General Synod Election Candidates 2026

I am passionate about ministry in rural parishes, and am excited about the many opportunities for church
growth that they present.
Church schools
I have extensive experience engaging with children and young people. Before retirement I taught in a church
primary school and value the Christian foundation that underpins the education they provide. Such schools
are a rich part of our Christian heritage and I am committed to supporting them.
Children and young people
It is important for the church to engage with young people. I introduced and developed the Mission
Community Open the Book team in our parish, where local church and school communities come together
and children are actively engaged with the Christian story. Through my previous role as a leader and
assessor for the DoE award scheme, I can see great potential and opportunities for church growth through
active engagement in and support of such schemes.
Music
Music is an integral part of my faith. From singing simple songs in pre-school groups, to drawing together
community groups, my experience confirms my belief that music, music of all genres, supports mission,
enhances worship and promotes engagement. It is a powerful way for the church to integrate and support
older members of the community and those with dementia.
Special events
The church is privileged to have opportunities to minister to families at time of sadness and joy. The local
church can provide extended family support at such times, something I have witnessed on many occasions in
our own parish. Major church festivals and national days are wonderful opportunities for mission. I will
actively support any developments that help smaller church communities actively engage with the wider
parish. We run a popular Friday Coffee Shop which many villagers attend who are not regular worshippers.
Five years ago we began a monthly Forest Church which has encouraged several families to experience
church in an outside environment.
The environment
I am dedicated to promoting eco-friendly green initiatives. I will fully support national and local strategies to
work towards being carbon neutral. This is challenging for the church. I have direct experience of working
with local communities and responding constructively to heritage concerns, successfully gaining permission
for solar panels on our Grade 11* listed church building this year.
Theology
As an LLM, and having gained a theology degree at Leeds University, I am able to bring a theological
perspective to the churches’ discussions and debates. I have attended retreats at Hillfield Friary in Dorset and
am interested in the Franciscan way of life. This informs and shapes my own faith commitment.
I would value the opportunity to make an active contribution to the General Synod, using my own broad
experience to represent the challenges of rural ministry and to promote the many exciting opportunities that
can enable churches and their local communities to flourish and to thrive.
Thank you for considering my application.

church growth,church schools,environment,mission,retirement,young people