“Tonight this Church of St Michael, Paris, in the Diocese of Europe becomes part of the Diocese of Wellington.” 

This declaration from Suffragen Bishop David Hamid was part of the welcome to Bishop Tom and set the scene for the ordination of Paul McIntosh as Deacon. Bishop Tom responded, “This occasion puts body around the expression the Anglican Communion”.

Many acclaimed the New Zealand Prayer Book service as buoyant, historic and personal, and it contained a mix of hymns and new songs, young readers and preacher. The Rev Dr Andrew Emerton, Assistant Dean of St Mellitus College and Paul’s personal tutor, preached the sermon reflecting on service and leadership in the church today.

Paul, who is a former director of Youth Alpha NZ, was presented by his spiritual director, Sonia Taylor, and Rev Philip Mountstephen, chaplain of St Michael’s Church, where Paul has been serving as part of his training.

Following the laying on of hands, Paul’s father-in-law, Archdeacon Dr Raymond Muller, vested him in his red New Zealand-made stole.

Together with seven clergy based in France, Rev Francis and Rev Barbara Noordanus, two New Zealanders from Wellington Diocese and now in the Netherlands, came specially to support the ordination.

While living in Paris with his wife Catherine (a diplomat at the NZ Embassy), Paul has been studying at St Mellitus College in London, England’s newest theological college headed by the Dean, Dr Graham Tomlin.

Paul will graduate in July with BA (Hons) in Contextual Theology. The graduation ceremony will take place in Chelmsford Cathedral in July.

Paul will be licensed to St Mark’s, Versailles before returning to the Diocese of Wellington in January to serve his formal title.