Candidate Statements

I remain committed to the church’s outreach to young people, who are our future, and have served for over 25 years on Christian holiday camps for teenagers.

Previously, I led the software development team at the University of Durham, and worked at St John’s College on Christian Apologetics projects, focusing on Faith and Science and youth outreach.

I believe I can bring a valuable perspective to General Synod, as someone involved in youth ministry, in art and heritage, in marginalised communities and as a carer, as well as someone with experience of managing large and complex projects.

I believe I can bring a valuable perspective to General Synod, as someone involved in youth ministry, in art and heritage, in marginalised communities and as a carer, as well as someone with experience of managing large and complex projects.

A Church for All Generations Young people are the future of the church, and its survival depends on welcoming and including new generations, listening to them and encouraging them to shape what the church will become.

Commissioned as a Lay Pioneer in 2018 That has included founding Inclusive Church Peterborough, helping develop LGBT+ community groups, supporting a Community Fridge, Warm Hubs, Family Fun Days, mental health training days, outreach cafes, online services etc.

Rainwater harvesting on a Bush Clinic in Madagascar A Church for everyone I continue to believe passionately in a Church for everyone, regardless of gender, disability, ethnicity, socio-economic background, mental health, neurodiversity or sexuality.

I support women's ministry and equality for LGBT+ Christians at every level of the Church, including equal marriage, while recognising that faithful Christians hold different theological convictions.

I support women's ministry and equality for LGBT+ Christians at every level of the Church, including equal marriage, while recognising that faithful Christians hold different theological convictions.

I worship at St Mary's Church, Peterborough, where I serve as PCC Secretary, keeping me involved with governance, finance, buildings, safeguarding, mission, volunteers and community engagement.

That experience gave me a lasting commitment to the worldwide Church and to the connections between mission, poverty, sustainable development and care for creation - all relevant to General Synod. “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you.” ~ Romans 15:7 Five years of experience I jumped into Synod from the start, asking questions, proposing amendments, and speaking in debates on safeguarding, social care, Net Zero, neurodiversity, inclusion and Church governance.

I worship at St Mary's Church, Peterborough, where I serve as PCC Secretary, keeping me involved with governance, finance, buildings, safeguarding, mission, volunteers and community engagement.

"Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth." ~ 1 John 3:18 Mission, growth & public witness I want a living, faithful and growing Church that matters to its community: a place where people encounter God and grow in faith, but also find friendship, compassion, practical help and belonging.

"Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth." ~ 1 John 3:18 Mission, growth & public witness I want a living, faithful and growing Church that matters to its community: a place where people encounter God and grow in faith, but also find friendship, compassion, practical help and belonging.

Commissioned as a Lay Pioneer in 2018 That has included founding Inclusive Church Peterborough, helping develop LGBT+ community groups, supporting a Community Fridge, Warm Hubs, Family Fun Days, mental health training days, outreach cafes, online services etc.

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit.” ~ 1 Corinthians 12:4 As St Mary's representative on Churches Together in Central Peterborough, I organise the annual Good Friday Walk of Witness, bringing together Christians from over 40 churches in a public expression of our shared faith.

Peterborough Good Friday Walk of Witness

That experience gave me a lasting commitment to the worldwide Church and to the connections between mission, poverty, sustainable development and care for creation - all relevant to General Synod. “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you.” ~ Romans 15:7 Five years of experience I jumped into Synod from the start, asking questions, proposing amendments, and speaking in debates on safeguarding, social care, Net Zero, neurodiversity, inclusion and Church governance.

We need the courage to pioneer new ways of sharing the Gospel, building Christian community and serving our neighbours, while remaining faithful to Christ.

Above all, we must proclaim the Gospel afresh for each generation - not simply preserving an institution, but being a living Christian presence in every community.

Commissioned as a Lay Pioneer in 2018 That has included founding Inclusive Church Peterborough, helping develop LGBT+ community groups, supporting a Community Fridge, Warm Hubs, Family Fun Days, mental health training days, outreach cafes, online services etc.

2 Worldwide Church & creation care Before joining NHS 111, I spent twenty years building and running an international software engineering business.

