General Synod Election Candidates 2026

I am happy to nominate Hannah for this role. She is a compassionate, inclusive and capable Priest.
She listens thoughtfully to discussions and can articulate her own thoughts clearly and confidently
making useful contributions to decision making. Hannah shows a deep commitment to her priestly role
and lives her faith in her everyday life. She is reflective and prayerful and willing to encourage others
with prayer. I have every confidence that she will make an exceptional Synod member.
Rev’d Hannah Harvey
“learn to do good; seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan,
plead for the widow.” Isaiah 1:17
Who am I?
Follower of Jesus
Curate across 4 Churches in Runcorn in a pioneering Curacy, after
training at the Queens Foundation
Youth, Children & Families Minister for 8 years prior to Ordination
Lived & worked in the Diocese of Guildford, York & Norwich prior to
moving to Chester Diocese for my Curacy
Queer member of Clergy, and chaplain to local HIV & Pride Charity
organisations.
Believes no one should be made
to feel less-than
no matter their;
Tradition,
Affluance,
Gender,
Sexuality,
Age,
Mental Health,
Neurodiversity
Disability
or any other barrier to full
inclusion.
Seeks the presence of God and encourages
encounter & experience in ways that are rooted
in the anglican faith whilst contextually
appropriate & where local voices are amplified
& celebrated.
Models loving others through, &
beyond, disagreement, holding
difference with grace & integrity.
Values the parish system which
continues to champion redemption &
fullness of life for both place & people.
I believe in working
towards a Church that:
Revd Karen M Andrews, Vicar of All Saints with Holy Trinity, Runcorn
Priest in Charge of St John the Evangelist, Weston
My faith has been an anchor in my life since I was a teenager and the role of the Church
within that faith is inextricable. I believe the Church remains a powerful and relevent vehicle
for the Missio Dei and the role of Synod is captured in these words of Gustav Mahler:
“Tradition is not the worship of ashes, but the preservation of fire.”
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What skills do I bring?
I have a both a BA and a MA in Theology, Ministry and Mission which has equipped me with a
passion for continued theological learning and an ability to see the beauty, and scriptural
authority, of the breadth of CofE tradition.
I was raised within a traditional village church that had both charismatic worship and high
mass. I experienced leading worship bands alongside singing in the choir and being thurifer.
This has led me to have a deep appreciation of the ability of the CofE to hold the diversity of
faith expression and a passion to ensure that this diversity can accommodate all of God’s
Children. I believe whole heartedly that the role of the Church is captured by the words of
Isaiah 1:17 & that the basis of all we do should be bearing together with and in love.
I am passionate about nuturing a church that has space for all to find their home in because
I have experienced the exclusion and abandonment that can be perpetuated in our
Churches. I know first hand how terrifying it can be to speak out about exclusion, or be
authentic within unsafe spaces, therefore I am determined to be a voice for the voices that
feel unable to speak out. As an openly queer priest I feel this gives me the opportunity to
represent those who cannot offer their own stories and remain safe.
Why do I feel called to stand?
I have a long history of experience within the Church of England that has led me to
participate in committees and councils that are synod adjacent. I was the secretary, and
subsequently Chair, of the Church of England Youth Council which included supporting and
accompanying youth synod reps to Synod, leading Fringe meetings and manning CEYC stalls
in York. As I grew more invested in raising the profile of youth participation and Anglo-
Catholic perspectives, I joined the SGPF advisory group and then later LMAG. I have worked
exclusively for the CofE since 2016 and have experience at Parish, Diocesan and National
levels of Church.
values, priorities, and vision for the future
to make sure your vote mirrors the kind of Church you long to see.
Please vote for me, 1 place would be an honour, if I don’t float your boat then please
consider Rev’d Emma Speake. However you feel about my statement can I encourage you
to use your vote and rank your candidates according to their
st
“Hannah is an articulate, sensitive and passionate member of the Inclusive
Church movement who would bring integrity and insight to synod conversations”
“We are 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.”
Revd Karen Gardiner, Vicar at Hallwood
Ecumenical Parish
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