General Synod Election Candidates 2026

ELECTION ADDRESS FOR GENERAL SYNOD
I believe in a fully inclusive Church. In Bishop Sarah Mullally's
presentation to General Synod in 2023 she stated:
“Real and profound disagreement continues to characterise the
Church of England. Disagreement about sexuality persists within our
church communities, between our churches, among clergy and lay
leaders, as well as among us bishops, and now here, among members
of Synod.
It is not, of course, the only reality about our church. But these
particular disagreements mar our life together, tarnish our reputation
in the world we are called to serve and distract from God’s mission.
They are a source of discouragement and doubt for us in the Church,
dragging us away from the “love, joy and celebration of our common
humanity” that the gospel calls us to; they cast a shadow over our
witness to Christ, the good news of salvation and redemption that we
long to embody and declare”.
This is still the case today. As a Church we need to work together on
furthering the Good News of Jesus Christ in order for our Church to
grow, showing a positive, united and loving Church family open to all.
This is what I will work for if elected to General Synod.

Andrew Crighton
7th September 2026

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