Candidate Statements

Whether it is safeguarding, creation care, clergy wellbeing, or building management, everything we do needs to be rooted in love for God and for one another.

About me: I am 25 and work full time as a youth minister.

I have attended Anglican churches for my whole life, taking in a range of churchmanship along the way as well as serving in many areas of church life from refreshments to tech teams to bellringing to children and youth ministry and others in between.

I have attended Anglican churches for my whole life, taking in a range of churchmanship along the way as well as serving in many areas of church life from refreshments to tech teams to bellringing to children and youth ministry and others in between.

Children and young people: The Church of England has set itself big targets around under 18s and those who work with them.

If we are serious about doubling the number of children and young people and seeing thousands of new CYPF ministers, we have to listen to those we already have and do our best to engage with those yet to join us.

In particular, work around safeguarding is likely to again be key to the next Synod.

For the last two years I have served as Growing Mission Strategic Lead for Durham Diocese and CEO of Communities Together Durham.

As Growing Mission Strategic Lead I work with churches in moments of change, particularly through vacancy and with our Interim Change Ministers.

In each and every generation we are called to proclaim afresh the good news of Jesus.

Finally, I would work to see the structures of the church align with the mission.

Structures of the church often feel like they work against the natural mission of the local church to love, serve and reach the community around them.

Governance and administration must work to make this possible, to free up clergy, PCCs and others for mission and ministry.

I have served all of my ordained ministry in Durham Diocese, initially as a Curate at Alive Church Gateshead where I focussed on developing work with refugees and helping people explore faith.

I lead on the challenging poverty priority for Durham Diocese and long to see churches meeting the deep needs of their community.

My background was in the countryside of small town Scotland.

Alongside these roles I have ongoing self-supporting ministry in Alive Church and Gateshead Deanery.

As Growing Mission Strategic Lead I work with churches in moments of change, particularly through vacancy and with our Interim Change Ministers.

This sums up what I did before ordination, in Curacy and in my current roles.

However, the sense of God calling me to more did not go away and I ended up moving to the North East to train for ordination at Cranmer Hall.

The national church, dioceses and deaneries are important structures, but they are ultimately structures that should serve the local church.

The national church, dioceses and deaneries are important structures, but they are ultimately structures that should serve the local church.

Governance and administration must work to make this possible, to free up clergy, PCCs and others for mission and ministry.

This sums up what I did before ordination, in Curacy and in my current roles.

A joy of my roles is spending time listening to clergy, lay leaders and deaneries.

It is both a privilege and a responsibility to serve the Church at such a level, and I believe God is calling me to offer my gifts, experience, and heart for His mission in this way.

As an ALM, I am involved in mission with the local community of all ages, endeavouring to be the link between the local neighbourhood and the Church.

Through these experiences, I have seen both the joys and the challenges our Church faces: the struggle to regain and increase attendance after the Covid pandemic, particularly amongst the young, the need to recognise and act upon the many ways we can outreach to our local communities, and the call to be the natural pastoral home for our neighbourhood.

If elected, I would keep the heart of the Gospel in all my deliberations and decision- making, encourage local parishes in mission and outreach ensuring resources are used wisely and effectively.

If elected, I would keep the heart of the Gospel in all my deliberations and decision- making, encourage local parishes in mission and outreach ensuring resources are used wisely and effectively.

If elected, I would keep the heart of the Gospel in all my deliberations and decision- making, encourage local parishes in mission and outreach ensuring resources are used wisely and effectively.

Whilst working collaboratively with clergy, I would hope to champion the voice of the laity and the wider community to so that the Church remains a credible, compassionate and bold witness in society.

If you entrust me with your vote, I will serve with integrity, humility, and a steadfast commitment to Christ and His mission.

This is a very full commitment and includes supporting the clergy, leading Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer, regular Services of the Word in Care Homes, Home Communion Coordinator, PCC and Standing Committee, Altar Server, Diocesan Synod and Deanery Synod representative, House Group and Prayer Group Leader.

I believe the General Synod must always make decisions that are scripture-led and inspired prayerfully by the Holy Spirit with the love of Christ being at the heart of all we do, without which there will be no unity.

Over the years, I have been blessed to serve the Church of England in various parishes and dioceses — from starting out as a Sunday School Superintendent and PCC/Standing Committee member to progressing now to working as an Authorised Lay Minister (Preaching and Worship/Liturgy) for St Mary the Virgin Church in Felpham, West Sussex.