I also spent seven years working in partnership with YWAM in Madagascar, supporting community enterprises and projects in education, health, agriculture and renewable energy.

That experience gave me a lasting commitment to the worldwide Church and to the connections between mission, poverty, sustainable development and care for creation - all relevant to General Synod. “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you.” ~ Romans 15:7 Five years of experience I jumped into Synod from the start, asking questions, proposing amendments, and speaking in debates on safeguarding, social care, Net Zero, neurodiversity, inclusion and Church governance.

That experience gave me a lasting commitment to the worldwide Church and to the connections between mission, poverty, sustainable development and care for creation - all relevant to General Synod. “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you.” ~ Romans 15:7 Five years of experience I jumped into Synod from the start, asking questions, proposing amendments, and speaking in debates on safeguarding, social care, Net Zero, neurodiversity, inclusion and Church governance.

That experience gave me a lasting commitment to the worldwide Church and to the connections between mission, poverty, sustainable development and care for creation - all relevant to General Synod. “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you.” ~ Romans 15:7 Five years of experience I jumped into Synod from the start, asking questions, proposing amendments, and speaking in debates on safeguarding, social care, Net Zero, neurodiversity, inclusion and Church governance.

Creation care was a priority when I stood in 2021.

Since then I have helped St Mary's achieve the A Rocha Eco Church Silver Award, and we are now going for Gold, with our renewable energy project.

National Net Zero ambitions only become reality when local churches have the practical knowledge, resources and funding to deliver them.

In an increasingly technological, individualised and divided world, the Church can offer belonging, hope, meaning and community; affirm the value of every person as made in God's image; speak for justice; care for creation; and model reconciliation across difference.

Rainwater harvesting on a Bush Clinic in Madagascar A Church for everyone I continue to believe passionately in a Church for everyone, regardless of gender, disability, ethnicity, socio-economic background, mental health, neurodiversity or sexuality.

Rainwater harvesting on a Bush Clinic in Madagascar A Church for everyone I continue to believe passionately in a Church for everyone, regardless of gender, disability, ethnicity, socio-economic background, mental health, neurodiversity or sexuality.

Rainwater harvesting on a Bush Clinic in Madagascar A Church for everyone I continue to believe passionately in a Church for everyone, regardless of gender, disability, ethnicity, socio-economic background, mental health, neurodiversity or sexuality.

I support women's ministry and equality for LGBT+ Christians at every level of the Church, including equal marriage, while recognising that faithful Christians hold different theological convictions.

Neurodiversity Speech at General Synod

Following Bishop Donald Allister's retirement, I was

one of seven people - and the only woman - on the Vacancy in See Committee producing the Statement of Needs describing Peterborough Diocese and what we needed from our next bishop, as part of the process leading to the appointment of Bishop Debbie Sellin.

I worship at St Mary's Church, Peterborough, where I serve as PCC Secretary, keeping me involved with governance, finance, buildings, safeguarding, mission, volunteers and community engagement.

I worship at St Mary's Church, Peterborough, where I serve as PCC Secretary, keeping me involved with governance, finance, buildings, safeguarding, mission, volunteers and community engagement.

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit.” ~ 1 Corinthians 12:4 As St Mary's representative on Churches Together in Central Peterborough, I organise the annual Good Friday Walk of Witness, bringing together Christians from over 40 churches in a public expression of our shared faith.

Human Sexuality/Marriage

Human Sexuality/Marriage

Human Sexuality/Marriage

LLF as a process has concluded.

The new Relationships, Sexuality and Gender Working Group carries the weight of people's lives, convictions and consciences as well as the unity of the Church.

Safeguarding/Governance Reform

The approval of a new independent safeguarding body is a significant development, but its success for both survivors and our parishes depends upon its implementation.

The approval of a new independent safeguarding body is a significant development, but its success for both survivors and our parishes depends upon its implementation.

The approval of a new independent safeguarding body is a significant development, but its success for both survivors and our parishes depends upon its implementation.

Assoctate Tutor for Mission, St. Martha’s College

Such governance requires a missional orientation with deep and wide biblical and theological apprehension that spans the traditions and churchmanship we cherish, rather than the adversarial, partisan, or ideological way we risk having become accustomed to.

