biblical,disability,discernment,discipleship,mission,working class,young adults

CONTACT:
[email protected]

Dear friends,
I am standing for General Synod because I care deeply about the life of the parish
and the everyday faithfulness that happens in homes, communities, and churches
across our diocese. As someone from a working-class background, a voice still
under-represented in our national conversations, I want to ensure that Synod
reflects the breadth of the whole Church of England.
I am married with two children and have a very mischievous house bunny, and like
many families, we juggle work, study, school runs, and real-life pressures. I know
how important it is that the wider Church stays connected to the realities of
ordinary people trying to follow Jesus in the midst of busy, complicated lives.
As a Licensed Lay Minister, I have the privilege of serving in my local church,
preaching, teaching, and supporting the ministry of others. I have always loved the
parish church since I became a Christian aged 14 and started attending along with
some friends. The experience of being an LLM has deepened my love for parish
life and strengthened my desire to see mission, discipleship, and pastoral care
flourish at every level of the Church.
I am currently a university student studying counselling and psychotherapy, which
is shaping my commitment to wellbeing, pastoral care and emotionally healthy
leadership. I am also increasingly aware of how many people can feel unseen or
unheard, from young adults I meet at university who are spiritually open and
asking important questions about faith, to those living with experiences that are
not immediately visible. Having developed transverse myelitis at 15, I have lived
with a hidden disability for much of my life, and this has shaped my desire for a
Church that listens well, makes space for every voice, and recognises the gifts and
contribution of every person. I long to see a Church where clergy, lay leaders and
congregations are supported, encouraged and given the space and care they need
to flourish.
I would describe myself as someone who values the historic, biblical foundations
of our faith, and I am committed to engaging respectfully, clearly, and
constructively with the whole breadth of the Church. Even where we differ, I will
contribute with integrity, kindness, and a desire for good process.
If elected, I will listen carefully, speak honestly, and represent our diocese with
humility, integrity, and hope. It would be an honour to serve.
Thank you so much for considering giving me your vote.
Rachel

PRIORITIES:
•
A Church rooted in the parish,
where local mission is valued and
resourced, and where people are
welcomed into a living relationship
with Jesus.
•
A Church with godly, accountable
leadership, marked by integrity,
humility, and prayerful
discernment.
•
A Church that listens to
working-class voices, recognising
the gifts, wisdom, and faithfulness
present in every community.
•
A Church committed to wellbeing,
inclusion and healthy
leadership, where those who lead
and serve are cared for, where
voices that can go unheard are
listened to, and where everyone
has the opportunity to grow in
faith and flourish.
•
A Church that holds truth and
grace together, engaging with
theological questions in a way that
is both faithful and
compassionate.

RACHEL BOND
ST FRANCIS MACKWORTH

Nominated by: Simon Lewis, St Werburgh’s Derby
Seconded by: Alison Henshaw, St Peter’s Chellaston