General Synod Election Candidates 2026

GENERAL SYNOD ELECTIONS
REV SARAH WATSON
Priest-in-Charge of Allestree St Nicholas,
Allestree St Edmund, Quarndon and
Darley Abbey
I am standing for General Synod because I believe this is a significant
moment for the Church of England. Alongside the challenges we face,
there is an opportunity to reimagine ministry, release the gifts of lay and
ordained people, and place mission at the centre of all we do. With
courage, faith, and imagination, we can help the Church flourish and
share the transforming good news of Jesus Christ.
I believe the Church should be a place of dignity, belonging, and
opportunity for all God’s people, where everyone can contribute and
flourish regardless of background, identity, or circumstance. I would
seek to bring this commitment to General Synod, listening well and
working collaboratively across traditions and perspectives, something I
have a proven track record of doing within the Church of England. I
believe it is important to represent everyone if elected, not just those
with whom I agree.
Why am I standing?
Proposed : Ian Webb Seconded : Dwayne Engh
Ministerial Experience
Parish priest - Area Dean -Diocesan Synod - Bishop’s
Council - Business Committee - Community Board
Member - Windsor Leadership Programme Alumna -
Board of Education - School Governor - Training
Incumbent - Theological Education - Ministerial
Development Reviews- Vocations Team - Bishop’s
Adviser for Vocations - National Growing Younger
Incumbents Leadership Programme – Schools and
Sports Chaplaincy (published work) - Parish
Revitalisation - National Estates Evangelism Task Group

• Diocesan Development Groups - Ecumenical

Partnerships
'I admire Sarah a great deal. She works
constructively with people from a wide range of
traditions and beliefs, always committed to
helping build a more just and inclusive church.
Her thoughtful, insightful approach to the major
issues facing the church today, along with her
dedication to keeping the gospel at the core of
everything she does, makes her an excellent
candidate for the General Synod.'
The Rev’d Dwayne Engh

What would I bring?
Practical insight into the opportunities and challenges facing the Church today at parish
and governance levels with a commitment to advocating for sustainable and mission-
focused models of ministry
A voice for clergy wellbeing
A proven ability to build bridges across church traditions which will be particularly
important when trying to find a way forward on issues such as inclusion
To be an advocate for the church’s role in education and its priority of Growing
Younger
As a family, we love sport, which occupies much of our leisure
time. I am Chaplain to Derbyshire Tennis and am passionate
about the role sport can play in mission, discipleship, and
community engagement.
Before ordination, I was Head of Faculty in an inner-city Church
of England secondary school, where leadership in worship,
youth ministry, and chaplaincy helped shape my call to ordained
ministry. I have also served on the Board of Education and as a
governor in both church and community schools, including as
Chair of Governors. Education and young people have always
been central to my ministry. The experience gained through
these roles enables me to be a strong voice in General Synod
for the Church’s role in education, its engagement with schools
and communities, and the vital task of growing younger.
I have served in a variety of
contexts, including areas of
significant deprivation. While I
would describe myself as an Open
Evangelical, I have ministered
across a range of church traditions
and settings. I served my curacy
in the Walbrook Epiphany Team
Ministry in Normanton, Derby. As
Enabling Minister at St Philip’s,
Chaddesden, I helped reconnect
the church with its local
community and establish a new
worshipping community.
As Area Dean of Derby City, I led the
reshaping of Chapter and Deanery
Synod. I have also been involved in
vocations work and Reader training,
and I occasionally lecture at St Hild
College for both lay and ordained
ministers. In addition, I currently serve
on Diocesan Synod, Bishop’s Council,
and the Business Committee. This has
given me a broad understanding of
both the opportunities and the
challenges facing clergy, parishes,
dioceses, and the Church of England,
equipping me to contribute effectively
to the work of General Synod.
[email protected]
if you have any questions, please use the contact details above to get in touch.

chaplaincy,clergy wellbeing,curacy,dioceses,discipleship,ecumenical,estates evangelism,evangelical,evangelism,good news,gospel,inclusive,inclusive church,mission,open evangelical,ordination,revitalisation,theological education,vocations,young people,youth,youth ministry