chaplaincy,disability,disciples,equality,gender identity,inclusive,inclusive church,justice,lgbti,lgbtqia,loneliness,marriage,mental health,mission,neurodiversity,racial justice,sexuality,sunday school,universities,young adults,young people

Election Address

Ms Ruth Alison Leach

Diocese in Europe

House of Laity

Full Election Address Text

RUTH LEACH
Candidate for the House of Laity — Diocese in Europe — General Synod 2026
Proposed by: Kath Delgado and Dawn Baity
Madrid, Spain · [email protected] · +34 639 458 566
Why I’m standing
I am standing for General Synod because I believe the Church of England should be a genuinely welcoming, inclusive church — one where everyone, whatever their background, ability or identity, can participate fully in its life and leadership. Our diocese is unlike any other: our congregations are scattered across more than forty countries, and I want to bring practical, hands-on experience of building diverse, resilient communities to the work of Synod.
About me
I'm Scottish by birth, and have lived and worked across Scotland, England, the United States, Holland, Singapore and now Spain. I worship at St George's Anglican Church in Madrid — the only Anglican English-speaking congregation in the city, and home to a wonderfully diverse community of more than twenty nationalities, from long-settled residents to students and young people passing through on short-term assignments. I have been married twice. From my first marriage I have two daughters, now in their twenties; my second marriage gave me a step-son and a step-daughter, also in their twenties. I'm proud to be a mother and step-mother to four young adults who keep me grounded and remain a source of real joy.
That mix of life, a long career, new starts and constant movement has shaped how I think about belonging, welcome and pastoral care.
What I'd bring to Synod
I bring 35 years of international business leadership, most recently as Vice President, Business Integration & HSSE for Shell's Renewables and Energy Solutions business, building safety, culture and integration across more than 50 companies
I was the lead Sunday School teacher in Gatehouse of Fleet Parish Church in Scotland for 4 years
I work as an independent consultant, advising organisations on transformation, sustainability and change management
I recently stepped down as Chair of the Advisory Board of Nandina REM, a start-up building circular, lower-carbon supply chains for the aviation industry, based in Singapore
I served for 3 years as President of Shell's UK Women's Network, leading its work to champion inclusion and the advancement of women across one of the world's largest energy companies, and grew its membership from fewer than 500 to more than 1,500 women and men
I mentored colleagues through Shell's LGBTI Network and Black African Network
I volunteer as a mentor and coach to young people, lately through Education for All in Morocco, helping secure secondary education for girls in rural areas, who until recently did not have this opportunity
At St George's, Madrid, I am part of the relaunch of the church's Pastoral Care programme, building a small team to extend welcome and support to members facing illness, hardship or loneliness, including those who live far from the church
I am a member of St George's Chaplaincy Council and one of the Archdeaconry Synod Representatives, where my passion is ensuring the welcome and inclusion of everyone who worships at our church in Madrid
I am also working with our Chaplain to help lead our new work with young teens
My faith has been a constant thread through my life, from an early age. My paternal grandfather, the Revd. Professor Archibald Macbride Hunter, was a formative influence: a Professor of Theology at Aberdeen and Oxford Universities, he wrote over 20 books on the New Testament, and I am currently transcribing his collection of typewritten sermons. In my every move and every change of career, faith and inclusion have run through my working life — from leading Shell's UK Women's Network to volunteering my time to mentor and coach others. I believe a healthy church is one that is honest about its differences, generous and consistent in its welcome, and serious about the practical care of its people — and I'd bring that same combination of conviction and pragmatism to Synod.
Quotes from my nominators and ChaplainCanon Sal McDougall: Ruth brings immense wisdom and insight from her working life, and her skills and experience have the potential to make a significant contribution to the key debates and decisions that come before General Synod. She is passionate about ensuring that the church is a welcoming and inclusive Christian community for all who seek to know more about Christ and welcome him into their lives, especially young people and new disciples of all ages.
Dawn Baity: As my counterpart on St George's Chaplaincy Council and an Archdeaconry Synod Representative, I've watched Ruth's faith and her career building inclusive, multinational communities translate directly into lay leadership. The Diocese in Europe needs someone who can hold many cultures together in one faith — Ruth will bring exactly that compassion and thoroughness to every voice that Synod's decisions affect.
Kath Delgado: to be added later
What I care about
The Diocese in Europe depends more than most on lay leadership and volunteers, and our members are often far from family and support networks. I want to make sure that reality is properly understood and represented — alongside the wider issues that matter to me in the life of the Church:
I am committed to equality for everyone, at every level and in every role in the church, regardless of disability, economic circumstance, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, mental health, neurodiversity or sexuality — including full inclusion for LGBTQIA+ people in the life, ministry and relationships of the church
Equal opportunity for women at every level of the church, including the episcopate, drawing on my own years leading Shell’s UK Women’s Network
Supporting the pastoral and practical needs of expatriate and international congregations — especially isolated and vulnerable members
Racial justice and genuine diversity in church leadership
Bringing rigour and discipline to how the Church manages change, safety and resources — without losing sight of its mission
My Grandfather spent his scholarly life showing how the parables of Jesus keep reaching past the people already inside the door, that Jesus's ministry deliberately reached past religious insiders to outsiders and the excluded. That has been my philosophy in life. It has made me open-minded and willing to listen to and work with people across the Church who see things differently — but I believe voters deserve clarity about where candidates stand, not careful ambiguity.
Get in touch
[email protected] · +34 639 458 566 (Madrid) · +44 7767 647 133 (UK)
I would be honoured to serve you and the wider Diocese in Europe on General Synod. Please do get in touch with any questions — and I would be grateful for your first, or highest possible, preference vote.
Thank you,
Ruth Leach

