General Synod Election Candidates 2026

Rev. Mike Smith, Vicar of Hartford:
Candidate for General Synod
It has been a privilege to serve on General Synod at the
tail end of this last session, having come on through a
by-election. I would be grateful for your highest
possible preference vote in order to return to Synod for
the next quinquennium.
Grace and Truth: my theological core
The Lord Jesus finally drew me to himself in the
Students’ Union launderette at Warwick University in early 1989, as I gave up trying to escape his
unique claim to be “the way, the truth and the life”, and the only one through whom we come to
the Father (John 14.6). Ever since, John’s writings have had a particular resonance for me
personally, and throughout my ministry. Our parish motto in Hartford reflects John’s classic
pairing: we are committed to walking in truth, and living in love.
Jesus famously said authentic discipleship is found in our love for each other (John 13.35), but he
also said that if we love him, we will obey his teaching (John 14.23-24). When love grows cold, we
become odious Pharisees. When we neglect “God’s word written”, we weakly echo the
unbelieving world. Just as Jesus comes from his Father, “full of grace and truth”, so the church –
in parish, diocese and nationally – needs to aspire always to be full of both.
What does that look like in General Synod?
Even in my short time, I have found myself in the happy position of collaborating across the entire
theological spectrum of the Church of England on issues as diverse as the Chester-led move to
refocus the allocation of LInC funding from dioceses to parishes, and the safeguarding
implications of the Seal of the Confessional. I believe that is grace at work, not just politics.
It has also meant rediscovering precious unity amongst those who are committed to “our Lord’s
teaching that marriage is in its nature a union … of one man with one woman” (Canon B30). As a
practical expression of our unity under Jesus’ teaching, I am grateful that Hennie and Tina have
agreed to nominate me to re-stand for Synod. We stand together in the orthodox faith once for all
delivered to the saints.
What about issues currently before Synod?
Let me just address three: I would welcome direct questions about any others.

1. Strong parishes

As a general rule, people are not converted to Christ in deaneries or dioceses – and not through
hierarchs or experts – but in local churches where believers bear witness to the grace and truth of
Jesus, and are led by able pastors who preach “the pure Word of God” and duly minister the
Sacraments (Article XIX). If making disciples is our most important work, then supporting local
parishes, their people and pastors must be our most important priority. As such, I am standing in
support of Save the Parish.

1. Safe churches

The safeguarding scandals of recent decades – of which I am a survivor – have caused untold
damage: most importantly to precious souls, but also to the credibility of the church. Our work in
this area is unfinished. I have a particular concern about the so-called Seal of the Confessional
where the duty of absolute secrecy contradicts the most basic safeguarding principle of
prioritising the vulnerable. This cannot continue, and if re-elected, I hope to start the process
seeking to bring a motion to our Diocesan Synod and then to General Synod to reform this.
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1. Faithful clergy

In the new Synod, LLF will be reborn under a new acronym. In my debut speech in February, I
argued in favour of a motion to stop this happening. It is inevitable that this will include moves to
allow clergy to be in same-sex marriages. In this last Synod, we have agreed that the Church of
England will not change its doctrine of marriage: it is, after all, Jesus’ own teaching. It would
introduce an impossible contradiction if those charged to teach the church’s doctrine can choose
to live in committed, deliberate, public denial of that same doctrine. I am therefore also standing
in support of The Alliance.
What should Synod be addressing?
When we were ordained, and every time we take up a new post, we are reminded of our
fundamental calling, namely “bringing the grace and truth of Christ to this generation and making
Him known to those in your care”. In my view, two focal points of mission – traditionally Anglican
strengths – require radical renewal; each is a personal passion.

1. Reaching the young

Figures released at the last meeting of Synod revealed that less than 4% of parishes nationally
have more than 25 young people attending weekly. Over the last 20 years, the churches in our
diocese have lost two thirds of our young people. Unless we radically and effectively prioritise the
engagement of young people with the full biblical gospel, the Church of England will largely cease
to exist in the next few decades. How do we enable thriving children’s and youth ministry to
flourish in every parish?

1. Serving our communities

We have all seen the number of weddings and funerals in church, or taken by clergy, drop
dramatically in recent decades. Why do we persist with a fee-based model that belonged to a
departed Christendom, annually increasing fees as engagement dwindles? If we want to be both
ministers and models of the gospel of grace in the great turning points of life, it is time to learn
from the NHS and offer all our services free at the point of delivery.
In particular, with all the benefits marriage brings, it is outrageous that the wealthy are four times
more likely to marry than the poorest in our nation. Promoting, defending and sustaining God’s
gift of marriage is a biblical, evangelistic and social justice imperative. One couple’s story shows
the difference a local church can make – our then curate was briefly famous on the One Show
through our Grand Wedding initiative.
Why should you vote for me?
I have been in full-time parish ministry for over 30 years and committed to the wider life of the
Church of England throughout that time. I have been on Diocesan Synod since 2006, Bishops’
Council since 2009 and the Central Services Committee (and its predecessor) since 2013. That’s
a cumulative total of 50 years’ experience in our diocesan structures!
One recent positive example of my engagement has been the creation of the Complementary
Parish Share Scheme. In a real sense, no-one actually wants it! But it’s an attempt, in a divided
church, to maintain maximum possible unity while recognising deep conscientious difference.
In short, if you want someone who is passionate to make disciples of all ages, longs to see
parishes renewed and strengthened as the missional centre of the Church of England and who
loves our church’s reformed, biblical doctrine, vote for me! Thank you for taking the time to read.
Nominators: Rev. Hennie Johnston (St. Mark’s, Lache Saltney and Rural Dean of Chester)

Rev. Canon Tina Upton (Holy Trinity, Blacon and Chair of the House of Clergy)
If you have any questions, please get in touch via [email protected] or on 01606 77557.
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