General Synod Election Candidates 2026

An invitation to vote for
STEPHEN HOFMEYR
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passionate Christian witness and disciple-maker
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heart for the poor
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anti-apartheid activist
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international peacemaker, judge and arbitrator
to continue to represent Guildford Diocese on General Synod

The Church of England is facing two big challenges: declining numbers and plausibility.
How might we respond?
Whilst it is God who calls people to Himself and, by His Spirit, gives us the confidence and strength necessary to live
authentic Christian lives, astonishingly he uses ordinary, flawed people to build His church. This means that if the
Church of England is to turn the corner and to flourish, it will be the result of a grassroots movement. Growth will not
come (and confidence and credibility will not build) unless, at the local parish level, we all play our part. It is people at
the grassroots that really matter.
My primary purpose in standing for election to General Synod for a further term as a representative of the Diocese of
Guildford is to do all that I can to empower individuals in local churches to play a part in God’s holistic Mission. I would
like to see every decision made by General Synod and every initiative started in the Church of England tested against
this measure: will it inspire and empower individuals and communities to build God’s church from the ground up? To
this end, I am committed to the Save the Parish movement.
Am I playing my part?
I am inspired by the Anglican Communion’s Five Marks of Mission:
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To proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom
This is the primary focus of my life. On my front lines (i.e. at work and in my leisure time) I endeavour, by my actions
and my words, to point people to Jesus so that they can experience abundant life in relationship with Him. I am also
involved in running Alpha, Christianity Explored and similar courses and helping with youth camps. It has been a
humbling experience to see unchurched people come to Jesus. I have also been involved in planting 3 new churches.
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To teach, baptise and nurture new believers
Whilst I am not qualified to baptize, I do have the privilege of teaching regularly, both in my local church and in small
groups. I also help run a weekly bible-study (being committed to the authority of Holy Scripture) and seasonal seminars
on topical issues, including for young adults (age range roughly 18-30). They (and my young adult offspring – all
members of their local churches) constantly tell me that young people like the challenge to be authentic. I also run
courses for new believers; and continue to help coordinate biblical and theological teaching at all levels in the parish.
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To respond to human need by loving service
Our parish has a Service Action Team which I have chaired for many years. Together with my parish, I support local
service projects like Besom and Ready-4-Action. We also provide practical and financial support to local agencies, some

started by our parish church. In my twenties, as chair of fund-raising and board member, I helped establish the first
hospice in Cape Town. I remain a Trustee of two local charities.
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To transform unjust structures of society, to challenge violence of every kind and pursue peace and reconciliation
Growing up in apartheid South Africa, attending an Anglican school, I learned from an early age to engage in
transformation. As a student, I campaigned to end conscription and the use of the military to quell internal protest
and was the first formally recognized Anglican conscientious objector. Now, as a part-time judge (predominantly in the
Guildford Crown Court and the High Court) I am concerned with sentencing and, on judicial seminars, with seeking to
influence sentencing policy. I also support a charity acting as a catalyst for peacemaking where minorities are
persecuted, justice is denied, human rights suppressed and reconciliation needed.
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To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation, and sustain and renew the life of the earth
Our first mandate from God was not only to populate the earth, but also to manage the resources God has given us.
This mandate has been too long forgotten, but a re-awakening is in progress. To play my part I am a Trustee of two
trusts dedicated to restoring, protecting and enhancing the environment. I have also helped launch a local A Rocha
project in South Africa.
Do I have the necessary experience?
I am a life-long Anglican. Over the years I have served as Sacristan, Bell-ringer, member of PCC and Church Warden.
For the last 26 years I have lived in Guildford and, with my wife and children, have attended my parish church. I have
been a member of the Diocesan Evangelical Fellowship for 23 years, of Deanery and Diocesan Synod for 20 years and
the Vacancy-in-See Committee for 13 years. Currently I am lay chair of the Guildford Deanery Synod. I was appointed
by a previous Bishop of Guildford as a member of the human sexuality “Listening Group” in the Diocese, a group which
met bi-monthly for 3 years.
At national church level I have been a member of General Synod for nearly 10 years, and continue to serve as a session
chair (appointed by the Archbishops). I have a record of asking questions and speaking at sessions on a wide range of
topics. Given my legal experience and knowledge, I have also been chosen to chair and been a member of committees
responsible for steering legislation through General Synod. It is also well known that I continue to be actively involved
in behind the scenes discussions in relation to issues of human sexuality aimed at proposing structures which would
prevent anyone feeling rejected by the CofE. There is, I can assure you, the prospect of a win-win outcome! I am also
a member of the Ecclesiastical Law Society and the Church of England Evangelical Council, and a trustee of the Anglican
Fellowship and the Ephesian Fund, both of which are aimed at helping people to continue within the Church of England.
At the international level, I am on the Executive and a Trustee of the Evangelical Fellowship in the Anglican Communion.
My paid work is as a barrister (King’s Counsel) specializing in international commercial disputes, as an international
arbitrator and as a Deputy High Court Judge.
Your vote is important in this election. If you share my vision, please vote to give me the opportunity to represent
you on General Synod.
STEPHEN HOFMEYR
Acre Holt, One Tree Hill Road, Guildford, GU4 8PJ T: 07747613342 E: [email protected]
Proposer: Graham Everness (St Paul’s, Dorking): Licensed Lay Minister; Registrar of LLMs; Lay Chair of Dorking Deanery
Synod; Diocesan Synod; Vice-Chair of Diocesan Board of Finance; member of Bishop’s Council.
Seconder: Lizzy Klintworth (St Michael and All Angels, Pirbright): Church Warden; member of Deanery and Diocesan
Synods; member of Bishop’s Council; member of the Diocesan Board of Finance.

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