Candidate Statements

I carry a desire to help develop a spiritual programme for the Church of England, new liturgies, fresh expressions of prayer, and space for the prophetic movement to flourish within our Anglican tradition.

I carry a desire to help develop a spiritual programme for the Church of England, new liturgies, fresh expressions of prayer, and space for the prophetic movement to flourish within our Anglican tradition.

I want to strengthen pathways that help people discern God’s call, especially those from global-majority backgrounds and those who have never imagined themselves in leadership.

Diocese: Willesden Area, London Diocese House: Clergy Role: Vicar of All Hallows Church, North Greenford; ADO for the Willesden Area; Member of the Willesden Area Vocations Group A Vision Rooted in the Heart of God I am standing for General Synod because I believe the Church of England carries a profound gift for this nation: a church in every community, a light in every neighbourhood, a witness of Christ’s love that is present, rooted, and available to all.

My ministry journey has taken me from Careforce volunteer in Ayr, Scotland, to Lay Minister and Youth and Community Development Worker in Emmanuel church Southall, to curacy in rural Birmingham, to chaplaincy at City YMCA London and interfaith education in Southall.

Alongside parish ministry, I have served the wider Church through Church of England Committee for Minority and Ethnic Anglican Concerns (CMEAC), Youth Issues Working Group (YIWG), unconscious bias training, the Spark Fund Board, the Transforming Church Initiative, and the Diocese of London Vocations Strategy Group.

I currently serve as ADO, Ministry Bishop’s Adviser, and a member of the Willesden Area Vocations Group, mentoring and coaching those discerning God’s call.

Vocations & Lay Ministry

Diocese: Willesden Area, London Diocese House: Clergy Role: Vicar of All Hallows Church, North Greenford; ADO for the Willesden Area; Member of the Willesden Area Vocations Group A Vision Rooted in the Heart of God I am standing for General Synod because I believe the Church of England carries a profound gift for this nation: a church in every community, a light in every neighbourhood, a witness of Christ’s love that is present, rooted, and available to all.

My ministry began when I was 16, long before ordination.

My ministry journey has taken me from Careforce volunteer in Ayr, Scotland, to Lay Minister and Youth and Community Development Worker in Emmanuel church Southall, to curacy in rural Birmingham, to chaplaincy at City YMCA London and interfaith education in Southall.

Alongside parish ministry, I have served the wider Church through Church of England Committee for Minority and Ethnic Anglican Concerns (CMEAC), Youth Issues Working Group (YIWG), unconscious bias training, the Spark Fund Board, the Transforming Church Initiative, and the Diocese of London Vocations Strategy Group.

I currently serve as ADO, Ministry Bishop’s Adviser, and a member of the Willesden Area Vocations Group, mentoring and coaching those discerning God’s call.

Vocations & Lay Ministry

My ministry journey has taken me from Careforce volunteer in Ayr, Scotland, to Lay Minister and Youth and Community Development Worker in Emmanuel church Southall, to curacy in rural Birmingham, to chaplaincy at City YMCA London and interfaith education in Southall.

My youth worker said to me, “Everyone comes to you for advice—you’re doing pastoral care.” She encouraged me to preach my first Good Friday sermon, and something awakened in me: a sense that God was calling me to help people discover His voice and His purpose for their lives.

My youth worker said to me, “Everyone comes to you for advice—you’re doing pastoral care.” She encouraged me to preach my first Good Friday sermon, and something awakened in me: a sense that God was calling me to help people discover His voice and His purpose for their lives.

My ministry journey has taken me from Careforce volunteer in Ayr, Scotland, to Lay Minister and Youth and Community Development Worker in Emmanuel church Southall, to curacy in rural Birmingham, to chaplaincy at City YMCA London and interfaith education in Southall.

Alongside parish ministry, I have served the wider Church through Church of England Committee for Minority and Ethnic Anglican Concerns (CMEAC), Youth Issues Working Group (YIWG), unconscious bias training, the Spark Fund Board, the Transforming Church Initiative, and the Diocese of London Vocations Strategy Group.

LLF focussed on only one of a myriad of issues relating to sexuality and identity that confuse and harm our communities – more wisdom in applying our integrity, less seeking to change it.

LLF focussed on only one of a myriad of issues relating to sexuality and identity that confuse and harm our communities – more wisdom in applying our integrity, less seeking to change it.

However, my real reason for standing in this election is my passion for theology, ministry and mission, rather than politics.

I love the Church of England too much to let our party politics ultimately divide us or let short-term pragmatism divert us from our urgent call to bring the gospel to this generation.

So our urgent need is to strengthen the foundations of our Ministry and Mission to the nation, with a General Synod that more obviously works to enable the wider Church, and not unnecessarily to add to its burdens.

Outreach must be a greater priority.

With less than 1.3% of the English population worshipping with us on a usual Sunday and only 2.2% in worshipping communities, the need to pivot from maintenance to mission is critical – it must be on every agenda of Synod, House and College.

