Greetings in Christ! We are Angela and Edison, and we are delighted to be serving as curates across our five-parish benefice, with a special focus here at St Edmund and St Mary’s, Ingatestone, and St Mary the Virgin, Fryerning. We would like to introduce ourselves and thank you for the wonderfully warm welcome we have received.

On Sunday 13 September 2026, we were ordained as deacons at Chelmsford Cathedral by the Bishop of Chelmsford, the Rt Revd Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani. It was a deeply joyful and prayerful occasion as we made our promises before God and the Church. That evening, we joined the benefice for a welcome service at St Edmund and St Mary’s. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who supported us through their presence, prayers, and kind messages.

Originally from Tamil Nadu, India, our Christian roots are in the Church of South India. Our journey has brought us into the life of the Church of England, where we have continued to grow in faith and respond to God’s call to ministry. We trained at St Mellitus College in London, learning through theological study, prayer, and practical experience in parish life. We bring with us a love of worship, Scripture, and prayer, and a deep desire to share the hope of Christ with others.

We are a husband-and-wife team, sharing a curacy under the guidance of our Training Incumbent, the Revd Canon Lee Francis-Dehqani. While our ministry takes us across Ingatestone, Fryerning, Margaretting, Mountnessing, and Buttsbury, we are thrilled to be living at the vicarage in Ingatestone and getting to know the unique character, history, and people of both Ingatestone and Fryerning. As new curates, we are here both to serve and to learn.

For us, ministry begins with listening and building relationships. We hope to walk alongside people in the ordinary moments of life, as well as at times of celebration, change, and sorrow. We look forward to sharing in worship, supporting families, meeting people in our schools and villages, and caring for those who feel lonely or are going through difficult times. We want our churches to be places where people feel welcome and can explore faith, ask questions, and find true companionship.

Whether you have worshipped here for many years, have recently moved to the area, or are simply wondering about coming to church, we would love to meet you. Please do introduce yourself when you see us at a service or out and about in the community.

Thank you for welcoming us into the life of these parishes. Please keep us in your prayers as we begin this new chapter, just as we hold you in ours. We look forward to getting to know you and serving alongside you in the love of Christ.

With our prayers and every blessing,

Revd Angela and Revd Edison 

Curates, Ingatestone, Fryerning, Margaretting, Mountnessing, and Buttsbury