General Synod Election Candidates 2026

Florence Sparham
Standing for General Synod for the first time
Hi, most people call me Flo, I’m a lecturer at Brighton
University, a mother to three wonderful young adults and
wife to Paul, a small business owner.
I grew up in several countries before landing in South Wales,
the land of my mother’s forebears. Later, love brought me to
Brighton; my husbands native patch!
I have now lived on the South Coast for over 25 years and I
am so pleased to call it home; from the eclectic streets of
Brighton & Hove to the peace and beauty of the small
Sussex villages and rolling downs, I feel a sense of wonder
and joy at this marvelous patch of God’s creation.
Proposed by Sue Middleton; seconded by Simon Burrell
I attend St. Matthias Brighton, a HTB network church, where I am an active member in many
aspects of church life.
I have served as a deputy church warden and member of the PCC
I’m currently the Deanery Synod rep.
I was on the diocesan Racial Justice Committee
I was southern lay rep for the executive of A.M.E.N (Anglican Minority Ethnic Network)
During Covid I worked for my church setting up and managing a Trussel Trust Foodbank
which was based at our sister church site on the housing estate where I live.
I serve on our justice team and hosting team and am always ready to get stuck in!
“whatever you did for one of the
least of these brothers and
sisters of mine, you did for me.’
Matthew 25:40
A trained primary school teacher & university lecturer: I’ve worked at a variety of schools
from an inner city school in an area of economic disadvantage to a small Church of
England school in Firle and Brighton University.
Brighton & Hove City Council lead for Anti-Racist Education delivering resources and
training to school staff including the local C of E and Catholic schools.
An eclectic career! I’ve also been an actress, singer, Slimming World consultant, cafe
owner, community activist and food bank manager - I’ve never been afraid of change and
can get on with a wide range of people, I’m adaptable, curious and open minded.
These experiences of service have been valuable and rewarding, allowing me to get to
know fellow Christians from across the country and from all walks of life. I believe my
experience in these different areas are a good grounding for serving on General Synod
I have a depth of experience in navigating and facilitating conversations where there are
different perspectives and lived experience which is essential in a forum such as general
synod. I am also very good at seeing things from the perspective of others and working
cooperatively. I understand the tensions between the parameters of a large institution and
the desire for innovation and change.

Some of my fondest childhood memories of
growing up in Wales, were going to the small
village church with my great aunt, but I turned
away because as a teen and young adult I did
not see myself represented in the life of church
or in social & theological interpretations of
Christianity, many of which were alienating and
hurtful.
Now as an adult of faith I think Christianity has
something vital to offer society in our times of
insecurity and great change. I want to advocate
for a church that supports our young people to
be resilient, kind and filled with hope. Where
issues of inclusion and social justice are
explored with courage and compassion. 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.”​
The transformation
of society
Too often discourse in public life and
in our political sphere reduces to
insults, lies and a retreat to
polerisation and mistrust. Society
must and can do better. I feel the
church could play a unique role in
modelling how we can find common
ground and work together to
navigate challenges. I feel the church
should speak into issues such as the
cost of living, human dignity, peace
rather than war, interfaith
understanding and welcome for
refugees and migrants. The parish
church at it’s best is a shining
example of how to create community
cohesion and reach out across
divisions. I will work energetically to
see thriving churches across our
diocese and beyond.
Because I care! I care about my church community and I care about your church
community. I care about the Church of England, I care about how we all form a
community that reflects God's love into the world and I believe we should be the change
we want to see in any institution we love. Serving on the General Synod, for me, is about
stepping up to serve God and strengthen the bonds of relationship with each other and
with the world.
Why vote for me?
[email protected]
Faith, Justice, Inclusion
A church rooted in tradition but relevant to
contemporary lives.
Creation Care
Creation care and environmental
justice is one of the biggest issues
of our times and will effect the
futures of all our children,
grandchildren and young people.
Right now we are seeing the
damaging effects of our
thoughtlessness and neglect. I
would speak into the churches
Net Zero plans and advocate for
how we can make our buildings
and practices more sustainable.
At my church we offer a traditional Eucharist service
and a contemporary informal service. I love both -
The traditional and contemporary are not at odds
with each other. They inform each other and enrich
each other. I want to see church
resources used to support our
clergy as they lead us deeper
into faith but also to reach
outward, being bold and
innovative in how we call
others in and enable people to
encounter authentic faith.
Thank you for your support, make me your 1 choice!
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catholic,cost of living,creation care,disability,environmental,equality,eucharist,food bank,foodbank,gender identity,housing,htb,interfaith,justice,mental health,migrants,net zero,neurodiversity,pcc,racial justice,refugees,sexuality,social justice,tradition,traditional,war,young adults,young people