General Synod Election Candidates 2026

Gill Ball
Standing for re-election to the House of Laity of General Synod.
Contact details: 14, Lyster Avenue, Great Baddow, Chelmsford,
Essex. 07979 096140 [email protected]
Proposed by Jill Readings - Lay Chair, Chelmsford Deanery
Seconded by Sandra Baines -Diocesan synod member, Lay Chair
Southend Deanery

About me
I have been worshipping at St Mary’s Great Baddow since joining the youth group in my
teens; later I went on to assist in leading youth work as a young leader. I have also served
on PCC and deanery synod for nearly 20 years, and was elected to diocesan synod,
before being elected to general synod. I regularly play the piano for Sunday morning
worship, and sing in our small, friendly choir.
I’m married to Dave and we are parents to a teenager and 2 young adults. I have worked
as a dietitian in the NHS for over 20 years, working with individual patients as part of a
multidisciplinary team, and providing group education. This has taught me a great deal
about working collaboratively, listening to people’s experiences, and conveying
information in a relevant and interesting way.
My experience of OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) has led me to work for a
church where all are welcomed and where everyone’s gifts and talents are used to the
full. I have really valued the synod commitments over recent years to affirm and include
disabled people in the whole life of the church, and most recently to recognise the
blessing to church and to society brought by those who are neurodivergent. A church
which values diversity also draws people in.
My involvement in General Synod this quinquennium
I was elected to General Synod in 2021 and understand the commitment and processes
involved. I appreciate the range of voices in synod and understand the value of informed
and respectful debate. My debut speech was in a debate on the future of work; I have
also spoken on the value of including your parish on your electoral profile – rather more
niche! I took a supporting role for the motion brought by Chelmsford diocese which
asked the Archbishops’ Council to consider a code of conduct for PCC members.

Please remember to vote – votes must be in by 13th October

Priorities for the next quinquennium
A church for everyone
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. I welcome the introduction of Prayers of
Love and Faith, and hope and pray they are used
widely. Work on racial justice is part of the gospel, and
I support the ongoing projects at national and local
levels.
Mission and the local church
I am passionate about the role that the parish church has to provide a welcome, share
the gospel confidently, and show the love of Jesus in the local community, through our
own initiatives, relationships, and in partnership. Our church’s own experience of
vacancy and the work done by a host of volunteers has underlined the need to support
and value those volunteers.
Climate change
St Mary’s Great Baddow was awarded Eco Church Silver status this year. The Church of
England has a great opportunity through our parish and deanery networks to discuss
the challenges we face, and to share good practice. We can also be a prophetic voice
in the care of our buildings and land. I support the Church of England’s commitment to
work towards net zero by 2030, and the recent motion calling for protection of land for
nature.
Safeguarding
Progress has been made towards independent oversight of safeguarding in recent years
but there is still work to do to ensure the voices of victims and survivors are heard and
respected, and to continue to weave an awareness and commitment to safeguarding
into all of church life.
I am grateful to Jill Readings and Sandra Baines for proposing and seconding my
nomination. I leave the last word to Jill Readings who says: “Gill has supported the
Diocese of Chelmsford, as well as contributing to the discussions on wider issues
facing the Church of England. It is my opinion that Gill has been an excellent member
of General Synod and I wholeheartedly endorse her re-election”.
Thank you for taking the time to read my statement. I hope you will consider giving me
your first preference vote. I am happy to discuss any issues further – please get in touch.

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