General Synod Election Candidates 2026

Details of all candidates in the 2026 General Synod elections

Election Address

Mr William Duncan

Exeter

House of Laity


Background
I am a retired solicitor. After qualifying in 1979, my wife and I moved from London to Plymouth in 1982 and have
been involved in St Andrew’s Church since then. Our three (now adult) children all grew up in the church and
have continue in their faith, having had the privilege of excellent teaching from our Church leaders and from
Christian camps.
I have served in various roles on the PCC (Treasurer, Churchwarden and on the Standing Committee). I am
currently on the Church’s PCC and its Standing Committee as well as the Deanery Synod. I also serve on
several Trusts.
As a solicitor for over 41 years, my experience has been in various types of disputes (in particular commercial,
property, and professional negligence). Apart from dealing with Courts, my work inevitably involved negotiation
and mediation with other parties, to try and work out a satisfactory solution to the dispute.
In Synod, I would very much like to commend mediated solutions where possible and would also hope to
contribute by having developed an eye for detail.
William
Duncan
[email protected]
The Lodge, Fore Street, Yealmpton, Plymouth PL82HB
0788 4977063
Phone
Email
Address
ELECTION ADDRESS- GENERAL SYNOD 2026
St Andrews Church Plymouth: Plymouth City Deanery
Why I am standing for General Synod
I became a Christian at 16 and have grown up in the Church of England. Over the many years of membership, I
feel that it is now that the Church faces its greatest challenges.
In a society which increasingly stresses individual identity, I would want to see Synod to take every opportunity
to encourage people to find their identity in Christ.
Over the next 5 years, it will be critical that the Synod navigates the current trends whilst adhering to the Bible. If
the Church does not hold fast to the gospel, it could become irrelevant. Its gospel message over centuries has
often been counter-cultural, and this has been its strength, because people recognise and respond to its
integrity. If we lose that and the courage to preach the gospel, then the Church of England will lose everything.
My desire is that the Church will grow and will continue to pass on the truth of the Gospel to our children, and
future generations.
I pray that the Holy Spirit will be with us in all our deliberations, and will grant us His wisdom as we seek to build
His Kingdom.
Yours in Christ
Nominated by
Proposer: Malcom Prideaux
(Plymouth City Deanery)
Seconder: Judy Hodgkinson
(Plymouth City Deanery)

gospel,pcc


Theological Tradition Terms
Theological Tradition Sentences

Sexuality, Marriage & LLF/PLF Terms
Sexuality, Marriage & LLF/PLF Sentences

Safeguarding Terms
Safeguarding Sentences

Evangelism, Mission & Church Growth Terms

gospel

Evangelism, Mission & Church Growth Sentences
If the Church does not hold fast to the gospel, it could become irrelevant. ------ Its gospel message over centuries has often been counter-cultural, and this has been its strength, because people recognise and respond to its integrity. ------ If we lose that and the courage to preach the gospel, then the Church of England will lose everything. ------ My desire is that the Church will grow and will continue to pass on the truth of the Gospel to our children, and future generations.

Doctrine & Formularies Terms
Doctrine & Formularies Sentences

Society, Justice & Inclusion Terms
Society, Justice & Inclusion Sentences

Clergy Concerns Terms
Clergy Concerns Sentences

Church Structure & Policy Terms

pcc

Church Structures & Policy Sentences
I have served in various roles on the PCC (Treasurer, Churchwarden and on the Standing Committee). ------ I am currently on the Church’s PCC and its Standing Committee as well as the Deanery Synod.

Other Churches & Other Faiths Terms
Other Churches & Other Faiths Sentences

Youth & Next Generation Terms
Youth & Next Generation Sentences