We’re delighted to announce that Jacqueline Gray will be licensed as Associate Curate in the Upper Tooting Benefice (to serve St Augustine’s Church and our sister church, Holy Trinity) following her ordination to the diaconate in June.
Jacqueline was born in South London to Windrush generation parents and raised in a Christian household. Her father served as a minister. She is currently an ordinand at St Augustine’s College, studying for a Master’s in Theology, Ministry and Mission.
Jacqueline brings extensive professional experience across a range of sectors, including local government, education, healthcare, the private sector, and the charity sector. Her background in project and change management equips her to lead initiatives effectively, with a focus on collaboration, delivery, and impact.
Her theological formation is shaped by a broad and integrated perspective. She has trained within both ecumenical and Church of England contexts, came to faith in a Baptist church, and grew up within a Pentecostal tradition. She now finds her home in the Church of England and values the richness of these experiences in shaping her ministry and identity. Her humbling privilege was a placement at Southwark Cathedral where she was afforded the privilege to Deacon at Choral Mass and preach at Evensong.
Jacqueline has been actively involved in prison ministry and hospital chaplaincy. Prior to ordination training, she served as a chaplain within a social enterprise supporting women facing multiple forms of marginalisation. The organisation received the Queen’s award for enterprise in 2021.
Outside ministry, Jacqueline enjoys travelling and is aiming to visit 50 countries; she is currently at 45. She is also an enthusiastic armchair sports fan, with a particular interest in tennis, athletics, cricket, and football. She supports Arsenal and has even been known to camp overnight for tickets to Wimbledon.
