The Reverend Elizabeth December-Lovell, Deacon

I have been part of the Anglican Church my entire life. My parents and grandparents were deeply involved in church life, and my father’s love for both the church and the wider community greatly influenced my own journey. From a very young age, I was active in parish life, and I have remained committed to faith and community service throughout my life. My journey as a Christian and servant leader reflects a lifelong dedication to spiritual growth, learning, and compassionate outreach.

Before my ordination, I served the Church in a variety of lay ministries, including children’s ministry, Christian education, the Diocesan Finance Committee, Cathedral Arts, and parish leadership roles such as Warden and Chair of Christian Education. I am also actively involved in the Ottawa Anglican Cursillo Community, a community that has played a significant role in deepening my spiritual life.

I was ordained a Deacon in November 2015 and have served at Julian of Norwich Anglican Church since that time. Over the years, I have been a member of Christ Church Cathedral, St. Michael and All Angels Anglican Church, and now Julian of Norwich Anglican Church following the amalgamation of St. Michael and All Angels Anglican Church with St. Richard’s Anglican Church.

As a Deacon, I understand my ministry as a sacred bridge between the Church and the wider world. I strive to interpret “the needs, concerns, and hopes of the world to the Church,” and to live out the truth that in serving those in need, we serve Christ—as expressed in the Book of Common Prayer (p. 543).

Born in Guyana, South America, I have also lived in Montreal and Toronto before making Ottawa my home. I retired from the Bank of Canada in 2014 after 25 years of service, having spent most of my career in the banking industry, with a brief period in teaching.

I am an active volunteer and community advocate in Ottawa. I have chaired or served on several not‑for‑profit boards, including the Black Canadian Scholarship Fund, the Guyana Ottawa Cultural Association, and the Queensway Carleton Hospital Pastoral Care Board.

I consider myself a lifelong learner with a deep commitment to both community service and faith formation. I hold a Public Administration degree and a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from the University of Ottawa, and I have completed substantial coursework toward a Master of Divinity, reflecting my ongoing dedication to theological education. I am a Certified Associate (AICB) and Fellow (FICB) of the Institute of Canadian Bankers, and I have completed the four‑year Education for Ministry program along with additional studies in spiritual deepening.

I am married to Malcolm Lovell, my friend and companion on the journey for over forty years. We are blessed with two daughters, Amanda and Vanessa, and two granddaughters, Alya and Xaria. We also share our home with my 104‑year‑old mother, Gladys.

I look forward to continuing this journey of faith—serving with compassion, joy, and gratitude for God’s abundant grace.