Such governance requires a missional orientation with deep and wide biblical and theological apprehension that spans the traditions and churchmanship we cherish, rather than the adversarial, partisan, or ideological way we risk having become accustomed to.

I have served on Diocesan Synod, the Vacancy-in-See Committee, and have been elected to the Crown Nomination Commission in search of our next Diocesan Bishop.

St. John’s Vicarage, Willow Green

Whilst being respectful of the range of views, I am clear in my own convictions around the issues of human sexuality and hold a traditional view on marriage.

Whilst being respectful of the range of views, I am clear in my own convictions around the issues of human sexuality and hold a traditional view on marriage.

Whilst being respectful of the range of views, I am clear in my own convictions around the issues of human sexuality and hold a traditional view on marriage.

This of course must be grounded in safeguarding of all ages.

I will advocate for the best safeguarding, seen through the lens of Jesus, who welcomes and cares for all.

I believe General Synod has massive influence and that mission-minded decisions made by Synod can equip God’s people to tell others about the good news of Jesus.

I believe General Synod has massive influence and that mission-minded decisions made by Synod can equip God’s people to tell others about the good news of Jesus.

I play for a local netball team in defence and I never cease to be amazed at how good a mission opportunity it is!

I truly have a heart for world mission and for seeing reconciliation in the land where Jesus lived.

There are huge opportunities for mission amongst the families of those who initially come to church to secure school places for their children and we love to introduce them to Jesus.

I love seeing those who volunteer growing in their discipleship through serving.

My passion is to prioritise proclaiming Jesus and deepening discipleship in ways that are appropriate and accessible across the Church of England's broad range of traditions and theological convictions – seeing people embrace his love for them and in turn giving their lives to Jesus.

Bringing a parish focus to debates and decisions I am aware that the decisions that General Synod make have an impact on the ministry and mission of every parish.

Speaking with a heart for all-ages Whilst much of my pre-ordination ministry experience was with children and young people, I am inspired by seeing churches of all-ages growing in discipleship.

Speaking with a heart for all-ages Ensuring we keep Jesus as the main thing I naturally sit within the evangelical tradition but have an appreciation for the breadth of the Church of England.

Now a vicar myself I have experienced both sides of vicarage life.

To do this, clergy wellbeing must be a priority.

I am particularly proud of the strength of relationship we enjoy with local schools, especially the two church schools in the area.

I am the Area Dean of the Chorley Deanery, a member of the Bishop’s Council, I am a Diocesan Board of Finance Director, and a member of the Imagine this… the world knowing Jesus!

I am the Area Dean of the Chorley Deanery, a member of the Bishop’s Council, I am a Diocesan Board of Finance Director, and a member of the Imagine this… the world knowing Jesus!

I am also a member of the Archbishops’ College of Evangelists.

Speaking with a heart for all-ages Whilst much of my pre-ordination ministry experience was with children and young people, I am inspired by seeing churches of all-ages growing in discipleship.

I hope to bring my significant experience in the areas of ministry to children and young people and of mutual flourishing to Synod’s debates and I want to continue making a difference for the benefit of all.

A little bit about me… I grew up in a Christian family and came to faith in Jesus as a teenager – I was the one in the youth group with all the challenging questions!

A little bit about me… I grew up in a Christian family and came to faith in Jesus as a teenager – I was the one in the youth group with all the challenging questions!

I worked in Human Resources for a few years after university, followed by almost ten years serving in full- time Chistian youth ministry in Bedford and then Bolton.

I worked in Human Resources for a few years after university, followed by almost ten years serving in full- time Chistian youth ministry in Bedford and then Bolton.

A little bit about my local ministry… What looks from the outside to be a small village church, is a growing, joy-filled family with a real heart for children and young people.

It has been a joy to launch all-age worship and to see this bear fruit and flourish.

Speaking with a heart for all-ages Whilst much of my pre-ordination ministry experience was with children and young people, I am inspired by seeing churches of all-ages growing in discipleship.

I originally decided to stand for synod because, as the proud father of a lesbian daughter and someone who has campaigned for greater equality and inclusion in the church since my ordination in 2005, I wanted to do my bit to try and resolve the current impasse on the issue of same-sex marriage.

