Candidate Statements

I have served on PCCs, been Lay Chair of the Deanery Synod for nine years, and served on the Diocesan Bishop's Council, Diocesan Synod, Vacancy in See Committee and Diocesan Board of Patronage.

The next Synod will need to grapple with the difficult legacy of the LLF process, which has led to much disappointment, pain, and upset across the increasingly entrenched divisions in our church.

Safeguarding

I will support independent, robust, and transparent oversight in safeguarding to rebuild trust, protect the vulnerable, and ensure our churches are safe spaces for all.

I will support independent, robust, and transparent oversight in safeguarding to rebuild trust, protect the vulnerable, and ensure our churches are safe spaces for all.

A healthy theology of safeguarding goes hand-in-hand with our sacramental life; thus, I will resist proposals to remove the Seal of the Confessional.

The work with our young choristers is deeply missional, creating paths to faith through music for people from all backgrounds without financial or social barriers.

I am committed to the mission of the Church of England to be a Christian presence in every community, working for the Glory of God, the salvation of His people, and the common good.

Our local experience shows that national investment into lay workers – such as youth workers and musicians – could build considerable additional capacity for mission and evangelism in parishes, providing meaningful support for our clergy.

Our local experience shows that national investment into lay workers – such as youth workers and musicians – could build considerable additional capacity for mission and evangelism in parishes, providing meaningful support for our clergy.

My work on the DAC has shown me that our church buildings are full of opportunity, and a great tool in the mission of the Kingdom.

At our wedding earlier this summer, Beatrix and I heard the High Priestly Prayer from John’s Gospel, in which Jesus prays for the unity of his followers: “that they may all be one … so that the world may know that you … loved them even as you loved me.” I believe that this will be the greatest opportunity for General Synod in the years ahead: to heal our internal and external fractures, be a voice for peace and reconciliation, and help to create a church and a society that more fully reflects God’s glorious purpose for us.

After a year or two, many of the choristers ask to profess, in baptism and confirmation, the faith they learned at Evensong.

I will work to ensure the church uses its resources to lift up the poor, and provides pastoral and sacramental care to every local community across the nation.

As the husband of an ordinand, I strongly believe there must be considerably more clarity, accountability, and transparency in the discernment, vocation, and curacy processes which are often opaque and complex to navigate.

Clergy support The first priority of the church must be the resourcing of parishes with well-trained clergy to minister to their communities in word and sacrament.

A healthy theology of safeguarding goes hand-in-hand with our sacramental life; thus, I will resist proposals to remove the Seal of the Confessional.

The sacrament of reconciliation requires rigorous training and oversight for confessors alongside clear teaching for the laity – not the dismantling of an essential pastoral tool.

At our wedding earlier this summer, Beatrix and I heard the High Priestly Prayer from John’s Gospel, in which Jesus prays for the unity of his followers: “that they may all be one … so that the world may know that you … loved them even as you loved me.” I believe that this will be the greatest opportunity for General Synod in the years ahead: to heal our internal and external fractures, be a voice for peace and reconciliation, and help to create a church and a society that more fully reflects God’s glorious purpose for us.

My PhD focused on the way the histories of Victorian church music have been written, attempting to correct some of the common biases, such as a disproportionate focus on London and the South, the erasure of female composers, avoidance of discussions of social issues such as poverty, and a lack of scholarship about parish music and musicians.

There must be security around clergy housing, pay, pensions, and retirement, if we want to enable new vocations, and improve clergy well-being.

Vocations

To facilitate this, the church must significantly invest in clergy and clergy training.

As the husband of an ordinand, I strongly believe there must be considerably more clarity, accountability, and transparency in the discernment, vocation, and curacy processes which are often opaque and complex to navigate.

There must be security around clergy housing, pay, pensions, and retirement, if we want to enable new vocations, and improve clergy well-being.

There must be security around clergy housing, pay, pensions, and retirement, if we want to enable new vocations, and improve clergy well-being.

There must be security around clergy housing, pay, pensions, and retirement, if we want to enable new vocations, and improve clergy well-being.

Vocations

As the husband of an ordinand, I strongly believe there must be considerably more clarity, accountability, and transparency in the discernment, vocation, and curacy processes which are often opaque and complex to navigate.

As the husband of an ordinand, I strongly believe there must be considerably more clarity, accountability, and transparency in the discernment, vocation, and curacy processes which are often opaque and complex to navigate.

There must be security around clergy housing, pay, pensions, and retirement, if we want to enable new vocations, and improve clergy well-being.

Five Guiding Principles

I am committed to preserving the established pattern of pastoral care for those who cannot in conscience accept the ministry of women, upholding the Five Guiding Principles contained in the House of Bishops’ Declaration.

