General Synod Election Candidates 2026

The Venerable Dr Susan Lucas – Archdeacon of Southend

Thank you for taking the time to read this address. Please vote in the
upcoming General Synod elections and consider giving me a high (first or
second) preference vote. I am grateful to The Venerable Jonathan Croucher
for nominating me, and Revd Canon Louise Williams for seconding me.

About Me: I know and love this Diocese well, having served here for over a
decade. While most of my ministry has been in urban settings, my archdeaconry
reflects the rich variety of Essex life, encompassing urban, suburban, rural, coastal
and port communities. Before ordination, I worked in education, as a Head of
Religious Education in secondary schools and Chief Examiner for a national
awarding body. I’m an inclusive catholic, by tradition and conviction, while believing
that God calls the whole Church, across all its traditions and perspectives, to share
together in God's mission of love and transformation.
I have been married to Tony for 30 years. He is a professional orchestral percussionist and business
owner, and we have one adult son. Outside ministry, I enjoy running, playing the cello and occasional
choral singing.

Synodality, Inclusivity, Experience and Priorities

Synodality: I am standing again for General Synod because I believe deeply in synodical governance: God's
people walking together (syn-hodos) to seek God's will for God's Church. Five years of service on General
Synod have strengthened that conviction. For me, synodality reflects the nature of the Church as the Body
of Christ, where every baptised person shares in the life and mission of the Church and is called to listen
and discern together.

At a national level, General Synod brings together legislation, debate and discernment on matters affecting
the Church, the nation and the wider world. This commitment to shared discernment matters at every level,
from General Synod to PCCs and local congregations.

My ministry as an Archdeacon has reinforced this understanding. Much of the role involves "standing in the
gap", helping different parts of the Church understand one another better. Trust grows when people feel
heard, and their experiences are taken seriously.

The Church faces significant challenges in the years ahead: nurturing discipleship, supporting leaders,
stewarding resources wisely and serving communities faithfully. These challenges require us to draw on the
gifts of the whole people of God and discern together what faithfulness and mission look like in our time.

My experience on General Synod has convinced me that this work matters. It is often demanding, but it
remains one of the principal ways in which the Church of England seeks God's will together. I would welcome
the opportunity to continue contributing to that work, bringing the perspectives of parish, diocesan and
national church life into conversation with one another.

Inclusivity: The last quinquennium has tested our understanding of synodality, as we sought to make the
Church of England both a place of fuller belonging for LGBTQI+ people and enabling those with more
conservative views on gender and sexuality to belong and to flourish. I have consistently voted on the
inclusive side of these debates and, if elected, will continue to do so. It is important to say that openly. At
the same time, I remain committed to listening respectfully to those whose convictions differ from my own.
We serve the Church best when we seek to understand one another, particularly when disagreement is
sharp.
While these debates have often been painful, during the last Synod, relationships have also grown across
difference. That leaves me cautiously but genuinely hopeful that the next Synod can continue the difficult
task of finding a way forward together with honesty, humility and hope.

Experience and Priorities: I come to these elections with experience that connects national church
governance with the everyday realities of ministry as a parish priest and now an archdeacon. The last
Synod was not, and the next Synod will not be, a one-issue Synod. Much of its work directly affects our
parishes, diocese and clergy, and I hope to continue contributing to that work.

Safeguarding remains one of the Church's most important responsibilities. During the last quinquennium,
I spoke in debates, took part in consultations, and sought to ensure that the experience of our local
churches and diocesan safeguarding team was heard as the Church developed more independent and
robust safeguarding arrangements.

I also served on the Revision Committee for the National Governance Measure, helping to
simplify and modernise the Church's governance. While not all the proposed reforms proceeded,
important changes are now being implemented. I believe good governance is a missional necessity, enabling
the Church to use its resources effectively and accountably in pursuit of its calling.

A further area of involvement has been diocesan funding. As a member of the Synodical Reference
Group, I argued for funding arrangements that are sustainable, transparent and fair, providing clearer
support for dioceses and parishes while remaining grounded in the realities of local church life.
I have also contributed to debates on legislation affecting clergy and parish life, including the new Clergy
Conduct Measure. The proposed Mission and Pastoral Measure will return to Synod, and I am keen
to ensure that reform supports parishes as they navigate change.

Throughout my ministry and my first term on Synod, I have sought to connect the perspectives of parish,
diocese and national Church. If elected, I would continue to bring that experience to Synod, helping to
ensure that national decisions remain grounded in the life, mission and challenges of the local Church.

What Others Say

Venerable Jonathan Croucher, proposer:
I am very happy to propose Sue having worked alongside her as Archdeacon and seen the energy and focus she
applies to her role at Synod to push for better governance and proper funding of ministry. She is committed in the
diocese to working across difference to encourage our clergy and churches to nurture faith and serve our communities
for the sake of the gospel. Whilst we disagree on plenty, she is someone willing to work faithfully and with grace to
support and encourage new life across our traditions.

Revd Canon Louise Williams, seconder:
I am delighted to second Sue's nomination to serve for a second term in General Synod. Sue approaches all that she
does with positivity and wisdom. Her experience of archidiaconal and parish ministry mean Sue will participate in
Synod debates with personal understanding and insight. She is unafraid to say what she thinks but is gracious in her
relationships with those with whom she disagrees.

Thank You
Thank you for taking the trouble to read this. If you have any further questions, I am happy to be contacted:
Ven Dr Susan Lucas 459 Rayleigh Road Benfleet SS7 3TH
07483 455252 [email protected]

Please do use your vote! Votes open on Monday 21st September and must be in by 5pm on
Monday 12th October (for voting papers) or 5pm on Tuesday 13th October (via the Elections
Portal)

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