Over the years, I have been blessed to serve the Church of England in various parishes and dioceses — from starting out as a Sunday School Superintendent and PCC/Standing Committee member to progressing now to working as an Authorised Lay Minister (Preaching and Worship/Liturgy) for St Mary the Virgin Church in Felpham, West Sussex.

Over the years, I have been blessed to serve the Church of England in various parishes and dioceses — from starting out as a Sunday School Superintendent and PCC/Standing Committee member to progressing now to working as an Authorised Lay Minister (Preaching and Worship/Liturgy) for St Mary the Virgin Church in Felpham, West Sussex.

This is a very full commitment and includes supporting the clergy, leading Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer, regular Services of the Word in Care Homes, Home Communion Coordinator, PCC and Standing Committee, Altar Server, Diocesan Synod and Deanery Synod representative, House Group and Prayer Group Leader.

I have led a varied working life including as a Secondary School teacher and running small businesses which has given me valuable insight into the secular society.

Over the years, I have been blessed to serve the Church of England in various parishes and dioceses — from starting out as a Sunday School Superintendent and PCC/Standing Committee member to progressing now to working as an Authorised Lay Minister (Preaching and Worship/Liturgy) for St Mary the Virgin Church in Felpham, West Sussex.

During this time, I have been especially passionate about supporting working-class vocations, promoting racial justice and inclusion, and advocating for the Church's discernment through Living in Love and Faith.

If you vote for me I promise to ❖ Advocate for a church where everyone can flourish, ❖ Be committed to a church in which people of every ethnicity, gender, disability, social background and sexuality know they are valued, welcomed and able to contribute fully to the life of the church. ❖ Value the breadth of the Church of England and seek to hear all voices and engage respectfully with those whose convictions differ from my own. ❖ Seek to ensure that the General Synod is led by the Holy Spirit and that it continues to ensure that mission and evangelism are at the centre of its agenda. ❖ Take seriously all issues facing the future of the church and seek to support colleagues both nationally and locally at General Synod, diocese and deanery. ❖ Pray that the Church of England will have the eyes to see Jesus in every person ensuring that every voice is heard so that together we may encourage one another and build one another up in love. ❖ Help build a church that actively identifies, nurtures and supports vocation wherever it is found, ensuring that future generations of leaders more closely reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. ❖ Be committed to careful listening and a desire to work constructively across differences. ❖ Represent our diocese faithfully, communicate openly, and approach the responsibilities of Synod prayerfully and diligently.

I love the Church of England and believe deeply in its calling to proclaim the Gospel and serve every community.

If you vote for me I promise to ❖ Advocate for a church where everyone can flourish, ❖ Be committed to a church in which people of every ethnicity, gender, disability, social background and sexuality know they are valued, welcomed and able to contribute fully to the life of the church. ❖ Value the breadth of the Church of England and seek to hear all voices and engage respectfully with those whose convictions differ from my own. ❖ Seek to ensure that the General Synod is led by the Holy Spirit and that it continues to ensure that mission and evangelism are at the centre of its agenda. ❖ Take seriously all issues facing the future of the church and seek to support colleagues both nationally and locally at General Synod, diocese and deanery. ❖ Pray that the Church of England will have the eyes to see Jesus in every person ensuring that every voice is heard so that together we may encourage one another and build one another up in love. ❖ Help build a church that actively identifies, nurtures and supports vocation wherever it is found, ensuring that future generations of leaders more closely reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. ❖ Be committed to careful listening and a desire to work constructively across differences. ❖ Represent our diocese faithfully, communicate openly, and approach the responsibilities of Synod prayerfully and diligently.

If you vote for me I promise to ❖ Advocate for a church where everyone can flourish, ❖ Be committed to a church in which people of every ethnicity, gender, disability, social background and sexuality know they are valued, welcomed and able to contribute fully to the life of the church. ❖ Value the breadth of the Church of England and seek to hear all voices and engage respectfully with those whose convictions differ from my own. ❖ Seek to ensure that the General Synod is led by the Holy Spirit and that it continues to ensure that mission and evangelism are at the centre of its agenda. ❖ Take seriously all issues facing the future of the church and seek to support colleagues both nationally and locally at General Synod, diocese and deanery. ❖ Pray that the Church of England will have the eyes to see Jesus in every person ensuring that every voice is heard so that together we may encourage one another and build one another up in love. ❖ Help build a church that actively identifies, nurtures and supports vocation wherever it is found, ensuring that future generations of leaders more closely reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. ❖ Be committed to careful listening and a desire to work constructively across differences. ❖ Represent our diocese faithfully, communicate openly, and approach the responsibilities of Synod prayerfully and diligently.

