abuse,ai,assisted dying,diocesan board,disability,mission,pcc,safeguarding

General Synod election address.
Originating from Lincolnshire, then following a time in Northumberland and London, I
have lived and worked in Keswick for over 30 years and brought up my 3 children here.
I have served on Keswick Town Council for 8 years, and in 2017/18 I had the privilege of
being Keswick’s Mayor.
I do believe that the Church of England has a role in engaging with politics at all levels.
This encourages me to write to our MP (and others) on issues of concern, such as the
current Terminally Ill Assisted Dying Bill, and the Climate Emergency which is
increasingly affecting many people, and especially those in developing countries.
I have been a member of St John’s in Keswick since moving into the town. Am currently a
Member of Diocesan Synod, the Lay Chair of Derwent Deanery Synod, and a local PCC
member. I am also a member of the Archdeaconry of West Cumberland Mission and
Pastoral Committee, and the Diocesan Board of Patronage. So would be keen to aid
communication across the synodical system.
I have been a Lay Reader since 2006, though now a very active Reader Emeritus,
continuing to attend study opportunities, some pastoral visiting, occasionally preaching
and leading the weekly Bible Study.
I am a member of the Mother’s Union and a Foundation Governor at our local Church of
England Primary and Nursery School.
My working life began in Radiography, then after having the family I worked in
Residential Care Homes (the local authority one was closed after a flooding event in
Keswick). In later years I have helped care for people with dementia and enabled their
families to have some respite time.
Recently retired from work, I enjoy exploring Cumbria by bus (visiting Churches in many
parts of Cumbria), walking, card making, reading, and gardening, as well as seeing our
grandchildren.
I have followed the General Synod and the reports for the last few years and am aware
of the issues being debated, voted on and the legislative process.
If I am elected to General Synod, I will be seeking to ensure that the Church of England
will always be a welcoming place for all, and where seeking Safeguarding excellence
continues to challenge, as we strive to provide a safe space for everyone. I am greatly
concerned that those who have faced abuse (or still do), those who are living with
disability or dementia, are vulnerable, or increasingly aged, are supported and included
appropriately. And that the focus on adult social care is not lost among the many wide
ranging topics General Synod must consider.
I hope to be able to enable the Church of England’s thinking and practice to be relevant
to all generations. Especially at this time as the use of AI in Churches increases bringing
with it both challenges and opportunities.
Finally and most importantly, I am concerned that we preserve our uniqueness as the
People of God and continue to proclaim the message of the Kingdom of God, with its
opportunity of receiving forgiveness and the fullness of life both now and for eternity.