General Synod Election Candidates 2026

THE REVEREND
CANON JANE
RICHARDS
Chair – Diocesan House of Clergy
Associate Priest – St Andrews Leytonstone
Diocesan Lead Advisor for Training/CMD Advisor for Barking Area
I am grateful to my proposer, The Venerable Mike Power, and to my seconder, the Reverend Sharon Quilter, for
their support and for affirming my calling to stand as a clergy representative to General Synod. I believe I can
represent clergy colleagues with integrity, energy and practical wisdom.
Proposed by:
The Venerable Mike Power,
Archdeacon of West Ham
Seconded by:
Reverend Sharon Quilter
Reverend Sharon Quilter,
Diocesan Racial Justice
Advisor and Associate
Priest, Halstead Team
Ministry
Thank you for taking the time to read my election address.
I hope it gives you a clear sense of who I am, how I have served the Church,
and why I believe I can continue to represent clergy on General Synod with
integrity, energy and practical wisdom.
I would be grateful for your first preference vote.
I am a proud Scot and have lived in England for many years. I was
baptized and confirmed at the age of 35, and before ordination I served in
my local parish in a variety of ways while working in the NHS as a Public
Health Specialist and parenting my three now adult children.
At the heart of my faith and life is Micah 6:8: “And what does the Lord ask
of you? To act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with your God.”
WHO AM I?
“
Since ordination, I have been blessed to serve God and the Church in a
wide variety of contexts and in both stipendiary and self-supporting roles
which has enabled me to walk alongside colleagues with empathy and
through lived experience.
I have served as a full-time hospital chaplain, parish priest and Area Dean
I have served as a full-time hospital chaplain, parish priest and Area Dean
and now as a Diocesan Officeholder. Each role has deepened my
understanding of parish ministry, chaplaincy, leadership, governance, and
the care of clergy and communities.
Currently I have the privilege of working with those newly ordained as
Currently I have the privilege of working with those newly ordained as
they continue in their formation as deacons and priests. I also accompany
those transitioning into new roles post curacy and as newly appointed
Area Deans through the provision of training across the eastern region
diocese
My ministry has consistently brought together pastoral attentiveness,
My ministry has consistently brought together pastoral attentiveness,
practical experience, and a commitment to justice. If elected, I would
bring that same combination to General Synod: listening carefully to
clergy, speaking honestly about the pressures and possibilities of
ministry, and working constructively for a Church in which every vocation
can flourish.
HOW DO I STRIVE TO SERVE GOD?
”
PROPOSERS
07702 808408
[email protected]
[email protected]
I would be very happy
to be contacted for a
more detailed
conversation about any
aspect of this election
address.
CONTACT DETAILS

Having served as both self-supporting and stipendiary clergy, I have a
very real grasp of the challenges that both contexts can bring. This
enables me to advocate effectively on key issues such as clergy
wellbeing, the Clergy Conduct Measure, and the role of the priest in
mission and discipleship.
I have a strong grasp of governance and financial issues in the Church at
I have a strong grasp of governance and financial issues in the Church at
every level and have contributed to the decision-making processes
surrounding these particularly through my role as Chair of the Diocesan
House of Clergy for the past four years.
I have a collaborative leadership style and extensive experience putting this into practice both pre
and post ordination. I seek to ensure that the church embodies the priesthood of all believers and is
committed to the flourishing of all vocations
I have been an active member of General Synod and have been called to speak in debates on a wide
I have been an active member of General Synod and have been called to speak in debates on a wide
range of topics, including estates ministry, pastoral care of those experiencing the loss of babies,
working class vocations, the effects of misogyny in the church and the impact of the current war in
Gaza on interfaith relationships That experience has helped me understand how Synod works, how
decisions are shaped, and how important it is for clergy voices from across the diocese to be heard
clearly and respectfully.
HOW WOULD I REPRESENT YOU ON GENERAL SYNOD?
INCLUSION – I am determined to be part of a Church that recognises the richness of our diversity as
beloved children of God and celebrates our common life as the Body of Christ on earth. I am fully
committed to the Inclusive Church statement: “We are committed to equality for everyone, at all levels
and roles within the Church, regardless of gender, disability, ethnicity, socio-economic status, mental
health or sexuality.”
EVANGELISM AND OUTREACH
EVANGELISM AND OUTREACH – I believe the parish provides a vital framework for creativity in
evangelism and outreach, while also serving as a community hub. Parish ministry, lay and ordained, is
central to building relationships between the gathered Church and the wider community, and I am
committed to sustaining and developing it.
ESTATES MINISTRY
ESTATES MINISTRY – I have lived experience of growing up and working on council estates, and this
has shaped my vocation to minister in that context. My secular career also left me with a deep passion
for empowering communities to become the best they can be. I am committed to kingdom values being
lived out in ways that feed people spiritually and practically, helping them to become all that God
intends. I am also a member of the Diocesan Estates Ministry Steering Group.
WORKING-CLASS VOCATIONS
WORKING-CLASS VOCATIONS – As a council-house child who would never have imagined being called
to ordained ministry, I am passionate about breaking down barriers and raising up leaders from
low-income communities. I have served as a member of the National Working-Class Vocations Advisory
Group.
MINISTERIAL FLOURISHING AND WELLBEING – I am committed to promoting clergy wellbeing —
physical, emotional and spiritual — as a fundamental value of ministry. My training in holistic health
promotion informs this commitment.
INTERFAITH RELATIONSHIPS
INTERFAITH RELATIONSHIPS – In the words of Giles Fraser, I am “theologically bilingual”, having
grown up in a dual-faith family. That experience has given me a strong commitment to building
respectful, honest and mutually enriching interfaith relationships.
THE CHURCH IN CIVIL SOCIETY
THE CHURCH IN CIVIL SOCIETY – I am a passionate advocate for the value of the Church’s role across
society. I believe we need to be active partners in addressing issues that affect the wider community,
including domestic and global poverty, the impact of climate change, and the importance of racial
justice. I have always sought to encourage those I serve to look beyond the walls of the church building
and into the heart of both the local and global community.
WHAT KEY ISSUES CAN I SPEAK ON AT GENERAL SYNOD?

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