discernment,environment,evangelical,pcc,scripture,traditional,youth

General Synod Election Address for the Diocese of Chichester:
Dr Justin Gordon Abdy
About me
I am 45 years old and have lived around the area of
Eastbourne for 10 years. Professionally, I am a trained
economist and in my spare time, a keen hiker. I have in
particular enjoyed the Cuckmere Pilgrim Path with its many
local medieval churches and am currently attempting the
North Downs Way, which weaves with the old Winchester to
Canterbury Pilgrim’s Way.
Locally, I am part of St Andrew’s PCC in Eastbourne and represent them in Eastbourne’s
Deanery Synod of which I am a member of the Steering Committee.
My spiritual discernment is based on traditional scripture. During my youth, I grew up in a
traditional evangelical church environment and have gradually transitioned to my current
traditional high church parish. Because of this, I believe that I have seen a wide range of
worship styles and feel that it is important to support an environment of mutual flourishing.
Key Issues for the future General Synod
I am standing for the General Synod for the first time, as I am concerned about declining
congregations, too few initiatives to reach out to the younger generations, as well as
ensuring that the clergy are adequately supported. I believe that the following topics would
be important to bring to the General Synod:

I would support increased marketing efforts and associated funds being made available to

increase the participation of 20-55 year olds in the Church of England (Romans 10:14).

With my background in economic forecast modelling, I would also like to encourage more

detailed investigations into the reasoning for declining Church of England participation rates,
so that initiatives can be designed to revitalise the Church (Romans 12:6).
1.

I also believe that additional funds should be made available for preserving
and restoring our local churches, as well as ensuring that the local clergy is
financially supported. (2 Corinthians 9:6).
As with many areas of modern society, mounting pressures on project budgets have led to
hard choices having to be made; the Church of England is no stranger to this.
During my time working in industry, I have had to work with very constrained budgets and
resources and I believe that I can offer skills and insights that would be beneficial to the
Church of England and the General Synod.
I would be privileged to represent you for the Diocese of Chichester and would like to ask
you to consider lending me your first of high preference vote.
Thank you for taking the time to read my statement and please feel free to contact me if you
wish to ask any questions: [email protected]