General Synod Election Candidates 2026

GENERAL SYNOD ELECTORAL ADDRESS
JOHN LANCASTER
Aged 67. Member of St Peter’s Chester

Who Am I?
As a 19-year-old student, I was baptised and confirmed at St John’s
Harborne, Birmingham. I remain amazed that my Lord and Saviour, Jesus
Christ, has never given up on me since then. As I moved for study and work,
I have spent rewarding time in churches of other denominations –
Methodist, Baptist, independent evangelical – but found myself for the most
time in the Church of England which, with all its strengths and weaknesses,
I call my spiritual home. I delight in its parish system and in its liturgy. I
am a follower of Jesus, bible-based, Christ-centred and Spirit-led. I find
great spiritual sustenance from regular Holy Communion, in an annual
Lenten silent retreat at an Anglican Franciscan monastery and in the
Franciscan values of peace, justice and care of creation.
I have held most of the lay roles in a parish – PCC and deanery member,
PCC secretary and Churchwarden. I have been a member of St Peter’s
Chester for 13 years https://www.chesterstpeter.org.uk/ . We have the
privilege of worshipping in an ancient church right in the heart of Chester.
We open the doors to our café during the week, and to our services on
Sundays. People come in and the Spirit works. It’s fantastic!
Like all of us, I am kept busy in Church. I lead intercessions. I prepare the
monthly brunch. I play bass guitar. I chair our Justice Advocacy group
working out what it means to St Peter’s to “stand for what is just over what
is comfortable and play an active role in making our city and world a fairer
place for all.” I am a member of the church catering team. I organise the
parish mail drop on our parishioners.
I have been married to Joy for 37 years. We have two adult sons.
I have a degree in Law with Politics. For 38 years I was a Solicitor. As my
career progressed, I specialised in acting for children and family members
when children were taken into care; and for vulnerable adults who were
detained under the Mental Health Act or deprived of their liberty under the
Mental Capacity Act. It was a great privilege to advocate for those who were
at the bottom of society and treated by some to be of lesser worth.
“John is a faithful follower of Jesus.
He combines sharp analytical skills
with a deeply rooted faith. He offers
constructive scrutiny and would
represent our diocese with integrity
and grace.” Rev Jonathan Phillips,
Vicar St Peter’s Chester
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I am now retired. When I am not doing churchy stuff, I tend my allotment,
help at our local foodbank and play bass in a jazz group.
What would I bring to the role of General Synod member?
I hope that my legal career has given me some transferable skills. I have
needed the capacity to read fast, and identify and absorb the important
parts of detailed documents. I am used to interpreting legislation. I have
had to evaluate the merits of opposing arguments and identifying any
common ground. I have advocated with passion for those in need. For most
of my career I have been a partner in a legal firm, so I am used to strongly
held disagreements at board level and working to resolve them. With the
help also of my degree, which included politics, I have an understanding of
how organisations work. I care deeply about justice.
My own self-understanding, backed up by the opinions of those who know
me best, is that my natural role is that of mediator and peace-maker,
seeking where possible to resolve differences by agreement.
Two of the most pressing areas of concern for the Church of England are
safeguarding and human sexuality.
Safeguarding issues, and the effects of abuse, were very common features of
my professional caseload. I hope I can bring into play the knowledge and
experience I have gained. Having said that, I am immensely impressed with
the passion and professionalism in this area of Bishop Mark as Diocesan
Bishop and Bishop Julie as deputy lead Bishop for safeguarding. My role
may be limited to agreeing with them!
I have an orthodox biblical understanding of gender and sexuality. I am
aware of the deep divisions and pain that the church’s historical attitudes
have caused and the impassioned recent debates. In this and all issues, I
wish to maintain love and fellowship with my sisters and brothers in Christ
with whom I respectfully disagree.
Why vote for me?
Thank you for taking the time to read this address.
I hope many others will stand as potential General Synod members. They
may be better candidates than me. All I can ask is that you please
prayerfully read through each Electoral Address, seek God’s guidance and
vote.
God bless you.
If you have any questions, please do contact me (but not between 19th and
27th September when I shall be on the holy Island of Bardsey!)
Email: [email protected]
Mobile and WhatsApp: 07977 212260
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