Husband and wife become Church of England priests

A husband and wife from the same church are among nearly 30 people devoting their lives to serving communities right across Suffolk as they become Church of England priests and deacons within the county.

Liz and Peter Livey, both aged 61, were ordained as priests on Saturday 2 July at St Edmundsbury Cathedral in Bury St Edmunds among an intake of 13 priests and 13 deacons.

 Bury St Edmunds, Newmarket, Haverhill, Ipswich, Felixstowe, Wickham Market and Hartismere are among the communities represented by the newly appointed clergy.

Bishop Martin ordained the priests and said, "This group of men and women have been undergoing their preparation for this new ministry during the most trying of times, at the same time giving of themselves in service to those in need through the pandemic that has left it’s mark on our county. I know that these priests and deacons will engage with their communities, look out for those who have suffered and continue to suffer, and they will do their utmost to bring healing to individuals and communities."

The married  couple ordained are self-supporting ministers serving in Felixstowe. Liz works in a NHS surgery and Peter is employed in London as Managing Director (Great Britain) of a South Korean container shipping company.

They formed the Felixstowe Town Pastors in 2010 to look after those people who required help at night and, at Felixstowe Christ Church, they have a Manna Pop-Up Shop to provide food and other items. Some of the volunteers are Ukrainian. A livestream of their services has been particularly successful since the pandemic, attracting a global audience, and the couple are delighted that the church’s appeal has grown. 

The couple have been married for 40 years and their advice for any couple working together is to, ‘Respect each other’s space, enjoy good friends and family, laugh a lot, listen and talk, and have date nights.’ They also advocate the benefits of hobbies with Peter enjoying kayaking, cooking and reading, while Liz, a keen musician, is updating her British Sign Language.

 Bishop Mike ordained the deacons and he said, "The mix of ages and diversity among the candidates who have all contributed so much already to their churches and communities is a tribute to the Church’s ability to attract a wide range of people reflecting today’s modern society."

Bishop Martin ordained the following as priests during the service at St Edmundsbury Cathedral: 

The following were ordained as deacons by Bishop Mike:

Pictures: Keith Mindham Photography. 

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