General Synod Election Candidates 2026

MARY WANT
Candidate for General Synod 2026–2031
House of Laity · Diocese of Chelmsford

Faithful to Scripture
Committed to Mission
A Church where everyone belongs

ABOUT ME
I have been married to my husband for 41 years. We have two children and four grandchildren.

I am a nurse at my local NHS hospital, where I work in the specialist plastic surgery unit, with patients
who have undergone complex hand surgery.

I grew up in Kenya, where my parents were missionaries, and I attended boarding schools in Kenya and
later in England. I realised as a teenager that I was a Christian, and I wanted to continue to follow Jesus
as my Lord and Saviour.

I am a member of the PCC of my church and have also been a member of Deanery Synod. I attend Holy
Trinity Church, Springfield in Chelmsford where I have been a member for the past 20 years.

I enjoy reading, sewing, knitting, playing my flute, gardening, going to the seaside and spending time
enjoying God’s wonderful creation.

WHY VOTE FOR ME?
I care deeply about the future of the Church of England and want to see it faithful to the Gospel, growing
in confidence and mission, and a place where people are loved, supported and able to belong. If elected
to General Synod, I would hope to bring my experience, convictions and love for the Church to the areas
set out overleaf.

Proposer:
Alexander Evans (Chelmsford Deanery)
Seconder:
Debra Packford (Saffron Walden Deanery)

I would be honoured to serve on General Synod and would be very happy to answer any questions.
Please contact me using the email address below..

I would be grateful if you would consider giving me your first preference vote.

Many thanks and every blessing in Christ,

Mary Want | [email protected]

FAITHFUL TO SCRIPTURE AND THE GOSPEL
I believe in the supreme authority of scripture,
that Jesus came to save the lost and salvation is
in Christ alone. The Bible should be central to
the teaching of the church. The word of God is
given so that people can come to know him as
their Lord and Saviour and is the supreme
authority for our faith. I would like to see the
Church thrive through the faithful teaching of
God’s word. I believe that with faithful biblical
teaching of the bible in truth and love the
Church will flourish and grow in our land
because of the biblical principles that are being
taught. I would like to see the Church of
England being Gospel driven in our country.

SUPPORTING OUR CLERGY
With increasing workloads and responsibilities
for clergy I would work to ensure that they
receive the support they need for their
wellbeing and that there are sufficient resources
available to help them in time of need. I would
be interested in exploring ways in which laity
are able to support clergy in their ministries.

MARRIAGE, SEXUALITY AND CHURCH
DOCTRINE
I believe that the doctrines of the Church of
England should be upheld in their entirety. I
would like to see the church working together
to resolve the issues of sexuality and marriage
now that the Living in Love and Faith process
has ended. I hold an orthodox view on sexuality
and marriage and would like to see a church
where all people regardless of their sexuality
feel loved and welcomed. I am aware that there
are others who hold divergent views to my own.
I would be keen to lovingly engage with anyone
who holds a different position and would
welcome the opportunity to do so.

A SAFER CHURCH
Following the recent revelations of terrible
abuses in the past, I would like to see a Church
where everyone feels completely safe. I would
like to see robust safeguarding policies that
ensure the safety of all people who participate
in church activities. I will work to ensure that
safeguarding remains a top priority for the
church so that these abuses can never happen
again.

MISSION AND EVANGELISM
I would like to see the Church in this country
growing and that everyone who enters our
doors feels loved and welcomed. The church is
for every nation on earth, and all people are
welcome in God’s church. Having grown up in
Africa and being a missionary child I have
grown up with mission to the world and the
local community as central to my passion for
evangelism. As I was growing up in Kenya, I
knew many people who were passionate about
sharing their faith with others and I would like
to see evangelism at the forefront of the work
of the church and in the work of General Synod.
I would like to see people of all ages and
backgrounds hearing the saving power of the
gospel and the Church growing with many
people coming to know Jesus as their Lord and
Saviour. I would like to explore ways in which
the Church might grow through evangelistic
opportunities in the local and wider Church
communities.

A CHURCH ACCESSIBLE FOR EVERYONE
Both my son and grandson are deaf, and I am
passionate that churches should be available
and accessible for all people with diverse types
of disabilities, where they feel loved and cared
for and where all are truly valued and belong
and are welcomed.

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