General Synod Election Candidates 2026

Dear Elector, I seek your first preference vote as I wish to stand for re-
election to General Synod. It has been a privilege to serve over the past
five years, and I welcome the opportunity to continue serving God,
supporting clergy and laity across our parishes.
GET TO KNOW ME
• I have been fully committed to the Anglican Communion for 45
years, having become a Christian when hearing the gospel as a
teenager in South Wales.
• I am married to Richard, a retired teacher, who is a self-supporting
curate and we have two adult children, Charlotte and James.
• For two years I served on the staff team of a large London church,
teaching the Bible, leading groups for seekers and new believers,
and speaking on retreats.
• I am a retired partner of the Specialist Restorative Dental Practice
in London, and I taught students from diverse cultural backgrounds
at Guy’s Hospital, part-time for 15 years.
I long for unity within the Church and listen to others with differing
views so that the gospel reaches everyone as we welcome all.
ROLE IN PARISH LIFE
• I am the PSO at the rural parish church of Alfold and Loxwood
where I lead a bible study group and I teach in our kids’ group.
• I have completed the Welcome Directory training to help churches
integrate ex-offenders. I am a trained pastoral visitor.
Passionate about evangelism and discipleship, I support The Church
of England’s aim to double the number of children and young active
disciples by 2030.
RUTH ALLAN
General Synod Election 2026
Guildford Diocese: House of Laity
Proposer: Graeme Hampshire (Bishop’s Council)
Seconder: Dr Barbara Judge (Cranleigh Deanery)

ROLE IN GUILDFORD DIOCESE
• I chair the prayer group on the Vacancy in See Committee.
• I serve on the Diocesan Safeguarding Project Group and
contribute to the induction of Parish Safeguarding Officers.
• I attend Diocesan Synod and Deanery Synod.
• Co-Secretary Guildford Diocese Evangelical Fellowship.

Find more about my safeguarding contribution in the parish brief:
https://www.cofeguildford.org.uk/about-us/news/im-on-the-safeguarding-
team-ruth-allan.php
As the Safeguarding Structures Reform Programme continues its
work, I wish to participate in strengthening safeguarding within the
Church of England and our diocese.
REPRESENTING GUILDFORD DIOCESE
• My maiden speech endorsed the Guildford Diocesan Synod
Motion calling for age verification on pornography websites.
https://youtu.be/tPfGAVTR1kA?t=6040
• I spoke during a safeguarding debate in February 2024, affirming
our diocesan safeguarding team’s management of an allegation.
• During the debate on Reimagining Care, I highlighted the ministry
of Hymns We Love, founded within our diocese.
https://youtu.be/e9MF4Ezmx5M?t=5695
• At York, July 2026 I organised a fringe event with Connections
Team from Holy Trinity, Claygate: Growing a loving Senior’s
Ministry.
I hope to build on my experience, continuing to faithfully represent
Guildford so benefiting our diocese and fully supporting parish
ministry.
You can meet me on this video: https://youtu.be/2BCS4VhThBs
If elected, I will continue to serve diligently and wholeheartedly for the
benefit of our parishes, diocese and the wider Church of England. I would
be delighted to answer any questions so do please contact me.
Email: [email protected] Telephone: 07968138089

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