General Synod Election Candidates 2026

DR RACHEL JEPSON
Local Voice, National Impact
for Birmingham Diocese
Candidate for General Synod 2026
WHY I AM STANDING
It is an enormous privilege and joy to represent you as a lay member of
General Synod. As a proud, born-and-bred Brummie, my heart is deeply
rooted in the Church of England Birmingham. As a member of the
Archbishops’ Council, I actively ensure our diocese is strongly
represented at the highest national level, and I’m asking for your vote to
continue to serve you on General Synod.
I have the experience, knowledge, and energy to continue serving our
diocese conscientiously and effectively. I long to see a church where all
gather to love Jesus, and all feel they belong. I remain committed to
listening prayerfully, maintaining an open mind, and fostering good
disagreement and debate across all Synodical business.
MY PRIORITIES FOR GENERAL SYNOD
• Resourcing Parishes: The parish is at the heart of our mission and
ministry. I am acutely aware of local financial struggles and will press for
national funding to be distributed fairly to support stipends and parish
life, liberating clergy and volunteers.
• Building an Inclusive Church: Fully committed to equality for everyone
at all levels and roles within the Church, regardless of disability, ethnicity,
economic power, sex, gender identity, learning ability, mental health,
neurodiversity or sexuality. Serving on the Appointments Committee, I
work to broaden diversity across the central bodies of our Church.
• Championing Children & Young People: As a life-long educator, I am
passionate about securing the place of children and young people within
the church family, including on General Synod and the Council for
Christian Unity, schools, and wider society.
• Safeguarding & Integrity: Robust, fit-for-purpose safeguarding
remains a vital Gospel imperative that must be embedded and
continually strengthened across all contexts.
• Ecumenical & Inter-Faith Engagement: Drawing on my role as Vice
Chair of the Council for Christian Unity, and experience of working and
worshipping in inner-city Birmingham, I will continue building bridges
and deepening friendships across denominations and faith communities.
ABOUT ME
• National Governance
Member of the Archbishops’ Council
(elected 2020 & successfully re-elected

1. ensuring Birmingham’s voice is

heard at the highest level.
• Diocesan Leadership
10 years on Bishop’s Council; Diocesan
representative on Birmingham SACRE since
1.

• Parish Commitment
Life-long Christian, and member and
former PCC Chair of St Martin-in-the-Bull
Ring.
• Profession & Vocation
35 years in education as teacher,
researcher and senior leader. PhD from
Durham University in Religious Education.
• Contact & Connect
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 07759 858734
Dear Deanery Synod member,
Thank you for reading my election
statement. You can learn more about my
experience and my passion for building
God’s Kingdom on page 2. Do contact me
if you have any questions and please
consider giving me your 1st preference
vote.
Yours in Christ,
Proposer: Ruth Cooper, Lay Chair, Handsworth & Central Deanery Synod; St Mary’s, Handsworth
Seconder: Adam Chinery-North, Kings Norton, Moseley & Shirley Deanery Synod; St Peter’s, Hall Green

A RECORD OF ACTIVE SERVICE ON GENERAL SYNOD
National & Legislative Leadership
• Archbishops’ Council: Elected lay member (2020 &
re-elected 2025) contributing directly to the Church’s
national governance, organization and strategy.
• Council for Christian Unity Vice Chair: Since 2015 (elected

1. working closely with leaders from other

denominations and representing the Church of England at
the Churches Together in England Residential Forum.
• Appointments Committee: Member since 2015; dedicated
to expanding diversity across Church boards, councils and
legislative bodies.
• Legislative & Reform Work: Member of Legislative Reform
Committee; Trust & Trustworthiness Reference & Task
Groups. Served on Safeguarding & Clergy Discipline Measure
Steering Committee; and Revision Committees: Festival of
God the Creator & Commemoration of the 21 Martyrs of
Libya; Draft Care of Cathedrals Amendment Measure;
Additional Collects; Church of England (Miscellaneous
Provisions) Measure.
Other Contributions to Synod
• Chaired Synod debates: Appointed to chair General
Synod debates (2016–2021).
• 100% attendance record: In person.
• Confident voice for women: Spoken and voted in
favour of women bishops. Gave maiden speech in
Voices from Africa debate, celebrating the lives and
roles of women I met when visiting Malawi.
• Submitted questions: Focusing on teaching and
learning resources in our Church schools.
• Led worship: Part of the daily worship team at Synod.
• Group member of Make Synod More User Friendly:
Working to make General Synod a more effective and
practical forum for representatives from all dioceses.
BUILDING THE KINGDOM IN BIRMINGHAM AND BEYOND
I am passionate about building the Kingdom in our home
city, our nation and all of God’s world
• Parish Leadership: Chair of PCC, St Martin-in-the-Bull
Ring (2008–2011, 2020–2024); long-standing active
parishioner.
• Religious Education Champion: Diocesan representative
on Birmingham SACRE since 2006; former Diocesan Board
of Education member. Postgraduate research for MA,
Farmington Institute Millennium Award, and doctorate.
• Theological Education: Governor of The Queen's
Foundation for Theological Education, Birmingham, since
1.

• Church Representative: Represented the Church of
England at Porvoo Leaders' Consultation, Portugal;
Moravian Church Synod; Methodist Conference; and 21st
Anniversary Anglican-Methodist Covenant celebrations.
A bit more about me
• Committed to Youth & Global Mission: Co-leader &
participant in Malawi-Birmingham Diocesan Youth
Exchanges; leadership development in South Africa with
Youth for Christ; Church Mission Society India Experience
Camp.
• Active member of these groups: Affirming Catholics,
Women and The Church (WATCH) and Together for the
Church of England.
• Dance: Argentine tango and swing dancing.
• Karate: Black belt, 1st Dan.
MY PLEDGE TO YOU
I pledge to remain accessible, accountable, and prayerful.
I will continue to listen to all perspectives across our
diocese, report back transparently from General Synod,
and ensure the Church of England Birmingham is
represented with clarity, integrity, and warmth.
Please give DR RACHEL JEPSON your 1st preference vote

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