During this time, I have been especially passionate about supporting working-class vocations, promoting racial justice and inclusion, and advocating for the Church's discernment through Living in Love and Faith.

I have also served as one of the panel of chairs for General Synod, and I am a Benedictine oblate, experiences which reflect my commitment to prayer, discernment and service across the wider Church.

I have also served as one of the panel of chairs for General Synod, and I am a Benedictine oblate, experiences which reflect my commitment to prayer, discernment and service across the wider Church.

As a member of Lichfield Diocese Racial Justice and Inclusion Task group and board member of the West Midlands Regional Racial Justice Initiative, I am passionate that the gifts and talents of all UK Minority Ethnic/Global Majority Heritage people might be fully recognised within the Church of England.

As a member of Lichfield Diocese Racial Justice and Inclusion Task group and board member of the West Midlands Regional Racial Justice Initiative, I am passionate that the gifts and talents of all UK Minority Ethnic/Global Majority Heritage people might be fully recognised within the Church of England.

As a member of Lichfield Diocese Racial Justice and Inclusion Task group and board member of the West Midlands Regional Racial Justice Initiative, I am passionate that the gifts and talents of all UK Minority Ethnic/Global Majority Heritage people might be fully recognised within the Church of England.

As a member of Lichfield Diocese Racial Justice and Inclusion Task group and board member of the West Midlands Regional Racial Justice Initiative, I am passionate that the gifts and talents of all UK Minority Ethnic/Global Majority Heritage people might be fully recognised within the Church of England.

During this time, I have been especially passionate about supporting working-class vocations, promoting racial justice and inclusion, and advocating for the Church's discernment through Living in Love and Faith.

During this time, I have been especially passionate about supporting working-class vocations, promoting racial justice and inclusion, and advocating for the Church's discernment through Living in Love and Faith.

During this time, I have been especially passionate about supporting working-class vocations, promoting racial justice and inclusion, and advocating for the Church's discernment through Living in Love and Faith.

My vocation has taken me from a working-class upbringing in the West Midlands to ordained ministry, and now to serving as a Bishop's Chaplain.

If you vote for me I promise to ❖ Advocate for a church where everyone can flourish, ❖ Be committed to a church in which people of every ethnicity, gender, disability, social background and sexuality know they are valued, welcomed and able to contribute fully to the life of the church. ❖ Value the breadth of the Church of England and seek to hear all voices and engage respectfully with those whose convictions differ from my own. ❖ Seek to ensure that the General Synod is led by the Holy Spirit and that it continues to ensure that mission and evangelism are at the centre of its agenda. ❖ Take seriously all issues facing the future of the church and seek to support colleagues both nationally and locally at General Synod, diocese and deanery. ❖ Pray that the Church of England will have the eyes to see Jesus in every person ensuring that every voice is heard so that together we may encourage one another and build one another up in love. ❖ Help build a church that actively identifies, nurtures and supports vocation wherever it is found, ensuring that future generations of leaders more closely reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. ❖ Be committed to careful listening and a desire to work constructively across differences. ❖ Represent our diocese faithfully, communicate openly, and approach the responsibilities of Synod prayerfully and diligently.

As a working- class, dual-heritage woman in ordained ministry, I am grateful for those who encouraged and supported my vocation.

During this time, I have been especially passionate about supporting working-class vocations, promoting racial justice and inclusion, and advocating for the Church's discernment through Living in Love and Faith.

As a Bishop’s Chaplain, associate priest of Lichfield Cathedral and member of the Diocesan Board of Education, I am committed to the Diocese of Lichfield and its flourishing.

Before ordination, I worked for 25 years as a Chartered Physiotherapist, serving people from a wide range of backgrounds and developing skills in listening, advocacy, collaboration, and compassionate care.

During this time, I have been especially passionate about supporting working-class vocations, promoting racial justice and inclusion, and advocating for the Church's discernment through Living in Love and Faith.

Member of LLF Working Groups 2024-

The next Synod will have to further address the divisive issues of human sexuality.

The next Synod will have to further address the divisive issues of human sexuality.

I served on the Living in Love and Faith (LLF) Working Groups.

I served on the Living in Love and Faith (LLF) Working Groups.

I have and will support moves to enable same sex couples to marry in our churches, and to allow clergy to marry same sex partners.