I originally decided to stand for synod because, as the proud father of a lesbian daughter and someone who has campaigned for greater equality and inclusion in the church since my ordination in 2005, I wanted to do my bit to try and resolve the current impasse on the issue of same-sex marriage.

I originally decided to stand for synod because, as the proud father of a lesbian daughter and someone who has campaigned for greater equality and inclusion in the church since my ordination in 2005, I wanted to do my bit to try and resolve the current impasse on the issue of same-sex marriage.

I originally decided to stand for synod because, as the proud father of a lesbian daughter and someone who has campaigned for greater equality and inclusion in the church since my ordination in 2005, I wanted to do my bit to try and resolve the current impasse on the issue of same-sex marriage.

I know that there are strong feelings on both sides of this debate but I really don’t see why we can’t resolve it by adopting the same sort of policy that we have with regard to remarriage of divorcees i.e. those who want to do it, can and no-one can stop them; those that don’t, don’t have to and no-one can make them!

I suspect that this is where we will end up eventually but, as I said, I would like to help make this happen as soon as possible because our inability to bless same-sex couples or allow LGBT priests to marry, negatively impacts a lot of people and, as our former Archbishop Justin said, is catastrophic for the witness and mission of the church.

I suspect that this is where we will end up eventually but, as I said, I would like to help make this happen as soon as possible because our inability to bless same-sex couples or allow LGBT priests to marry, negatively impacts a lot of people and, as our former Archbishop Justin said, is catastrophic for the witness and mission of the church.

I suspect that this is where we will end up eventually but, as I said, I would like to help make this happen as soon as possible because our inability to bless same-sex couples or allow LGBT priests to marry, negatively impacts a lot of people and, as our former Archbishop Justin said, is catastrophic for the witness and mission of the church.

As I write, I am working on a project with a group of people – several of whom have radically different views from mine on the issue of human sexuality – but who, like me, were deeply concerned by the synod’s recent response to the Kairos 2 document which has caused distress to many in the British Jewish community.

As I write, I am working on a project with a group of people – several of whom have radically different views from mine on the issue of human sexuality – but who, like me, were deeply concerned by the synod’s recent response to the Kairos 2 document which has caused distress to many in the British Jewish community.

I am aware that saying that may alarm many of those who would be with me on equal marriage but my whole point is that I judge each issue on its own merits rather than voting with my tribe and I think that that’s a good thing; and what it means to be a catholic or broad church which seeks to hold people together rather than splintering every time we disagree.

I suspect that this is where we will end up eventually but, as I said, I would like to help make this happen as soon as possible because our inability to bless same-sex couples or allow LGBT priests to marry, negatively impacts a lot of people and, as our former Archbishop Justin said, is catastrophic for the witness and mission of the church.

I suspect that this is where we will end up eventually but, as I said, I would like to help make this happen as soon as possible because our inability to bless same-sex couples or allow LGBT priests to marry, negatively impacts a lot of people and, as our former Archbishop Justin said, is catastrophic for the witness and mission of the church.

However, when people say ‘Insanity is repeating the same mistakes and expecting different results’ in order to justify abandoning the parish system, I find myself thinking that that warning could apply equally to whatever the latest well-intentioned scheme is (who remembers the ‘Decade of Evangelism’ in the 90s?!) For reasons I don’t fully understand, most Save The Parish people seem to be Telegraph or Spectator readers and, while I have been featured in The Telegraph (in a piece called ‘The First Former Satanist to Become A Vicar’ in 2003) and been a guest on the Spectator’s Holy Smoke religion podcast on a couple of occasions, I more regularly read (and write for) The Guardian but, again, that simply demonstrates my desire to engage with everybody and not demonise anybody.

I originally decided to stand for synod because, as the proud father of a lesbian daughter and someone who has campaigned for greater equality and inclusion in the church since my ordination in 2005, I wanted to do my bit to try and resolve the current impasse on the issue of same-sex marriage.

I am currently the Rector of the Wye benefice where I have been very happy since I arrived in 2010 and, until recently, I thought that I would probably be here until I retired.