Terms used in address

chaplaincy,disability,disciples,equality,gender identity,inclusive,inclusive church,justice,lgbti,lgbtqia,loneliness,marriage,mental health,mission,neurodiversity,racial justice,sexuality,sunday school,universities,young adults,young people

Theological Tradition Terms

inclusive,inclusive church

Theological Tradition Sentences

I am standing for General Synod because I believe the Church of England should be a genuinely welcoming, inclusive church — one where everyone, whatever their background, ability or identity, can participate fully in its life and leadership. ------ She is passionate about ensuring that the church is a welcoming and inclusive Christian community for all who seek to know more about Christ and welcome him into their lives, especially young people and new disciples of all ages. ------ Dawn Baity: As my counterpart on St George's Chaplaincy Council and an Archdeaconry Synod Representative, I've watched Ruth's faith and her career building inclusive, multinational communities translate directly into lay leadership.

Sexuality, Marriage & LLF/PLF Terms

gender identity,lgbti,lgbtqia,marriage,sexuality

Sexuality, Marriage & LLF/PLF Sentences

From my first marriage I have two daughters, now in their twenties; my second marriage gave me a step-son and a step-daughter, also in their twenties. ------ I bring 35 years of international business leadership, most recently as Vice President, Business Integration & HSSE for Shell's Renewables and Energy Solutions business, building safety, culture and integration across more than 50 companies I was the lead Sunday School teacher in Gatehouse of Fleet Parish Church in Scotland for 4 years I work as an independent consultant, advising organisations on transformation, sustainability and change management I recently stepped down as Chair of the Advisory Board of Nandina REM, a start-up building circular, lower-carbon supply chains for the aviation industry, based in Singapore I served for 3 years as President of Shell's UK Women's Network, leading its work to champion inclusion and the advancement of women across one of the world's largest energy companies, and grew its membership from fewer than 500 to more than 1,500 women and men I mentored colleagues through Shell's LGBTI Network and Black African Network I volunteer as a mentor and coach to young people, lately through Education for All in Morocco, helping secure secondary education for girls in rural areas, who until recently did not have this opportunity At St George's, Madrid, I am part of the relaunch of the church's Pastoral Care programme, building a small team to extend welcome and support to members facing illness, hardship or loneliness, including those who live far from the church I am a member of St George's Chaplaincy Council and one of the Archdeaconry Synod Representatives, where my passion is ensuring the welcome and inclusion of everyone who worships at our church in Madrid I am also working with our Chaplain to help lead our new work with young teens My faith has been a constant thread through my life, from an early age. ------ I want to make sure that reality is properly understood and represented — alongside the wider issues that matter to me in the life of the Church: I am committed to equality for everyone, at every level and in every role in the church, regardless of disability, economic circumstance, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, mental health, neurodiversity or sexuality — including full inclusion for LGBTQIA+ people in the life, ministry and relationships of the church Equal opportunity for women at every level of the church, including the episcopate, drawing on my own years leading Shell’s UK Women’s Network Supporting the pastoral and practical needs of expatriate and international congregations — especially isolated and vulnerable members Racial justice and genuine diversity in church leadership Bringing rigour and discipline to how the Church manages change, safety and resources — without losing sight of its mission My Grandfather spent his scholarly life showing how the parables of Jesus keep reaching past the people already inside the door, that Jesus's ministry deliberately reached past religious insiders to outsiders and the excluded.

Safeguarding Terms

Safeguarding Sentences

Evangelism, Mission & Church Growth Terms

disciples,mission

Evangelism, Mission & Church Growth Sentences

She is passionate about ensuring that the church is a welcoming and inclusive Christian community for all who seek to know more about Christ and welcome him into their lives, especially young people and new disciples of all ages. ------ I want to make sure that reality is properly understood and represented — alongside the wider issues that matter to me in the life of the Church: I am committed to equality for everyone, at every level and in every role in the church, regardless of disability, economic circumstance, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, mental health, neurodiversity or sexuality — including full inclusion for LGBTQIA+ people in the life, ministry and relationships of the church Equal opportunity for women at every level of the church, including the episcopate, drawing on my own years leading Shell’s UK Women’s Network Supporting the pastoral and practical needs of expatriate and international congregations — especially isolated and vulnerable members Racial justice and genuine diversity in church leadership Bringing rigour and discipline to how the Church manages change, safety and resources — without losing sight of its mission My Grandfather spent his scholarly life showing how the parables of Jesus keep reaching past the people already inside the door, that Jesus's ministry deliberately reached past religious insiders to outsiders and the excluded.

