Mina Smallman: Faith, Tragedy, and the Power of Resilience

Introduction

Mina Smallman is a name that symbolizes courage, compassion, and transformation. A British retired Anglican priest and former school teacher, she broke barriers as the first woman of Black or minority-ethnic heritage to become an Archdeacon in the Church of England. Her life represents a blend of devotion, discipline, and deep emotional strength. Yet, it is her response to unimaginable personal tragedy that turned her into a national symbol of hope and justice.

Through her decades of teaching, ministry, and advocacy, Mina Smallman has shown how faith can become a guiding force in the face of adversity. Her story reminds the world that even amid loss, forgiveness and reform can coexist — proving that spiritual strength can lead to social change.

Quick Bio

• Full Name: Wilhelmina Tokcumboh “Mina” Smallman

• Date of Birth: 29 October 1956

• Birth Place: Middlesex, England, United Kingdom

• Nationality: British

• Ethnicity: Mixed heritage – Nigerian father, Scottish mother

• Religion: Anglican Christian

• Profession: British retired Anglican priest and former school teacher

• Education: Bachelor of Education (1988), Middlesex University

• Ministerial Training: North Thames Ministerial Training Course

• Husband: Christopher Smallman

• Children: Bibaa Henry, Nicole Smallman, Monique Smallman

• Notable Title: First woman of colour Archdeacon in the Church of England

• Book: A Better Tomorrow: Life Lessons in Hope and Strength (2024–25)

• Recognition: BBC 100 Women (2021)

• Advocacy Focus: Women’s safety, racial equality, police reform

• Legacy: A national symbol of faith, justice, and resilience

Early Life and Education

Mina Smallman was born in Middlesex, England, in 1956, into a mixed-race family with a Nigerian father and Scottish mother. Growing up in a multicultural household in post-war Britain, she experienced both the richness of diversity and the reality of social bias. These early experiences shaped her understanding of empathy, justice, and faith.

Her academic path reflected her creative and spiritual interests. Mina studied Drama, English, and Voice, later earning a Bachelor of Education in 1988. She pursued Contextual Theology at Middlesex University and received ministerial training from the North Thames Ministerial Training Course. This combination of arts and theology gave her a balanced perspective on communication, faith, and community development.

Teaching Career: Educating with Purpose

Before her calling to the church, Mina Smallman devoted nearly fifteen years to education. As a dedicated British school teacher, she inspired hundreds of students through drama and language studies. She believed that education was more than information—it was transformation.

Her classroom became a place of empowerment where creativity met discipline. Mina taught her pupils not only academic lessons but also moral values, kindness, and confidence. Her years as an educator built the foundation for her later work in spiritual leadership, giving her a deep understanding of people, diversity, and human potential.

Religious Journey: Breaking Barriers in the Church of England

After years of teaching, Mina Smallman followed her spiritual calling and entered ministry. She was ordained as a deacon in 2006 and as a priest in 2007. Her early pastoral work included serving in parishes across Harrow, Stanmore, and Barking. Her leadership, humility, and clarity of faith soon earned her recognition within the Church of England.

In 2013, Mina achieved a historic milestone by becoming the Archdeacon of Southend in the Diocese of Chelmsford. This appointment made her the first woman of Black or minority-ethnic heritage to hold such a senior position in the Church of England. Her tenure as archdeacon was defined by inclusivity, mentorship, and a strong commitment to representation. Mina encouraged young women and minority communities to believe that faith leadership could belong to everyone.

Personal Life: Love, Family, and Faith

Mina married Christopher Smallman in 1992, and together they raised three daughters: Bibaa, Nicole, and Monique. Family has always been at the heart of Mina’s life. Despite her demanding roles in education and ministry, she remained a devoted mother and wife, grounded in her faith and moral purpose.

Her daughters shared her compassionate spirit and creativity, often accompanying her in community events. Mina’s home life was a reflection of the same principles she practiced in her professional world—love, equality, and resilience.

Tragedy and Transformation: Turning Pain into Purpose

In June 2020, Mina Smallman’s life took a devastating turn when two of her daughters, Bibaa Henry and Nicole Smallman, were murdered in London. The tragedy shocked the nation. Yet, what followed made Mina’s story even more remarkable.

Instead of succumbing to anger or despair, she channeled her pain into activism. Mina became a strong advocate for women’s safety, police reform, and racial equality. She spoke out against institutional failures within the Metropolitan Police, demanding respect, accountability, and reform. Her calm yet courageous voice resonated across Britain, earning her widespread admiration for her dignity and strength.

Author and Advocate: Spreading Hope through Words

In 2024–25, Mina Smallman published her memoir, A Better Tomorrow: Life Lessons in Hope and Strength. The book offers deep reflections on grief, forgiveness, and healing. Through it, she invites readers to rediscover faith and compassion even in moments of unbearable loss.

Beyond writing, Mina has been featured in documentaries, church conferences, and public speaking events. Her story has touched thousands who see in her a symbol of strength born from sorrow. Recognized in BBC’s 100 Women of 2021, Mina continues to inspire as both a preacher and reformer.

Legacy and Impact

Mina Smallman’s legacy extends far beyond her titles. She transformed the Church of England’s image by representing diversity at the highest clerical level. She educated and mentored countless individuals, leaving behind a culture of inclusion and moral courage.

Her advocacy for justice and equality has reshaped national discussions about women’s safety, race, and institutional accountability. Mina’s legacy lies in her ability to balance forgiveness with reform — proving that empathy can coexist with the demand for justice.

Conclusion

Mina Smallman’s life is a testament to the extraordinary resilience of the human spirit. From the classroom to the church pulpit, from tragedy to transformation, she has lived a journey defined by strength, humility, and love.

Her story is both heartbreaking and uplifting—a vivid reminder that faith can illuminate even the darkest chapters of life. As a British retired Anglican priest and former school teacher, Mina continues to stand as a beacon of hope, using her voice to build a more compassionate and accountable world.

FAQs

Q1: Who is Mina Smallman?
Mina Smallman is a British retired Anglican priest and former school teacher, best known as the first woman of colour to become an Archdeacon in the Church of England.

Q2: What made her story known globally?
She became widely known after the tragic murder of her two daughters in 2020 and her subsequent advocacy for justice and police reform.

Q3: What book has Mina Smallman written?
Her memoir, A Better Tomorrow: Life Lessons in Hope and Strength, was published in 2024–25.

Q4: What causes does she support?
Mina advocates for women’s safety, racial equality, and faith-based community support.

Q5: What is Mina Smallman’s lasting legacy?
Her legacy lies in breaking racial and gender barriers in the Church and transforming personal grief into a movement for hope and justice.

Bllog