I have and will support moves to enable same sex couples to marry in our churches, and to allow clergy to marry same sex partners.

I have already spoken in three LLF debates, and pray we can find a way forward which enables all, of whatever view, to flourish in our church.

Safeguarding and trust are two more areas troubling our church.

I have engaged with safeguarding debates and concerns at national, diocesan and local church levels.

I’m so grateful to God for Matthew’s safe arrival, and more aware than ever of the need to build a strong church for the future – so my grandson and his generation can hear and live the Good News of Jesus Christ.

The focus is always to support the mission in the front line, in local parishes, and the work is undergirded by vital prayer.

I see and appreciate the glorious diversity of the Church of England, the strength of the parochial system and the opportunity it provides people to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ.

The focus is always to support the mission in the front line, in local parishes, and the work is undergirded by vital prayer.

My daughters mean I benefit from their insights of their generation, and now, I am also seeing the issues confronting young families – for example the cost of housing and working on short- term contracts.

Nominators: Sir Hector Sants (Chair: Oxford Diocesan Board of Finance, Wycombe Deanery) John Sykes (Chair: Oxford Diocese House of Laity, Windsor and Maidenhead Deanery)

Nominators: Sir Hector Sants (Chair: Oxford Diocesan Board of Finance, Wycombe Deanery) John Sykes (Chair: Oxford Diocese House of Laity, Windsor and Maidenhead Deanery)

Member of Archbishops’ Council

Member of Archbishops’ Council

Finance Committee 2016 - 2026 

for the last five years I have been Vice-Chair of Oxford Diocesan Board of Finance, working with Sir Hector Sants and John Sykes, who are supporting my nomination to stand for re- election to General Synod.

for the last five years I have been Vice-Chair of Oxford Diocesan Board of Finance, working with Sir Hector Sants and John Sykes, who are supporting my nomination to stand for re- election to General Synod.

In this period PGS has moved from only being available in some dioceses to being funded by the Church Commissioners and available to every parish – and PGS is now accessible online.

In this period PGS has moved from only being available in some dioceses to being funded by the Church Commissioners and available to every parish – and PGS is now accessible online.

I am therefore pleased to serve on the Archbishops’ Council Investment Committee which makes social investments, in enterprises which align with Christian values and seek to alleviate need for those in most difficulty.

I am therefore pleased to serve on the Archbishops’ Council Investment Committee which makes social investments, in enterprises which align with Christian values and seek to alleviate need for those in most difficulty.

I am standing for a Church of England that puts mission at the centre of its ministry; that truly welcomes and make space for all; that fulfils its vision of being a church for all of the people of England; that does as much as possible to support and resource churches and priests on the ground; that embraces listening in diversity and seeks unity even where there is disagreement.

I am currently Head of Impact for an international mission charity and have 9 years of experience working in roles in impact measurement and donor & financial analysis in the Christian charitable sector.

I am privileged to have a vicarage-eye view of the joys and challenges of parish ministry.

Whilst my natural style of worship tends towards the liturgical, I have since been shaped and encouraged by a variety of churches of different styles and contexts, from an estate church in Bristol via St Mary’s, Saffron Walden & HTB to a varied benefice near Braintree, where my wife is a vicar.

Whilst my natural style of worship tends towards the liturgical, I have since been shaped and encouraged by a variety of churches of different styles and contexts, from an estate church in Bristol via St Mary’s, Saffron Walden & HTB to a varied benefice near Braintree, where my wife is a vicar.

I am involved in running Alpha in the benefice and co-lead the Course in Christian Studies in the area.

I have experienced and been blessed by the breadth of the Church of England and currently worship across a three-church benefice near Braintree, one of which is a Local Ecumenical Partnership.

I have experienced and been blessed by the breadth of the Church of England and currently worship across a three-church benefice near Braintree, one of which is a Local Ecumenical Partnership.

Through inclusion of and "equality for all people, regardless of disability,​ ​economic power, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, learning disability, mental​ ​health, neurodiversity, or sexuality” (Together for the Church of England)​ ​“Thy kingdom come”.

Through inclusion of and "equality for all people, regardless of disability,​ ​economic power, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, learning disability, mental​ ​health, neurodiversity, or sexuality” (Together for the Church of England)​ ​“Thy kingdom come”.

Through safeguarding one another​ ​Part of truly loving one another is safeguarding, and, consequently, this should be one of the​ ​highest priorities in the Church.​ ​All must be welcome and all must be safe in Church.