I am committed to preserving the established pattern of pastoral care for those who cannot in conscience accept the ministry of women, upholding the Five Guiding Principles contained in the House of Bishops’ Declaration.

A healthy theology of safeguarding goes hand-in-hand with our sacramental life; thus, I will resist proposals to remove the Seal of the Confessional.

After a year or two, many of the choristers ask to profess, in baptism and confirmation, the faith they learned at Evensong.

Our local experience shows that national investment into lay workers – such as youth workers and musicians – could build considerable additional capacity for mission and evangelism in parishes, providing meaningful support for our clergy.

Our local experience shows that national investment into lay workers – such as youth workers and musicians – could build considerable additional capacity for mission and evangelism in parishes, providing meaningful support for our clergy.

• I serve on the Diocesan Safeguarding Project Group and

contribute to the induction of Parish Safeguarding Officers.

Find more about my safeguarding contribution in the parish brief: https://www.cofeguildford.org.uk/about-us/news/im-on-the-safeguarding- team-ruth-allan.php As the Safeguarding Structures Reform Programme continues its work, I wish to participate in strengthening safeguarding within the Church of England and our diocese.

• I spoke during a safeguarding debate in February 2024, affirming

our diocesan safeguarding team’s management of an allegation.

years, having become a Christian when hearing the gospel as a teenager in South Wales.

I long for unity within the Church and listen to others with differing views so that the gospel reaches everyone as we welcome all.

Passionate about evangelism and discipleship, I support The Church of England’s aim to double the number of children and young active disciples by 2030.

Passionate about evangelism and discipleship, I support The Church of England’s aim to double the number of children and young active disciples by 2030.

Passionate about evangelism and discipleship, I support The Church of England’s aim to double the number of children and young active disciples by 2030.

• I chair the prayer group on the Vacancy in See Committee.

• I am married to Richard, a retired teacher, who is a self-supporting

• I chair the prayer group on the Vacancy in See Committee.

• I have been fully committed to the Anglican Communion for 45

Two of the most pressing areas of concern for the Church of England are safeguarding and human sexuality.

Two of the most pressing areas of concern for the Church of England are safeguarding and human sexuality.

I have an orthodox biblical understanding of gender and sexuality.

Two of the most pressing areas of concern for the Church of England are safeguarding and human sexuality.

Safeguarding issues, and the effects of abuse, were very common features of my professional caseload.

Safeguarding issues, and the effects of abuse, were very common features of my professional caseload.

Having said that, I am immensely impressed with the passion and professionalism in this area of Bishop Mark as Diocesan Bishop and Bishop Julie as deputy lead Bishop for safeguarding.

I find great spiritual sustenance from regular Holy Communion, in an annual Lenten silent retreat at an Anglican Franciscan monastery and in the Franciscan values of peace, justice and care of creation.

I have an orthodox biblical understanding of gender and sexuality.

I find great spiritual sustenance from regular Holy Communion, in an annual Lenten silent retreat at an Anglican Franciscan monastery and in the Franciscan values of peace, justice and care of creation.

I chair our Justice Advocacy group working out what it means to St Peter’s to “stand for what is just over what is comfortable and play an active role in making our city and world a fairer place for all.” I am a member of the church catering team.

As my career progressed, I specialised in acting for children and family members when children were taken into care; and for vulnerable adults who were detained under the Mental Health Act or deprived of their liberty under the Mental Capacity Act.

When I am not doing churchy stuff, I tend my allotment, help at our local foodbank and play bass in a jazz group.

I care deeply about justice.

I delight in its parish system and in its liturgy.

I have held most of the lay roles in a parish – PCC and deanery member, PCC secretary and Churchwarden.

As I moved for study and work, I have spent rewarding time in churches of other denominations – Methodist, Baptist, independent evangelical – but found myself for the most time in the Church of England which, with all its strengths and weaknesses, I call my spiritual home.

As I moved for study and work, I have spent rewarding time in churches of other denominations – Methodist, Baptist, independent evangelical – but found myself for the most time in the Church of England which, with all its strengths and weaknesses, I call my spiritual home.

Oxford Diocese Newbury Deanery Environmental Lead.

Newbury Deanery rep. & PCC member St. James the Greater Eastbury Silver Eco church, Lambourn Valley for over a decade. (Listed here https://www.oxford.anglican.org/introducing-our-deanery-environmental-leads.php

Newbury Deanery rep. & PCC member St. James the Greater Eastbury Silver Eco church, Lambourn Valley for over a decade. (Listed here https://www.oxford.anglican.org/introducing-our-deanery-environmental-leads.php

She has experienced first-hand the journey of St James becoming an Eco Church, committing to Carbon Net Zero by 2030 and embracing the guidance offered in its recent Oxford Diocese energy audit.”) Registered as carbon literate by the Carbon Project & approved to present the C of E Carbon Project, Carbon Literacy course.