LLF focussed on only one of a myriad of issues relating to sexuality and identity that confuse and harm our communities – more wisdom in applying our integrity, less seeking to change it.

Ensuring the national church never loses sight of the gift of the mission of local ministry, is something I will repeatedly advocate for.

In the past I served as Chair of Clergy (3 terms), on Finance & Scrutiny, HR and Outreach committees.

I already have experience of General Synod membership, having been elected from 2005- 2023, and in particular by serving on the Diocese Commission (very briefly as its Vice-Chair) and Statistics Reference Panel (as good data is an honest aid to mission).

Convention, and through involvement in groups committed to training and discipleship, as a vice-president of CPAS, vice-chair of Church Society and on council of the Latimer Trust.

I have a track record of commitment to creative evangelism and mission, having, before my consecration, been one of the organisers of the ecumenical initiative, Festival Manchester, in 2022, which reached 65,000 people over four days, and sparked a range of on-going community outreach ministries.

I have a track record of commitment to creative evangelism and mission, having, before my consecration, been one of the organisers of the ecumenical initiative, Festival Manchester, in 2022, which reached 65,000 people over four days, and sparked a range of on-going community outreach ministries.

I have a track record of commitment to creative evangelism and mission, having, before my consecration, been one of the organisers of the ecumenical initiative, Festival Manchester, in 2022, which reached 65,000 people over four days, and sparked a range of on-going community outreach ministries.

It grieves me that the particular wisdom and passion for mission of the wider Communion is not better engaged with.

In areas of theological controversy, I will be unashamed to bring a reformed evangelical and complementarian voice to deliberations, but always rooted in upholding our One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church against those who would divide it.

Synod needs to become more about prayer, and less about politics, if we are to reflect God’s grace to our country!

The climate crisis, family breakdowns, mental health all remain areas where faith can effect positive change – enabling a culture of stewardship in these and finances is vital.

The crisis for Ministry vocations already engages most of us.

Part of that must be to revisit our support for the whole range of vocations, lay and ordained, in effective training, a renewed Diaconate, developing parish evangelists, and urgently expanding ministry to young people.

Standing for Election to the House of Bishops as a Southern Suffragan Bishop

While I am able now to speak in the House of Bishops, that has not enabled an evangelical complementarian episcopal voice to be heard in the wider General Synod.

I hope my contributions in the House and College of Bishops have given evidence of this.

The crisis for Ministry vocations already engages most of us.

Part of that must be to revisit our support for the whole range of vocations, lay and ordained, in effective training, a renewed Diaconate, developing parish evangelists, and urgently expanding ministry to young people.

The climate crisis, family breakdowns, mental health all remain areas where faith can effect positive change – enabling a culture of stewardship in these and finances is vital.

The climate crisis, family breakdowns, mental health all remain areas where faith can effect positive change – enabling a culture of stewardship in these and finances is vital.

Like many of us, I bring considerable knowledge of Dioceses.

In the past I served as Chair of Clergy (3 terms), on Finance & Scrutiny, HR and Outreach committees.

But in my present role I serve parishes in 32 of the 42 Dioceses, across both provinces, and so am uniquely placed to bring that wider perspective and shared learning into National Church deliberations.

I am committed to excellent theological education, having lectured for St Mellitus NW, chaired lay training initiatives like the Manchester

But in my present role I serve parishes in 32 of the 42 Dioceses, across both provinces, and so am uniquely placed to bring that wider perspective and shared learning into National Church deliberations.

I have a track record of commitment to creative evangelism and mission, having, before my consecration, been one of the organisers of the ecumenical initiative, Festival Manchester, in 2022, which reached 65,000 people over four days, and sparked a range of on-going community outreach ministries.

I also have real connections with the wider Anglican Communion, having been regularly invited to GAFCON and Communion Partners gatherings.

band-drumming atheist in my teens, I came to faith through a local parish church youth group; and I retain a passion for working more creatively to share the faith with those outside usual church circles.

band-drumming atheist in my teens, I came to faith through a local parish church youth group; and I retain a passion for working more creatively to share the faith with those outside usual church circles.

We have three adult children – a youth & families worker, a physiotherapist and a personal trainer – the latter has not rubbed off on me yet!

a secondary school, so have an active passion to be involved with young people & schools – with a skill in Bible-story telling via live painting.

Part of that must be to revisit our support for the whole range of vocations, lay and ordained, in effective training, a renewed Diaconate, developing parish evangelists, and urgently expanding ministry to young people.

It is also my joy, along with two other clergy colleagues, to lead Village Church which is an informal Manchester Diocese chaplaincy to the LGBTQIA+ community which meets for worship twice each month.

I am a huge supporter of the ‘Inclusive Church Network’ and am committed to their challenge of discrimination on the grounds of disability, economic power, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, learning disability, mental health, neuro diversity or sexuality.

I am a huge supporter of the ‘Inclusive Church Network’ and am committed to their challenge of discrimination on the grounds of disability, economic power, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, learning disability, mental health, neuro diversity or sexuality.

