General Synod Election Candidates 2026

CLARE LILLINGTON

Deanery: Newton Abbot & Ogwell
Parish: St Martin & St Mary, Chudleigh
Email: [email protected]
Mobile: 07968 374363
Proposer: Ian Tresidder
Seconder: Daniel Butler
Both of Newton Abbot & Ogwell
Deanery

As a candidate for the House of Laity for General Synod 2026-2031, I am writing to introduce
myself. Please take time to read my statement. I hope you will conclude that I have the skills,
experience and energy to serve as one of your diocesan representatives.
Your vote in this election matters and I would very much appreciate your first or highest
preference vote.

About me
I have lived in Chudleigh for over 40 years and
have 4 adult children plus a number of grandchildren.
As a family we worship at Chudleigh Parish Church,
a welcoming community with its focus on teaching and
discipleship.
I enjoy walking, gardening and knitting for the family, but
my current interest is book binding, both making new
books and restoring the old. I am professionally trained as
an accountant, and latterly I gained a BSc in Maths from
the Open University. Over the years I have specialised in
church and charity accounts. Through my work I have an
eye for detail and enjoy working with others, qualities which
are suited for being on General Synod.

Why stand for General Synod -
• Represent the concerns of our local community and diocese at national level
• Get a chance to review and vote on official church matters and national budgets using
my skills in finance and governance
• Raise issues and contribute to debates on all topics facing the church
• I want the Church to be a place where people of all ages and backgrounds can hear the
saving gospel of Jesus.
Church experience
General Synod rep 2025-26
(In casual vacancy election)
Chudleigh Church treasurer &
Churchwarden
House group member
Member of PCC & Deanery Synod
Member of Bishop’s Diocesan
Council & Diocesan Assets Group
Trustee of:
Chudleigh Parish Church
Exeter Diocesan Board of Finance
Exeter Diocesan Trust
Lady Lucie Rynell’s Charity

Underlying the work of the Synod is to understand God’s will for the church as in:

Church Finance – Local churches rely heavily on congregational contributions to fund frontline
ministry, but sliding attendance has squeezed these funds. The church pays ‘parish share’ to the
diocese, that helps to support the cost of clergy. However, the central church is asset-rich with
an £11 billion investment fund managed by the Church Commissioners, despite dioceses and
parishes facing mounting deficits, soaring building maintenance costs and declining
congregational income. We need to encourage more to be distributed from the centre.

The Parish System – There is an Anglican church in every parish in the country which is often
the only large building in the rural areas providing a welcoming community space. With the
decline in church attendance, some small churches could be at risk. Every parish church has an
opportunity to engage with its parishioners, whether churchgoers or not, and show the love of
the gospel to the community. It is a vital network. We need to keep this alive and help it thrive.

Living in Love and Faith - This is an important debate, driven by the changing attitudes of
society to relationships and sexuality. I want to be part of a church that is welcoming and loving
to all and which upholds traditional Christian views on marriage. I am committed to engaging in
the debate in a way that respects those whose views differ from my own.

Outreach to Young People and Families – This is vital to the future of the church and for
spreading the gospel. We need to encourage outreach in schools and train youth workers to
engage with young people. I know my faith was enhanced by my attendance at summer camps
and youth groups in my teens. We need to give today’s youth the same opportunities and
encouragement. They are hopefully going to be future leaders of the church.

Outreach and Evangelism – Speaking about our faith and witnessing to others takes courage. It
need not be hard, we just have to be hospitable and genuine. I fully support efforts to resource
local churches that are trying new ways of being church and doing mission today.

General Synod – I have learned much from my year on General Synod. Reading the papers has
increased my knowledge of an array of subjects and the debates have helped me see the
various points of view. There are many topics that will come up in the next quinquennium such
as finance, safeguarding, Living in Love and Faith along with others. As we move into the coming
five years, I’m certain there will be further topics that do challenge members.

My commitment to you in seeking election to the House of Laity of the General
Synod to represent the Diocese of Exeter is:
• To give the time and effort to carry out my duties faithfully and prayerfully
• To be actively involved in Diocesan affairs to better understand local matters
• To be available to you by phone, email or in person to answer questions
Thank you for reading my address. I hope you will give me your first or highest
preference vote.

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