General Synod Election Candidates 2026

NOMINATED BY
PROPOSER:
Mark Alexander (Newton Abbot Deanery)
SECONDER:
Martin Smith (Tiverton & Cullompton Deanery)
HOUSE OF LAITY - GENERAL SYNOD 2026
Richard
Buzzacott
About me: I am 75 years old. I retired some 15 years ago from Devon County Council, where I was
a senior officer. My role was delivering major building projects and I initially trained as a
Chartered Surveyor. My last project was the delivery of the five Private Finance High Schools in
Exeter. I have a track record of project management and successfully delivering major projects.
Since my retirement I have mountain biked in various parts of the world. I had a three month bike
tour in South East Asia and cycle toured several times in China and in other countries. I did a
Land’s End to John o’Groats cycle with the army! I enjoy water sports from sea swimming to
kayaking. I also greatly enjoy playing the piano.
I am single, I have always been, it is how the circumstances of life have worked out. Indeed, I
have found that there have been strengths in being single.
My current involvement with the Church Of England
• The PCC of St Andrew’s Church, Cullompton and Tiverton
and Cullompton Deanery Synod
• The Diocesan Synod where I have taken an active part by
asking a number of questions and joined in the open forum
debates.
• As a member of the Exeter Archidiaconal Mission and
Pastoral Committee. This looks at the allocation of clerical
posts and reorganisation in Exeter’s Archdeaconry.
• A current elected lay member of the Bishop’s Diocesan
Council which discusses the strategy and policy directives
of the Exeter Diocese.
• As a member of the Bishop’s Council’s annual Budget
Strategy Working Party that structures the main principles
of the Budget, that then goes on to the full Council and is
then debated in Diocesan Synod.
• As a member of the Bishop’s Council’s Common Fund
Review Working Party. The review will be discussed in
Deanery Synods this autumn and next spring, going on to
Bishop’s Council and Diocesan Synod in 2027 and is
planned to be implemented from January 2028.

FOUR particular issues to focus on:

1. We all have concerns about replacing vicars in parishes when the present incumbent leaves

Nationally, nearly half of all active clergy will retire within the next 12 to 15 years. I understand
the number coming through training is much less than enough to replace those retiring. How do
we fill rural or urban benefices with many churches? How do we increase supply of clergy?
Maybe to encourage present incumbents to stay, pensions ought to reflect some value for the
housing they get as part of the job.

1. The ongoing issue of Living in Love and Faith (LLF)

Whilst I continue to support the traditional view of marriage of being between a man and a
women, I would want to play a part in trying to bringing people together in a constructive
consensus on the Living in Love and Faith (LLF) issue and reach a sensible consensus.

1. Project Spire - £100 million or more for reparations?

How about helping with administration of PPCs and stressed clergy in multi- parish benefices
who oversee the cure for souls. Some of the massive amount of Church Commissioner’s money
should be released to help local parishes.

1. Safeguarding

This is such an important issue and must have our focused attention. The Church of England has
got this badly wrong in the past and it’s important that we support the victims of abuse and
ensure robust processes are in place for the future.
Why am I standing for
General Synod?
I really want to make sure that the
structures and policies of the Church of
England work for the local parish.
My involvement with the Exeter Diocese,
the local church and the various
Diocesan Committees, gives me a
perspective of those needs.
I would be on General Synod to voice
those grass roots needs.
Make your voice clear and vote in this election
Please prayerfully consider supporting me and voting for me as your first preference in
these General Synod elections.
There will be a bulletin board established by the Diocese where voters can post
questions for candidates. If you should wish to ask me a question, please contact me:
[email protected]
God bless,
Richard Buzzacott

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