I wish to be part of a synod that has health and wellbeing (as well as safeguarding) as a core concern.

Seconder: Rev Dean Stott, Pioneer Curate, Shaw & Crompton and Thornham Mission Community

I am a huge supporter of the ‘Inclusive Church Network’ and am committed to their challenge of discrimination on the grounds of disability, economic power, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, learning disability, mental health, neuro diversity or sexuality.

I am a huge supporter of the ‘Inclusive Church Network’ and am committed to their challenge of discrimination on the grounds of disability, economic power, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, learning disability, mental health, neuro diversity or sexuality.

I am a huge supporter of the ‘Inclusive Church Network’ and am committed to their challenge of discrimination on the grounds of disability, economic power, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, learning disability, mental health, neuro diversity or sexuality.

Climate Justice – we have to be more active in global climate justice which starts with action

Supporting national and local initiatives working towards ‘net zero’ is an imperative and I will always support motions that move the church and our communities to be more proactive in this area.

Burnout is a real and present threat for many people which is a travesty on an individual level but also puts the future of the church at risk.

Proposer: Rev Michaila Roberts, Hulme Lecturer & Associate Vicar, Benefice of St Peter & St

After being supported to discern a call to ordination, in 2018 I began training part time with All Saints.

It is also my joy, along with two other clergy colleagues, to lead Village Church which is an informal Manchester Diocese chaplaincy to the LGBTQIA+ community which meets for worship twice each month.

active ministry with schools, young people and families; they are our future and thank God for it.

I wanted to use my experience of leadership, education, safeguarding, pastoral care, governance and financial oversight to serve our local church.

I have followed the work and debates of General Synod with interest over recent years, including the Church’s continuing work on safeguarding and the protection of vulnerable people, discussions around reparation, and the changes taking place within the structures of the Church to respond to the changing needs of our communities.

If elected, I would bring practical experience of: church leadership and governance; youth work and education (as a retired teacher); safeguarding and pastoral care; financial oversight and organisational management; working collaboratively with people from different backgrounds; and the particular perspective of the Diocese in Europe and its dispersed international communities.

Together, we have re-established regular prayer meetings and Bible study groups and have sought to strengthen both our worshipping life and our outreach to the wider community.

Our churches serve very different communities, often across considerable geographical distances, and face particular challenges as well as exciting opportunities for mission.

This experience has encouraged me to look beyond the needs of my own chaplaincy and to consider how we can support the wider Church of England and its mission.

For me, this is an important expression of Christian mission: finding practical ways to demonstrate God's love, stand alongside those who are struggling and make a positive difference in our communities.

Our experience may be different in some respects, but we share the same calling to worship Christ, serve our communities and proclaim the Gospel.

I would be honoured to serve on General Synod and to use my experience, faith and commitment to contribute positively to the life and mission of the Church of England.

Prayer and a desire to serve God and my local community have continued to guide me.

Together, we have re-established regular prayer meetings and Bible study groups and have sought to strengthen both our worshipping life and our outreach to the wider community.

These developments have been built on prayer, teamwork and a willingness among many people to share responsibility and serve together.

Through my own experience, and that of my wife, who works in social housing management, I have seen the importance of tackling poverty and inequality and of providing decent, affordable homes.

Through my own experience, and that of my wife, who works in social housing management, I have seen the importance of tackling poverty and inequality and of providing decent, affordable homes.

Through my own experience, and that of my wife, who works in social housing management, I have seen the importance of tackling poverty and inequality and of providing decent, affordable homes.

Through my own experience, and that of my wife, who works in social housing management, I have seen the importance of tackling poverty and inequality and of providing decent, affordable homes.

I have been encouraged to see the Church working through its housing initiatives and the Church Housing Association (CHA) to address these needs, including new developments such as the project in Birmingham.

My wife and I moved to France in 2017 and have worshipped at Eymet Temple, part of the Church of England’s Chaplaincy of Aquitaine in the Diocese in Europe.

I was elected Local Church Warden; I serve on the Church Council and represent Chaplaincy of Aquitaine on the Archdeaconry Synod of France.

This experience has encouraged me to look beyond the needs of my own chaplaincy and to consider how we can support the wider Church of England and its mission.

My journey of faith My journey of faith began in childhood, growing up in an active evangelical Baptist church on a council estate in Crawley, Sussex.

I was baptised as a child and became involved in Sunday School, the Boys’ Brigade and Christian Endeavour.

Through the Boys’ Brigade and other youth organisations, I developed as a Christian leader, working with young people and supporting them in their faith and personal development.

Through the Boys’ Brigade and other youth organisations, I developed as a Christian leader, working with young people and supporting them in their faith and personal development.

Wherever we have lived, I have sought to become actively involved in the life of the local church and wider community, including serving in church leadership and youth ministry.

Wherever we have lived, I have sought to become actively involved in the life of the local church and wider community, including serving in church leadership and youth ministry.