General Synod Election Candidates 2026

I hail from NE England; I spent my early teens in Devon and now live in NW Essex.
Married to Nick for 39 years, mother of 2 (now married) children, granny to two, and puppy sitter to one!
I love being outdoors and enjoy hill walking, singing, being with friends and jigsaws!
I worked as a secondary school teacher, teaching History, RS and SRE in single sex, mixed sex, state and
private schools but stopped after the stress of teaching A Level to my daughter!
As a child I attended a high Anglican church, where I was confirmed, and grew to love the rhythm and
beauty of KJV and Prayer Book. I was converted by the grace of God in my 20s and now worship in a
small rural evangelical benefice in Saffron Walden Deanery, where I have been for 35 years.
I have grown to love the Word of God, even the hard bits, and I am constantly challenged to let it shape
my life. I trust the bible to be God’s written living Word, and I am happy to uphold the church’s
doctrine of marriage and the 39 Articles. Above all, I am thankful for the cross and the saving grace of
Jesus Christ.
About Me
Sandie Turner
Henham, Elsenham & Ugley Benefice
Saffron Walden Deanery
Contact: [email protected]
Proposer: Lesley Judd (Havering Deanery)
Seconder: Richard Scott (Chelmsford Deanery)
Why I am standing for re-election
Thank you so much for electing me to General Synod in 2021 (see over for what I have got up to in
Synod) and for considering me again now. I am grateful to God for the opportunity to speak about
Jesus, as I serve him and his church in this way, mindful of the hymn words, “The Church’s one foundation
is Jesus Christ her Lord” (Samuel J Stone 1839-1900)
I remain committed to championing the ministry and mission of the local parish church and the well
being of its lay members.
Local Parish Church:
As someone based in a small rural church, General Synod can feel a world away from the day-to-day
experience of parish life. I firmly believe, as Ephesians says, that local churches are God’s “shop front” to
the world, where God’s wisdom is made known in the gathering together of people from all walks of life,
united in Christ. This body of Christ is one of the wonderful ways that God gives us to help us grow in
discipleship and to reach out to our communities with the good news of Jesus.
I am keen to ensure that our churches are places of welcome for all, where all know their worth as
image bearers of God, and where all can come to know God’s life-giving love for them in Jesus.
Church Lay members:
Our churches are full of wonderful lay people who work so hard, especially during interregnums and
pastoral reorganisations. I would love to continue speaking up for lay people, alongside advocating for
the resources that enable us to serve without burning out. I have already worked with Chelmsford
Diocese to signpost wellbeing resources for lay volunteers, and if re-elected, I would submit a Private
Member’s Motion to improve the support that is currently available across our Church.
Let’s equip the local church to share the good news of Jesus Christ

During my time on Synod, I have gained a good
understanding of its procedures.
I was elected to the Governance Review
Steering Committee (covering issues such as
safeguarding, transparency and accountability
of the National Church Institutions)
I was appointed to the Cathedral Fabric
Commission for England (advising cathedrals,
including Chelmsford, on large projects).
I prayerfully consider the issues we discuss, and
seek God’s wisdom and guidance in these
matters. I am happy to speak in debates,
which I have done several times (please click on
the link below the image for a short clip of me
speaking on prayer in parish contexts).
General Synod experience
2021-2026
Church experience and wider
church involvement
Leading home groups and bible studies and
meeting with people to pray
20 years’ experience of youth and children’s
work and mums and tots’ groups
Singing as part of the church musicians’ team
Helping organise and speak at evangelistic
events for women and family groups
PCC member with responsibility for HR, staff,
risk assessments, and evangelism
Deanery Synod Secretary and Assistant Lay
Chair
Elected member of Diocesan Synod
Part of an ecumenical team from local Baptist,
Free Church, URC and Anglican churches which
organises bi-annual Bible conferences aiming
to bring faithful bible teaching and worship to a
wider audience
Each summer I volunteer as part of the Prayer
Ministry Team at the annual Keswick
Convention
Closing Comments
Thank you so much for taking the time to read my election address and considering me for re-election.
If re-elected, I commit to:
be faithful in prayer for God’s church and his glory
listen carefully to people across the breadth of the diocese, including those with whom I
disagree, in order to represent the concerns of lay people at General Synod fairly
advocate for the local church, as we hold out gospel hope to our nation
be a “voice from the pews”, championing our lay people in local mission and ministry
uphold God’s truth as revealed in the bible
When voting, I would appreciate the highest preference vote that you feel able to give me. Thank you
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may
abound in hope.“ Romans 15:13
Do contact me with any questions: [email protected]
With every blessing,
Sandie
https://vimeo.com/1210789456

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