General Synod Election Candidates 2026

GENERAL SYNOD ELECTION STATEMENT
Simon Friend
House of Laity · Diocese of Exeter · General Synod 2026

“Simon has become a respected voice at General Synod having
made significant contributions in debates on Living in Love &
Faith, Safeguarding, Housing and Finance during his two terms.
Re-electing Simon will ensure Exeter Diocese continues to have
well-informed and theologically grounded representation.”
Anne Foreman
Proposer
General Synod Member 1999–2021

“It is a pleasure to have Simon as part of our rural church and as
a Licensed Lay Minister. He brings a grounded sense of reality to
what often feels like the remote body of General Synod. His
desire to see flourishing rural communities is evident in his
decision-making.”
Catriona Fursdon
Seconder
Churchwarden, St Michael & All Angels, Cadbury

Dear Elector,
Thank you for taking the time to read this and whether you vote for me or not, please do vote.
WHY I AM STANDING
The Church continues to face deep questions about inclusion, safeguarding, rural sustainability, episcopal leadership, and
mission in a secular society. After two terms on General Synod and having served on the most recent Crown Nominations
Commission (CNC) for this diocese, I have gained a broad perspective on the life of the Church nationally and locally. This
is rooted in my ongoing ministry as a Licensed Lay Minister.
My approach to Synod work is shaped by contemplative listening, encouragement, and a commitment to love and
acceptance across theological divides. Professionally, 30 years of leading multidisciplinary teams in property development
has honed my strategic thinking, realism, and ability to sense what is required in difficult situations. I try to let go of my
own agenda as far as I can see it, and to remain grounded in how the Church is perceived in the ‘real world’.
At the heart of my motivation is a desire to be ‘on the very edge of the inside’ - listening for the voices on the margins and
reflecting them faithfully. I long for a Church that welcomes everyone, unconditionally, as Jesus did.
WORK & CHURCH EXPERIENCE
I am a Chartered Surveyor running my own development business, currently leading a major regeneration project in
Bideford, North Devon. I particularly enjoy public consultation and helping communities imagine transformation.
As a Licensed Lay Minister, I have led worship and preached for many years. I serve
in spiritual accompaniment and contribute my professional skills to the diocesan
Glebe subcommittee. It was a privilege to serve on the CNC; a role that required
confidentiality, discernment, and a deep understanding of diocesan needs.
MY OWN SPIRITUAL JOURNEY
My parents were farmers in North Devon, and I grew up in an evangelical
Brethren chapel, which gave me a deep love of scripture. Later, I
encountered charismatic renewal and, in my mid-twenties, a
transformative year in Uganda revealed a God who loved me for who I
was, not what I did. I retain close ties with Uganda and charities there.

SYNODICAL & DIOCESAN EXPERIENCE
•
General Synod Lay Member, 2018–2026
•
Diocesan Synod Member since 2015
•
Licensed Lay Minister, BD in Theology
•
Member, Crown Nominations Commission (current Bishop of Exeter)
•
Member, Glebe Sub-Committee
•
Former Exploring Spirituality Course team member
•
Former Deanery Lay Chair
•
Former Chair of Trustees, CHAT Mid Devon (2018–2024)

“When two elephants fight, it’s the grass that suffers.”

When I first stood for Synod in 2015, I suggested that one
of the major issues would be whether the Church should
accept same-sex marriages. While many other issues have
rightly demanded attention, including the very practical
needs of rural churches, the question of inclusion has
remained deeply significant.
Although Prayers of Love and Faith have been introduced,
progress toward full inclusion has been slow. This lack of
movement is troubling to me, and it is an area where I
hope the Church can continue to listen, discern, and grow.
The African proverb remains central to my perspective:
when debates become dominated by powerful voices or
entrenched positions, it is those on the margins - the
voiceless, the vulnerable, the ‘grass’ who suffer. The still
small voice of the grassroots can easily be lost.
Transparency on LGBTQIA+ issues is important. I have
spoken in many LLF debates and participated in smaller
discernment groups convened by the Archbishop of
Canterbury. I support change that would allow same-sex
marriages, alongside conscience protections for clergy who
cannot conduct such marriages.
I am also happy to align myself with Inclusive Church,
whose values resonate with my own commitment to
welcome and inclusion.

CONCERNS ABOUT POWER, MONEY & PARALLEL
STRUCTURES
In recent years, I have become increasingly concerned
about certain approaches being taken within the Church,
particularly those involving financial leverage through
withholding of common fund contributions, and proposals
for alternative episcopal oversight or parallel provinces.
From my perspective, these developments risk reshaping
the Church through structural pressure rather than shared
discernment. They can create an atmosphere of
uncertainty, division, and mistrust, and they place
significant strain on diocesan relationships and the wider
body of Christ.
I believe deeply in the integrity of our shared structures,
our common life, and our commitment to walk together
even when we disagree. The Church’s future should not be
determined by financial power or by mechanisms that
fragment episcopal unity. My hope is for a Synod that
encourages patient listening, theological depth, and grace-
filled disagreement.
A HOPE FOR THE NEXT SYNOD
My desire is for a Church that welcomes everyone
unconditionally, listens to those on the margins, and
refuses to default into division. Vigorous debate is healthy;
hostility and fragmentation are not. The world is not
interested in our internal battles; it is watching to see
whether we can embody the love we proclaim.

Thank you for reading my election statement. Please give me your first or high preference vote if you believe it resonates with
how Exeter Diocese should be represented at General Synod.
Simon Friend · 07970 100846 · [email protected]

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