‘Who doesn’t like an adventure?’ - Nurse among 11 clergy to be ordained in Exeter

Eleven new members of clergy will be ordained at Exeter Cathedral this Saturday, 28 June, by the Bishop of Exeter, Rt Rev’d Dr Mike Harrison.

The group includes people from a variety of backgrounds, such as a former nurse, a village postmaster, and a professional sailor, all preparing to serve communities across Devon.

James Kingsley Moore, who trained as a nurse before pursuing ministry, said: “For me, there’s a mixture of nervousness when I think about the significance of what this day means, along with a deep sense of humility in my calling. I’ve certainly not managed to answer the ‘why me’ question just yet. However, there is also a huge feeling of excitement and expectation about what lies ahead as I begin to live and serve within my local community in a beautiful part of the county. Who doesn’t like an adventure!”

Suki Coe, recently relocated to Exeter with her family, added: “I am feeling very excited about my ordination, it feels like a big step in my ministry journey. Coming to serve in Exeter brings a new beginning for me and my family. We are looking forward to meeting people, getting to know the community at St David’s Church, where I will be curate, and exploring the city.”

This will be the first ordination service for Bishop Harrison since he took up the role last November.

The newly appointed Diocesan Director of Ordinands, Rev’d Dr Joel Love, said: “Deacons are ordained to be servants of God’s people in their worship and in their community. I am excited to see what God will do through these 11 followers of Jesus. They are responding to the same God who calls each of us to use the gifts we are given in the service of the world he has made. This is what we mean by vocations, which is one of our missional priorities in the Diocese of Exeter.”

Deacons 2025 – Names and parishes

The following will be ordained as deacons at Exeter Cathedral this Saturday, 28 June:

• Jonathan Phillip David Bealey – Newton Abbot

• Heidi Jayne Budden – Littleham cum Exmouth with Lympstone

• Bethany Grace Charman – Bay Church, Torbay

• Joshua James Chesworth – Benefice of Saint Matthew with Saint Sidwell, Exeter and the Benefice of Saint Andrew, Exwick

• Susanna Jane Coe – Saint David, Exeter

• Catherine Frances Harper – Georgeham

• Claire-Michele Hendy – Eggbuckland with Estover

• Toby Richard Humphreys – Holy Trinity, Exeter

• Steven Marc Kastner-Walmsley – Colyton, Branscombe, Musbury, Northleigh and Southleigh

• Fiona Ross Davidson Lang – Saint Pancras, Pennycross

• James Kingsley Moore – Fremington, Instow and Westleigh

The ordinands have been preparing for their new roles during a retreat in the week leading up to the service. After the ordination, they will begin their curacies across parishes throughout Devon.

The service starts at 3pm this Saturday at Exeter Cathedral.