General Synod Election Candidates 2026

Voting record:
For safeguarding restructure,
independent scrutiny and redress
scheme.
For introduction of the Prayers of
Love and Faith, the removal of
Issues In Human Sexuality from
the vocational process and clergy
discipline.
To encourage the vocations of
working-class people and
underrepresented groups.
For wider support of Clergy
through the Clergy Conduct
Measure, reinforcement of the
Clergy Pension Scheme and
Housing Options.
To support local church through
retention of parochial fees to the
parish.
Spoken on:
Clergy Wellbeing
Funeral Fees for the Parish
Clergy Conduct Measure
Guidelines on Conduct of the
Clergy
Living in Love and Faith
Questions:
If elected I will continue to bring
questions from individual clergy
to Synod (regardless of whether I
agree with the questioner).
Julian Hollywell for General Synod
Thank you for reading my address. If you have any
questions then please get in touch. I ask for your first vote
and that you give priority to TOGETHER CANDIDATES:
Sarah Watson and Bryony Taylor.
Nominators: Alicia Dring & Mike Firbank
email: [email protected]
I am a longstanding parish priest in the Diocese and it has been my
privilege to serve on the General Synod since 2015. I am re-standing as a
‘TOGETHER’ candidate, committed to the Church of England
welcoming and celebrating all people.
We face some very difficult and divisive issues over the next five years. I
bring experience, excellent communication skills and commitment to
the mission of our broad church to reflect the diversity of all God’s
people. I support the ordination of women to all Orders of Ministry.
Synod’s work is far broader than just the large gatherings and much of the
stuff that makes a real difference in local ministry takes place in
committees. I have served on the Standing Committee (which oversees
the Synod) for the last ten years, I am responsible for Clergy Wellbeing
and worked hard on the Clergy Conduct Measure (CCM) and the
Guidelines of the Conduct of the Clergy.
I have a track record of acting with courage to advance inclusion. Work
that continues in relation to LGBTQIA+ people, women and safeguarding
the most vulnerable. This is an issue of justice and a missional priority
which will be a significant feature of the next quinquennium if we are to
re-build trust in the institution.
Over the next five years a continued commitment to implementation
will require experience and wisdom on the Synod if we are to maintain
momentum across a range of important issues. Lament to Action,
Growing Younger, Net Zero, Wellbeing, Simplification and Financial
Restructuring that focusses on the health of the local church across a
spectrum of traditions, prioritising our most socio-economically deprived
parishes will all be part of the legislative process that those elected must
engage with. This work will not grab the headlines, but I will continue to
engage assiduously and collaboratively with my colleagues as my record
shows I have always done.
Lastly General Synod Members are automatically ex-officio members of
the Diocesan Vacancy in See Committee, where I will be outspoken in a
commitment to our Diocese remaining a broad church where all
traditions are valued.

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