General Synod Election Candidates 2026

Rector, Stoke St Michael
Priest in Charge Holy Cross
Chair of House of Clergy
Director, Inspire Academy
Chaplain Coventry Sea Cadets
Candidate - House of Clergy
REV’D CANON CLAIRE MCARTHUR
CURRENT POSTS
Canon for The Arts and
Reconciliation Coventry
Cathedral
Canon Kate Massey
Associate Priest Holy Cross (SSM)
Rev’d Liz Harris
It has been a privilege and an honour to represent you all over the last
four years. During that time, I have sat through most of the debates in
the Chamber, and I think I am one of those strange people who
genuinely loves General Synod and the breadth of issues that we have
the opportunity to debate.
I have found my voice and was chosen to speak on a number of
issues, poverty and ministry in communities where so many people
live on the margins. I have been involved in both the debate and
preparation work around working-class vocations.
I have also spoken about the challenges facing our ministry in the
current climate and the pressures being placed on clergy, our well
being, volunteer engagement and the impact of church finances.
Perhaps my proudest moment, however, has been the quiet, behind-
the-scenes work I undertook following my own experience of our local
CNC and the concerns that arose from that process. I worked quietly
and constructively, listening, building relationships and seeking to
make a difference. One outcome was the work around ensuring better
representation of women clergy on every CNC, which Archbishop
Sarah subsequently presented.
For me, that is an important part of what General Synod is about, not
simply the speeches and debates in the Chamber, but the
relationships we build and the work we do behind the scenes to make
a difference to the life of the Church.
I have also had the privilege of serving on the Business Committee of
General Synod. I feel, it is wonderful to have someone from the
Coventry Diocese helping to shape and set the national agenda,
ensuring that the right debates and presentations happen. I hope I
will have the opportunity to continue that work if I am elected for
another term.
Why I am Standing again
CONTACT DETAILS
NOMINATED BY
[email protected]
07532260027
PERSONAL INFORMATION
I am Coventry born and bred,
married to Gavin for over 30
years. I have three adult
children and an array of
animals live at the rectory.
I have worked in
broadcasting, charity and
higher education sectors
Please Vote for me as your first or high
preference vote - Thank you
cont..

More About Me
I am Rector of Stoke St Michael’s, an urban parish in Coventry East and one of the most diverse
communities in our diocese. We are a central church in tradition. I have also served as Area Dean for
Coventry East, so I understand more than most the demands of our day to day ministry.
Although I am urban based, I understand many of the challenges facing rural churches through my
work as a trustee of the Arthur Rank Centre, advocating for rural ministry, for many years I was on the
editorial team of their magazine Countryway.
Within the diocese, I serve as Chair of the House of Clergy, chairing Diocesan Synod, representing the
voice of clergy. I sit on the Business Committee and have also served in the diocese as a vocations
adviser, Chair of the Grants Committee, and supported diocesan teams with communications,
governance and finance. These roles have given me a strong understanding of both the local and
national Church.
I am passionate about protecting parish ministry. I remain in awe that everyone in this country belongs
to a parish. Our national Church should be a Church for everyone, regardless of age, gender, disability,
tradition, race, sexuality or socio-economic background. Every person is made in the image of God and
should know that they are accepted, loved, truly accepted and welcomed.
I believe deeply in walking alongside people through the great moments of life, baptism, marriage and
death, and in the privilege of gathering around the Eucharist as the family of God, renewed and sent
out as Christ’s light into the world.
Isaiah’s words speak strongly to me:
“The spirit of the Lord God is upon me… he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind
up the brokenhearted…”
I am happiest when supporting others: being a voice for the unheard, feeding hungry families,
supporting the homeless, walking alongside the bereaved, visiting the sick and welcoming refugees.
Faith must be lived out in the communities we serve.
I am a contextual theologian, seeking to understand how Scripture speaks into the world around us. I
am passionate about sharing the Gospel so that others can discover a relationship with the living God,
while recognising our responsibility to care for the world God has entrusted to us.
But I am also realistic about the challenges we face, maintaining buildings, raising parish share and
sustaining ministry are increasingly difficult. Parish ministry matters, and we need to protect it. We need
honest conversations about how we build healthy, sustainable churches while ensuring ministry
remains rooted in our local communities.
I believe in the dignity and equality of every person. I believe committed, faithful relationships can be a
means of grace, regardless of sexuality or identity, and that all genders are called to lead and build
God’s kingdom. We still have work to do to ensure women’s calling and ministry are fully recognised
across the Church.
Safeguarding, transparency and accountability must remain central. Before ordination, I sat on CDM
Tribunals. I have seen the damage caused when processes are not fair, transparent or compassionate.
We need systems that are fit for purpose and support clergy to thrive.
Before ordination, I spent more than 20 years at the BBC and later held senior communications and
digital roles at the Motor Neurone Disease Association and De Montfort University. I understand how
different generations engage with information, and how important good communication is as we share
the Gospel in an increasingly secular and digital world.

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