General Synod Election Candidates 2026

THE VENERABLE
JANE PROUDFOOT
Candidate for election to General Synod

PROFILE
I was a member of the last General Synod for a
year following the departure of Rev’d Simon
Drew. I am a member of the senior team in the
Diocese, sit on Bishop’s Council and Diocesan
Synod, DAC and Houses and Glebe. I chair the
Eco Diocese Group and sit on the Outreach and
Diversity forums for the Diocese. I work closely
with churches in vacancy and with the Vacancy
Resource Group. I have been a training
incumbent and a Deanery Vocations Advisor. I
was a member of the Diocesan Advisory Group
for Living in Love and Faith, and in 2019 chaired
the triennial Chester Clergy Conference. I took
the lead in involving our parish as a pilot for the
Everyday Faith initiative from the Renewal and
Reform Group. I have taught on the Reader and
Pastoral Workers Training courses and
undertook research into funeral ministry which
fed into the National Church’s Life Events
initiative. I initiated the ‘We are The Church’
mission to the Creamfields Festival which
started in 2017. I am the joint author of a
resource pack entitled Wellbeing in the Parish:
Helping PCCs THRIVE, part of the Church of
England’s resources for wellbeing, to be
published by CHP next year.
[email protected]
PROPOSED BY
The Venerable Dr Michael Gilbertson
[email protected]

SECONDED BY
Rev’d Bee Boyde
[email protected]

Dear Colleagues,
I am standing for election to the Church of England General Synod out of a
deep commitment to the future of our clergy and the flourishing of our
parishes. In my daily ministry as an Archdeacon, I work closely with
communities across the theological spectrum. This role constantly reminds me
that our greatest strength lies in our ability to hold diverse perspectives
together in Christ.
Importantly, my current role is firmly rooted in fifteen years of front-line parish
ministry. I know firsthand the joy, isolation, administrative weight, and daily
realities of clergy life because I, like you, have lived them. As your
representative, I am committed to holding a broad, central line that actively
respects, serves, and protects all traditions. In a national assembly that can
often feel polarized, I will bring a perspective that is practical, collaborative,
and fiercely defensive of our frontline ministries.

“I have worked closely with Archdeacon Jane over the last few years, first in my
capacity as assistant rural dean and then rural dean. She is inspirational, not
only as she navigated her illness, but perhaps more pertinently by her ability to
develop the leadership skills of others. She has a deep understanding of ministry
on the frontline and clearly sees what is needed to promote and grow God’s
Kingdom.
She holds the tension of driving this passion forward whilst working within the
complex dynamics of the Church of England.
I trust her to be a voice for me because she so clearly carries God’s love and
grace into all parts of life.
Jane articulates clearly and with care when things need to change. She is careful
to listen and hear everyone ‘in the room’ before discerning the words or next
steps required. At a time when I see a lot of change is coming and still more is
needed - I want her wisdom and integrity to be part of the conversations.
I encourage you to use your vote for a gentle steel in a loud and fractured
landscape.”
Rev’d Bee Boyd, Rector of St Mary, Sandbach and Rural Dean of Nantwich

“Jane has served in this diocese for many years as a parish priest and rural dean, and more recently an archdeacon.
She is very effective, approachable, and highly respected by her colleagues and the community. She would bring
energy and wisdom to General Synod, and I am delighted to commend her to you”.
Venerable Dr Michael Gilbertson, Archdeacon of Chester
18 of 29

I believe our common framework is best expressed through the Five Marks of Mission -Tell,
Teach, Tend, Transform and Treasure - which must guide our national and diocesan priorities
over the next five years:

1. Mission, Church Growth, and Intentional Discipleship

Our core purpose must always be the Great Commission. Mission is not an optional extra; it is the vital center from which
everything else flows. We are called to proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom and to teach, baptize and nurture new
believers. Having spent fifteen years leading in local churches, I know that true sustainability will not be achieved through
administrative cuts or clever finance, but through spiritual renewal, intentional discipleship, and local church growth. I will
champion national policies that invest heavily in parish-level evangelism, believing that revitalized mission is ultimately the
only sustainable path to funding our shared ministry. Growth in the church is the product of good leadership, both lay and
ordained. As there is no ‘one size fits all’ solution to the decline in church numbers, the solutions are as broad as the
church itself. A recognition of the power of the local, contextual ministry, and the value of place and belonging is essential.

1. Comprehensive Christian Inclusion, Justice, and Pastoral Unity

Our calling is to reflect the full, diverse beauty of the body of Christ as we seek to transform unjust structures of society. I
am fully committed to building an inclusive Church that actively dismantles all forms of discrimination. We must continue
to root out systemic racism by implementing the From Lament to Action recommendations, remove barriers for disabled
clergy and laity, promote gender equality at all levels of leadership, and ensure a generous pastoral welcome for LGBTQI+
Christians. Crucially, as an Archdeacon who serves the whole diocese, I will concurrently advocate for robust, structural
safeguards that protect consciences on all sides, so every tradition has the space to "walk and work together" with
absolute integrity.

1. Robust and Independent Safeguarding

Rebuilding systemic trust across our dioceses requires transparency and a commitment to challenge violence of every
kind. I fully support General Synod’s ongoing steps toward establishing an Independent Safeguarding Authority and
standardized complaints processes. A safe church culture is a fundamental Gospel requirement. I will vote to ensure
survivors receive independent redress and that our safeguarding structures are completely transparent and legally robust.

1. Clergy Well-being, Resilience, and Mental Health Provision

Parishes and clergy are under immense strain from society's widespread mental health crisis and the pressures of modern
ministry. Our Gospel calling commands us to respond to human need by loving service. Drawing directly on my experience
of working with the homeless and in schools prior to ordination, and of parish ministry alongside my current archdeaconry
experience, I will champion better structural care, realistic workloads, and enhanced mental health support for
overstretched clergy. I will advocate for practical national funding and training tools so our local leadership can safely
support the most vulnerable in our wider communities.

1. Climate Action, Creation Care, and Net Zero Infrastructure

Caring for God's creation is a non-negotiable tenet of our faith as we strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and
respond responsibly to the climate crisis. While I support our national Net Zero carbon targets, my practical experience
tells me that parishes need realistic support, not just legislative demands. I will advocate for dedicated national funding
streams, subsidized energy audits, and simplified faculty paths that empower clergy and churchwardens to adapt historic
buildings realistically and responsibly. Furthermore, I will push for the Church Commissioners to manage our national
assets and agricultural land with high ethical and ecological standards, modeling true environmental justice.

Our calling is to be a generous, welcoming church at the heart of every community. I offer you a voice that is
moderate, deeply collaborative, and fully informed by both the daily realities of diocesan leadership and the lived
experiences of parish life.
I would be deeply grateful for your first-preference vote.
19 of 29

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