General Synod Election Candidates 2026

Eleanor Motion for General Synod
About me
I have grown up in the diocese of Bath & Wells and worshipped at St.
Francis of Assisi in Bridgwater until I went to Falmouth University where I
studied Press and Editorial Photography. I now worship at St. Andrew’s
Church in Cheddar, where I am a member of the PCC and Deanery Synod
Rep. During my second year of university I did a placement at Flourish
House with the communications team. Since graduating university I have
been able to get more involved with the life of St. Andrew’s by helping to
lead Holiday Club, leading our new provision for teens and working with a
larger team on S.A.F.E. Project (reordering project).
My Experience on the Ground
I might be young, but I already know how parish life and church decision-making works. I’ve
been actively involved across different levels of the Church:
•
PCC Member: Helping manage the day-to-day realities and decisions of local parish
ministry in two churches.
•
Deanery Synod: Connecting with neighbouring churches to share ideas and support
local mission.
•
General Synod Co-opted Young Adults Representative: For the last 18
months I have attended three General Synods, I have spoken to Synod and have helped
to organise, facilitate and speak at fringe events that shows our work as a growing
group.
Why I’m Standing
I’ve grown up in the Church of England. It has been part of my life for as long as I can
remember, and I love what the Church can be at its absolute best: a place where nobody feels
out of place, and where everyone finds a warm welcome and a seat at the table.
I’m standing for General Synod because I want to help build that kind of Church. At 23, I bring
a voice that represents the younger generation of Christians who are here and now serving in
local parishes, caring about our planet, and praying for a kinder, more open Church.
What Drives Me
Everyone Belongs: Inclusivity

For me, faith is about God’s unconditional love. Church shouldn't be a place where people feel
they have to hide who they are just to fit in. I want to advocate for the inclusive community so
that every person feels fully welcomed, understood, and supported in our worship communities.
Inclusion isn't an afterthought; it’s at the heart of the Gospel and therefore should be at the
heart of everything we do in Church. I wholeheartedly support the Inclusive Synod Campaign
which states “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, neurodiversity, or sexuality”
Worship for everyone: Styles of worship
Whilst Holy Communion is and always will be at the heart of worship in the Church of England I
do feel that we need to create the possibilities of different styles of worship, in order to allow
everyone to come close to God in a way that suits them. I myself enjoy a range of worship styles
from Taizè to modern Christian music, from calm and meditative to lively child friendly
gatherings. I want to be in a Church that is welcoming to all styles of worship and fits the needs
of a wide range of individuals.
Protecting God's World: Local Environment & Wildlife
Loving our neighbour also means taking care of the environment we share. I am deeply
passionate about nature and local wildlife protection. Whether it's turning churchyards into safe
spaces for local wildlife or encouraging our diocese to meet Net Zero goals, I want us to take
practical action to protect the natural world around us.
Safeguarding: The Right to Feel Safe
The Church of England has made great strides forwards in safeguarding. Whilst the Church
continues to deal with historic cases it has made huge improvements which must continue. I want
to create a Church were everyone has a right to feel safe and be safe. If achieving this means
creating new and stricter guidelines then I am more than happy to stand and raise the voice of
those affected and those who want change.
My Commitment to You
If you choose to vote for me, I promise to:
1.

Listen: I will stay approachable and listen to what matters to people across our
diocese.
1.

Speak up with honesty: I won't use complicated jargon I’ll share straightforward,
thoughtful views on key Synod debates.
1.

Stand up for a welcoming, green Church: I’ll keep pressing for real progress
on inclusion and creation care.
I would be very grateful for your prayers and if you feel able to support me, for the highest
preference you are able to give me in this election. Please contact me if you wish to know more
@[email protected]

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