General Synod Election Candidates 2026

Details of all candidates in the 2026 General Synod elections

Election Address

Khaiko Makwela-Wali

Durham

House of Laity


I am seeking nomination to the General Synod of the Church of England because I believe I can make a meaningful
contribution through my extensive experience in strategic leadership, sustainable development, infrastructure,
governance, and community engagement, underpinned by a lifelong Christian faith and commitment to service.
Throughout my professional career, I have worked at the intersection of infrastructure development, sustainability,
and social impact, focusing particularly on digitised energy systems and the integration of renewable technologies
across sectors. My work has centred on developing flexible, resilient, secure, and affordable energy systems that
support decarbonisation, economic growth, and social wellbeing. These experiences have equipped me with the
strategic insight, collaborative leadership skills, and long-term vision that I would bring to the work of General Synod.
My faith has been a guiding force throughout my life and has led to active involvement within the wider Anglican
Communion, including connections with the Diocese of Kaduna in Nigeria and St Michael's Church in Malawi. Much of
my church service, however, has been devoted to Durham Cathedral, where I have worshipped and served for many
years.
I was instrumental in establishing the Sunday School at Durham Cathedral’s Education Centre, which has since
developed into the thriving Junior Church. I also served on the Cathedral Council before its dissolution and remain an
active member of the Cathedral Servers' Team alongside my wife and son. Through these roles, I have witnessed the
importance of nurturing faith across generations and supporting the Church's mission within both local and wider
communities.
As Managing Director of Green Globe Architecture Ltd, I lead a multidisciplinary, design-led practice specialising in
sustainable architecture, engineering, and environmental design. Our work focuses on creating sustainable mixed-use
communities through innovative approaches that integrate renewable technologies, including solar, wind, biomass,
geothermal energy, and rainwater harvesting. Through this work, we seek to create environmentally responsible
developments that deliver positive social, economic, and community outcomes.
Associate Fellow, Durham Energy Institute, Durham University
Acting as both a practitioner and external ambassador, I contribute expertise in energy development, support
collaborative research opportunities, and represent the Institute externally. This role has enabled partnerships and
collaborative initiatives involving the African Union, CAFOD, AUDA-NEPAD, and the Government of Malawi.
Member, Durham Diocesan Synod
Participating in the mission and ministry of the Diocese, helping ensure that the voices of parishioners are heard and
supporting the Church's vision that every person has the opportunity to encounter God and know His love through
Jesus Christ.
Member, South Durham Deanery Synod
Contributing to the mission, governance, and life of the Church at deanery level.
Server Team Member, Durham Cathedral
Supporting worship and enhancing the prayerful and liturgical life of Durham Cathedral, helping enrich the experience
of the diverse communities that gather there.

Khaiko Makwela-Wali
Architect/Director Green Globe Architecture

Previous Roles and Experience
Regional Architect / Senior Facilities Development Manager
Sport England Lottery Fund and Arts Council England
Provided technical leadership and advice for Lottery-funded projects and co-authored national sports strategies and
technical guidance documents. Working extensively across the North East, I observed both significant deprivation and
remarkable community resilience. Guided by Christian values, I championed Gender Equality and Social Inclusion,
promoting projects that delivered substantial social and economic benefits, particularly for women, girls, and young
people.
Sub-Team Leader / Senior Architect
Mouchel (Building Schools for the Future Programme)
Led the design and delivery of educational infrastructure projects aimed at improving learning environments and
opportunities for future generations.
Director
Seymour Harris Active!!
Provided strategic direction and leadership in the development of community-focused initiatives.
Governor
Durham Trinity School and Sports College
Contributed to governance, strategic planning, and educational development.
Member
Durham Cathedral Community Council (until dissolution)
Supported community engagement and Cathedral governance.
Member
Church Commissioners' Slavery and Reconciliation Working Group
Contributed to important discussions concerning historical accountability, reconciliation, and the Church's ongoing
commitment to justice and healing.
Key Skills and Experience
•
Strategic leadership and organisational governance.
•
Policy development, planning, and implementation.
•
Sustainable development and infrastructure expertise.
•
Energy systems, environmental sustainability, and climate resilience.
•
Partnership building across academic, governmental, faith, community, private sector, and international
organisations.
•
Strong collaborative leadership and stakeholder engagement.
•
Extensive committee, board, and working group experience, including chairing and contributing to sub-
committees and strategic forums.
•
Commitment to social justice, equality, inclusion, and community development informed by Christian faith and
values.
What I Would Bring to General Synod
I would bring a combination of deep faith, practical experience, strategic thinking, and a commitment to serving both
the Church and wider society. My experience across governance, sustainable development, international partnerships,
and community engagement has equipped me to contribute thoughtfully to the Church's response to the challenges
and opportunities of our time, while remaining grounded in the Gospel and committed to the flourishing of all God's
people.

