Ordinations 2026- Meet the Deacons
Ordinations to the Diaconate will take place at 11am on Saturday, 27th June 2026 in Llandaff Cathedral.
Christoph Auckland
Where are you going to serve? Glamorgan Heritage Coast Ministry Area
One-sentence bio: Married to Sarah and father of two amazing boys, I have a background in community development and Bible mission, fuelled by a passion for liturgy, social justice, and helping communities flourish, with a love of board games, history, and an entirely healthy obsession with trains, all of which sits alongside a conviction that the Australian animated series Bluey has a surprising amount to teach us about God.
What’s your favourite Bible quote? I used to work for Bible Society, so this is an impossible question! There are so many passages that shape my theological imagination, such as Micah 6.8, but the one I keep coming back to is Hosea 11. The tender, parental language of God’s inextinguishable love for his people is profoundly moving and, for me, deeply formative.
Favourite hymn or worship song? Tough choice, but probably How Great Thou Art. I love the story of how Carl Boberg came to write it, and it was especially powerful at my brother’s funeral. Dyma Gariad Fel y Moroedd is a very close contender, and Firm Foundation is my favourite worship song.
Tell us something people might not guess about you. Everyone knows I love trains, but not many people know that I used to do battle re-enactments and enjoy both archery and sword fighting!
You can invite any three people (living or from history) to a dinner party—who's on your dream guest list? Oh gosh! I’d love an iconic fantasy author like Susanna Clarke, Tolkien or C.S. Lewis, but I’d probably choose the Rev’d W. Awdry, creator of Thomas the Tank Engine (I have so many questions for him). I’d also invite Fr Robert Dolling, a 19th-century priest I admire whose church I used to pass every day at university, and without a shadow of a doubt my mum, an utterly amazing person whom I miss very much.
One hope or prayer for your ministry? My prayer is that I grow in a ministry of faithful presence shaped by the Incarnation and Sacraments, learning to be alongside and serve people in the ordinary and the overlooked, the highs and the lows, trusting that in Christ, God is already present and at work there, so that people may come to know Jesus and how deeply they are loved.
Richard Grabham
Where are you going to serve? North Cardiff Ministry Area
One-sentence bio: After a long journey that has taken 30 years of discernment, I have finally arrived to step into the vocation God has called me to.
What’s your favourite Bible quote? There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.- Galatians 3:28
Favourite hymn or worship song? At The Name of Jesus
Tell us something people might not guess about you. I won a National Teacher of the year award for supporting young people in deprived areas to go to university.
You can invite any three people (living or from history) to a dinner party—who's on your dream guest list? Desmond Tutu, Dawn French and Robin Williams
One hope or prayer for your ministry?
My hope is that through my ministry people will know they are loved, valued and welcomed by God, especially those who may have once felt excluded or unseen by the church
Samantha Minett
Where are you going to serve? Pen-y-bont ar Ogwr Ministry Area
One-sentence bio: I am married to Darren, and we have 7 children and one grandson. I love going to the gym and working out in my spare time and equally reading lots!
What’s your favourite Bible quote? My favourite passage of scripture is too hard to choose just one, but my favourite books are Job, Ruth and Luke.
Favourite hymn or worship song? My favourite worship song at the moment is Made For More by Josh Baldwin but also Goodbye Temptation by Solomon Ray. But I also love a good Welsh hymn too.
Tell us something people might not guess about you. I can't really swim, but other than that I'm a fairly open book!
You can invite any three people (living or from history) to a dinner party—who's on your dream guest list? (Aside from Jesus, obviously!) Elvis, C.S Lewis and Arnold Schwarzenegger. The conversation would be very interesting!
One hope or prayer for your ministry? My hope and prayer for my ministry would be that it would be in line with what God wants for my family and those I serve, and that it would always be Jesus focused.
Craig Williams
Where are you going to serve? Roath and Cathays Ministry Area
One-sentence bio: From Llanelli, retired Assistant Headteacher, I love nature and cooking.
What’s your favourite Bible quote? "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13.
Favourite hymn or worship song? Jesus, Lover of My Soul
Tell us something people might not guess about you. I keep rare species of pheasant e.g.Golden, Lady Amherst, Silver and Swinhoe's pheasants.
You can invite any three people (living or from history) to a dinner party—who's on your dream guest list? The Apostle Paul, David Attenborough and Michelangelo.
One hope or prayer for your ministry? That I do God’s will.