She has experienced first-hand the journey of St James becoming an Eco Church, committing to Carbon Net Zero by 2030 and embracing the guidance offered in its recent Oxford Diocese energy audit.”) Registered as carbon literate by the Carbon Project & approved to present the C of E Carbon Project, Carbon Literacy course.

Newbury Deanery rep. & PCC member St. James the Greater Eastbury Silver Eco church, Lambourn Valley for over a decade. (Listed here https://www.oxford.anglican.org/introducing-our-deanery-environmental-leads.php

As an ethnic minority female in my seventies, I bring a lifetime of lived experience, resilience and an instinctive ability to connect across diverse cultures, generations and church traditions For over 15 plus years I have served my Parish as church warden, safeguarding officer, PCC member, Sunday school Leader.

As an ethnic minority female in my seventies, I bring a lifetime of lived experience, resilience and an instinctive ability to connect across diverse cultures, generations and church traditions For over 15 plus years I have served my Parish as church warden, safeguarding officer, PCC member, Sunday school Leader.

Safeguarding with integrity and care A flourishing church must be safe, transparent and accountable.

As a longstanding Parish Safeguarding officer, I have built robust safeguarding structures from the ground up – actively recruiting embedding best practices.

As a longstanding Parish Safeguarding officer, I have built robust safeguarding structures from the ground up – actively recruiting embedding best practices.

I am committed to listening across traditional divides, encouraging younger members to step forward and ensuring national legislation and budgets actively empower local mission.

If elected, I will serve as an approachable, Accountable bridge between general synod and our diocese – seeking God’s guidance in prayer, speaking with courage and keeping local parishes at the heart of the national debate.

My background equips me well for these responsibilities: Church Leadership and Transition: During a parish vacancy and throughout the isolation of the COVID -19 pandemic, I helped sustain our parish community by writing and distributing a weekly pastoral newsletter to keep isolated members connected until we could safely regather.

My background equips me well for these responsibilities: Church Leadership and Transition: During a parish vacancy and throughout the isolation of the COVID -19 pandemic, I helped sustain our parish community by writing and distributing a weekly pastoral newsletter to keep isolated members connected until we could safely regather.

My background equips me well for these responsibilities: Church Leadership and Transition: During a parish vacancy and throughout the isolation of the COVID -19 pandemic, I helped sustain our parish community by writing and distributing a weekly pastoral newsletter to keep isolated members connected until we could safely regather.

As an ethnic minority female in my seventies, I bring a lifetime of lived experience, resilience and an instinctive ability to connect across diverse cultures, generations and church traditions For over 15 plus years I have served my Parish as church warden, safeguarding officer, PCC member, Sunday school Leader.

Proven Governance and Stewardship

Beyond Parish life, my professional background in Education includes serving as a school and on an educational Board of Governors, provides me with extensive experience in institutional accountability, compliance and strategic planning.

At synod I will advocate for, national standards that prioritise survivor care rehabilitation of perpetrators, rigorous accountability and practical useability for parish volunteers.

St John the Baptist

As an ethnic minority female in my seventies, I bring a lifetime of lived experience, resilience and an instinctive ability to connect across diverse cultures, generations and church traditions For over 15 plus years I have served my Parish as church warden, safeguarding officer, PCC member, Sunday school Leader.

Through the next quinquennium, questions of sexuality will continue through the relationships working group.

As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I am acutely aware of the hurt that LGBTQ+ people and other minorities have experienced in the church, and support moves for towards greater inclusion for all.

Therefore, I fully sign up for the inclusive church statement. “I am committed to equality for everyone, at all levels and roles within the church, regardless of disability, economic power, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, learning disability, mental health, neurodiversity, or sexuality.”

Therefore, I fully sign up for the inclusive church statement. “I am committed to equality for everyone, at all levels and roles within the church, regardless of disability, economic power, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, learning disability, mental health, neurodiversity, or sexuality.”

I will champion investment in parish ministry, church growth and revitalisation, particularly in rural and coastal communities.

I will champion investment in parish ministry, church growth and revitalisation, particularly in rural and coastal communities.

I long for a Church where the person who has never felt comfortable in church, the teenager questioning where they fit, the older person living with loneliness, the person struggling financially, the person with a disability and the person who believes they have been excluded from God’s table can all hear the same message: You are welcome.

I long for a Church where the person who has never felt comfortable in church, the teenager questioning where they fit, the older person living with loneliness, the person struggling financially, the person with a disability and the person who believes they have been excluded from God’s table can all hear the same message: You are welcome.