General Synod Election Candidates 2026

General Synod Candidate Statement for Revd Canon Simon White
| would like to offer myself as a candidate to represent this Diocese on General Synod.

As | have listened to ordained ministers in my Rural Dean role, | feel | have gained insight
into the many challenges our clergy meet, particularly in rural and market town settings.
It would be good to ensure their voice helps shape the Synod’s decisions, even when it
might differ a little from my own convictions.

A further reason for offering myself comes from my experience of being a self
supporting minister. | continue to work full time in the electronics industry, so am one of
a growing number of SSMs, and want to help them navigate the particular challenges
they face. Their contribution to God’s mission is likely to become more significant in the
years ahead and their equitable representation on General Synod is important. | give
thanks to the Church of England that at the age of 52 | was able to train and be ordained,
while still working full-time, and | hope to encourage others in similar vocations.

My faith was initially shaped growing up in Baptist and Methodist churches before
settling in the Church of England giving me lived experiences of of some of our many
Christian traditions. These experiences have greatly informed my ministry in rural
settings where people’s faithful relationships with our God can often vary widely.

| hope this short statement gives you a brief introduction as to who | am and how | might
be able to serve the people of Suffolk on General Synod.

Simon White

Associate Priest, Bures with Assington & Little Cornard. Rural Dean for Sudbury.

baptist,methodist,mission,self supporting,vocations