The first black woman to become a deacon in the Church of England is fighting to keep her parish open.
The Reverend Yvonne Clarke became a deacon in 1987 and was among the first women ordained as a priest in 1994.
Her south London parish of All Saints Shirley, in Southwark Diocese, which is also her home, is earmarked to close under plans to reduce financial pressures.
The diocese said it had not come to the decision “lightly”.
Ms Clarke said no-one had consulted with her about her future “in an appropriate way”.
“Instead, I have been informed about what will happen to me, that the changes will mean I lose my vocation and my home,” she said.
“It has been my mission to ensure that immigrants and children of immigrants to the area have been welcomed into the church.
“I work with the diverse community and I have brought a wider group of worshippers to the church.”
— Carib Intelligence (@Caribintelligen) March 9, 2021