General Synod Election Candidates 2026

PERSONAL PROFILE
Worship at St Mary’s Nantwich
(and St Bertolines, Barthomley)
Member of Diocesan Synod and
Deanery Synod, with eight years
experience on a PCC
Previously elected to General
Synod (2021-26), and already
familiar with some of the
current topics being considered
and the processes through
which Synod works and its
copious textual acronyms!
Attendance rate 100%
Took every opportunity to
submit my own written
questions and those of others
before each group of sessions
Appointed as Synod’s
ecumenical representative at
the Methodist Conference in
Telford in 2025
On LLF working group, Pastoral
Guidance for the use of prayers,
in its later stages, before the
project was ended. I benefitted
greatly from meeting and
engaging with people holding a
range of different views and
from getting to know each
other
Previously - a volunteer at St
Paul’s Centre, Crewe. Served as
a church steward, a rep. on the
local Churches Together group,
a helper with the church youth
group and one of the co-
founders and chairperson of
Open Table Nantwich (hosted
by the local Methodist church)
Worked in the NHS as a nurse in
Whitechapel, London and a
midwife in Stoke-on-Trent,
Staffordshire. Head of
Midwifery studies at the
University of Keele before
becoming Lecturer at the
University of Manchester,
during which time I completed a
part-time PhD at the University
of Sheffield. Currently a
freelance researcher and writer
on the history of midwifery and
childbirth
GENERAL SYNOD ELECTIONS 2026
Dr Janette Allotey
Proposer: Mr Bryan Coghlan Seconder: Mr Ernest Charlton
Thank you for
reading this. I
should like to
help to
revitalise the
Church of
England. I hope
you will
consider
allocating me a
‘high
preference’
vote

Please turn over
The church’s fundamental vocation is to
discern, proclaim and serve Christ within
an increasingly fragile and fractured world.
Its role is that of reconciliation, focusing on
building a better society and a greater
sense of community.
While centralised structures that promote
effective managerial coordination and
financial stewardship are important, they
are not of its essence. Indeed, it is parish
and cathedral ministry, and chaplaincy
within secular organisations, such as
schools, hospitals and the armed forces,
that are central to its life, with all the many
volunteer contributions, both clerical and
lay, that they involve.
As someone who became an active and
committed church member only within the
last ten years, I retain something of an
outsider’s perspective and can associate
with the feelings and experiences of people
who have not yet felt God’s love. I
therefore place a high priority on welcome,
inclusivity and attention to power.
Having a diverse range of Synod members
ensures that everyone’s needs are
represented, including those of older
people such as myself, who represent a
significant proportion of worshippers.
My role on General Synod is to read,
discern, pray and vote. I am available to
respond to your questions.
To contact me, please email:
[email protected]
‘What kind of soil do
we need to tend for
God’s word to take
root and grow in our
hearts, in the parishes
and communities we
serve, across the world
– in the whole created
order?’
Archbishop of
Canterbury
3 of 31

What sort of church
are we called to be in
the 21st century?
We are all God’s
children
Inter-faith and inter-
denominational efforts
towards world peace
should be redoubled,
with urgent efforts made
by churches to provide
for the needs of refugees
from wars, persecution
and natural disasters.
The church should be
a safe haven for all
Efforts must be made to
rebuild public trust
following publication of
the Makin review and the
findings of IICSA on
safeguarding
God stands with the
oppressed

The church needs to
positively respond to
social injustice and
discrimination
experienced by
marginalised groups

A Youthful and
flourishing church
The church needs to
address the adequate
preparation, support and
reward of our clergy to
ensure the quality of
ministry and encourage
vocations
I support innovations to
encourage younger
people to actually come
to church and ultimately
become more involved in
shaping its future

Contact email: [email protected]
A word of thanks: I am very humbled by the support I have received, and feel
blessed to have met such a wide range of people while serving on General
Synod, many of whom are also standing for re-election .
I support the principles of the following organisations and
undertake to promote their aims:
Inclusive Church and Together for the Church of England – both
promote affirmation without discrimination, regardless of gender,
disability, ethnicity, socio-economic status, mental health, neurotype
or sexuality, we are all God’s people.
Together for the Church of England was formed by members of
General Synod in 2024 and has since expanded to include networks
across the dioceses. I am part of the Chester diocesan network
which is in the process of developing a diocese wide group of like
minded clergy and lay people who wish to promote inclusivity and
good practice.
https://www.inclusive-church.org
https://togethercofe.org.uk

Save the Parish – I believe that parish ministry and pastoral care
should be accessible to everyone. The parish is the best means of
evangelism and is at the heart of the Church of England, but
currently its sustainability is in question. ‘Expensive’ clergy training is
also at risk of being diluted. Careful deliberations need to continue, a
few churches may need to close although careful consideration of
pastoral re-organisation and strategic developments is required, as
these may potentially lead to further irreversible church closures and
fewer clergy. https://savetheparish.com
Eco Church and caring for nature and the environment – Green
investment is to be encouraged by the church, which is also aiming
towards a net zero carbon footprint. Eco church initiatives can align
institutional practices and individual behaviour in caring for God’s
earth and our local church is committed to this. Related issues are
regularly debated and progress is reviewed by the Church
Commissioners at General Synod. https://ecochurch.arocha.org.uk
https://www.caringforgodsacre.org.uk
Dr Janette Allotey
4 of 31

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