s intake of deacons has increased by a third, compared to 2018.

The office is often a step on the path towards priesthood and follows two to three years of training.

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They will be working in churches across London, serving their communities and undertaking public worship, teaching and pastoral work.

Among the newcomers is Julia Jagannath, who will be based at Oak Tree Anglican Fellowship.

She said: “I hope I can be a visible and approachable presence in the area.”

Julia worked in local government for 30 years and is married with three children.

Her fellowship is a non-traditional church in an old fire station building.