accountability,anglican communion,church commissioners,environmental,equality,gospel,justice,liturgical,mission,social justice,sunday school,young people


Theological Tradition Terms
Theological Tradition Sentences

Sexuality, Marriage & LLF/PLF Terms
Sexuality, Marriage & LLF/PLF Sentences

Safeguarding Terms
Safeguarding Sentences

Evangelism, Mission & Church Growth Terms

gospel,mission

Evangelism, Mission & Church Growth Sentences
Through these roles, I have witnessed the importance of nurturing faith across generations and supporting the Church's mission within both local and wider communities. ------ Participating in the mission and ministry of the Diocese, helping ensure that the voices of parishioners are heard and supporting the Church's vision that every person has the opportunity to encounter God and know His love through Jesus Christ. ------ Contributing to the mission, governance, and life of the Church at deanery level. ------ My experience across governance, sustainable development, international partnerships, and community engagement has equipped me to contribute thoughtfully to the Church's response to the challenges and opportunities of our time, while remaining grounded in the Gospel and committed to the flourishing of all God's people.

Doctrine & Formularies Terms
Doctrine & Formularies Sentences

Society, Justice & Inclusion Terms

environmental,equality,justice,social justice

Society, Justice & Inclusion Sentences
As Managing Director of Green Globe Architecture Ltd, I lead a multidisciplinary, design-led practice specialising in sustainable architecture, engineering, and environmental design. ------ Guided by Christian values, I championed Gender Equality and Social Inclusion, promoting projects that delivered substantial social and economic benefits, particularly for women, girls, and young people. ------ Church Commissioners' Slavery and Reconciliation Working Group Contributed to important discussions concerning historical accountability, reconciliation, and the Church's ongoing commitment to justice and healing. ------ Energy systems, environmental sustainability, and climate resilience. ------ Commitment to social justice, equality, inclusion, and community development informed by Christian faith and values.

Clergy Concerns Terms
Clergy Concerns Sentences

Church Structure & Policy Terms

accountability,church commissioners,liturgical

Church Structures & Policy Sentences
Supporting worship and enhancing the prayerful and liturgical life of Durham Cathedral, helping enrich the experience of the diverse communities that gather there. ------ Church Commissioners' Slavery and Reconciliation Working Group Contributed to important discussions concerning historical accountability, reconciliation, and the Church's ongoing commitment to justice and healing.

Other Churches & Other Faiths Terms

anglican communion

Other Churches & Other Faiths Sentences
My faith has been a guiding force throughout my life and has led to active involvement within the wider Anglican Communion, including connections with the Diocese of Kaduna in Nigeria and St Michael's Church in Malawi.

Youth & Next Generation Terms

sunday school,young people

Youth & Next Generation Sentences
I was instrumental in establishing the Sunday School at Durham Cathedral’s Education Centre, which has since developed into the thriving Junior Church. ------ Guided by Christian values, I championed Gender Equality and Social Inclusion, promoting projects that delivered substantial social and economic benefits, particularly for women, girls, and young people.