Doctrine & Formularies Terms

Doctrine & Formularies Sentences

Society, Justice & Inclusion Terms

disability,equality,justice,loneliness,mental health,neurodiversity,racial justice

Society, Justice & Inclusion Sentences

I bring 35 years of international business leadership, most recently as Vice President, Business Integration & HSSE for Shell's Renewables and Energy Solutions business, building safety, culture and integration across more than 50 companies I was the lead Sunday School teacher in Gatehouse of Fleet Parish Church in Scotland for 4 years I work as an independent consultant, advising organisations on transformation, sustainability and change management I recently stepped down as Chair of the Advisory Board of Nandina REM, a start-up building circular, lower-carbon supply chains for the aviation industry, based in Singapore I served for 3 years as President of Shell's UK Women's Network, leading its work to champion inclusion and the advancement of women across one of the world's largest energy companies, and grew its membership from fewer than 500 to more than 1,500 women and men I mentored colleagues through Shell's LGBTI Network and Black African Network I volunteer as a mentor and coach to young people, lately through Education for All in Morocco, helping secure secondary education for girls in rural areas, who until recently did not have this opportunity At St George's, Madrid, I am part of the relaunch of the church's Pastoral Care programme, building a small team to extend welcome and support to members facing illness, hardship or loneliness, including those who live far from the church I am a member of St George's Chaplaincy Council and one of the Archdeaconry Synod Representatives, where my passion is ensuring the welcome and inclusion of everyone who worships at our church in Madrid I am also working with our Chaplain to help lead our new work with young teens My faith has been a constant thread through my life, from an early age. ------ I want to make sure that reality is properly understood and represented — alongside the wider issues that matter to me in the life of the Church: I am committed to equality for everyone, at every level and in every role in the church, regardless of disability, economic circumstance, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, mental health, neurodiversity or sexuality — including full inclusion for LGBTQIA+ people in the life, ministry and relationships of the church Equal opportunity for women at every level of the church, including the episcopate, drawing on my own years leading Shell’s UK Women’s Network Supporting the pastoral and practical needs of expatriate and international congregations — especially isolated and vulnerable members Racial justice and genuine diversity in church leadership Bringing rigour and discipline to how the Church manages change, safety and resources — without losing sight of its mission My Grandfather spent his scholarly life showing how the parables of Jesus keep reaching past the people already inside the door, that Jesus's ministry deliberately reached past religious insiders to outsiders and the excluded.

Clergy Concerns Terms

loneliness

Clergy Concerns Sentences

Church Structure & Policy Terms

chaplaincy

Church Structures & Policy Sentences

Other Churches & Other Faiths Terms

Other Churches & Other Faiths Sentences

Youth & Next Generation Terms

sunday school,universities,young adults,young people

Youth & Next Generation Sentences

I worship at St George's Anglican Church in Madrid — the only Anglican English-speaking congregation in the city, and home to a wonderfully diverse community of more than twenty nationalities, from long-settled residents to students and young people passing through on short-term assignments. ------ I'm proud to be a mother and step-mother to four young adults who keep me grounded and remain a source of real joy. ------ I bring 35 years of international business leadership, most recently as Vice President, Business Integration & HSSE for Shell's Renewables and Energy Solutions business, building safety, culture and integration across more than 50 companies I was the lead Sunday School teacher in Gatehouse of Fleet Parish Church in Scotland for 4 years I work as an independent consultant, advising organisations on transformation, sustainability and change management I recently stepped down as Chair of the Advisory Board of Nandina REM, a start-up building circular, lower-carbon supply chains for the aviation industry, based in Singapore I served for 3 years as President of Shell's UK Women's Network, leading its work to champion inclusion and the advancement of women across one of the world's largest energy companies, and grew its membership from fewer than 500 to more than 1,500 women and men I mentored colleagues through Shell's LGBTI Network and Black African Network I volunteer as a mentor and coach to young people, lately through Education for All in Morocco, helping secure secondary education for girls in rural areas, who until recently did not have this opportunity At St George's, Madrid, I am part of the relaunch of the church's Pastoral Care programme, building a small team to extend welcome and support to members facing illness, hardship or loneliness, including those who live far from the church I am a member of St George's Chaplaincy Council and one of the Archdeaconry Synod Representatives, where my passion is ensuring the welcome and inclusion of everyone who worships at our church in Madrid I am also working with our Chaplain to help lead our new work with young teens My faith has been a constant thread through my life, from an early age. ------ My paternal grandfather, the Revd. Professor Archibald Macbride Hunter, was a formative influence: a Professor of Theology at Aberdeen and Oxford Universities, he wrote over 20 books on the New Testament, and I am currently transcribing his collection of typewritten sermons. ------ She is passionate about ensuring that the church is a welcoming and inclusive Christian community for all who seek to know more about Christ and welcome him into their lives, especially young people and new disciples of all ages.