General Synod Election Candidates 2026

Donna Miller
Standing for the House of Laity of General Synod

Proposer: Hilary Butler, Emly Deanery Synod
Seconder: Richard Cartledge, Woking Deanery Synod

I am 63, single, born in America, and British by choice. I relocated
to Surrey in 2003 and call it home. I worship at St James’ Church
Weybridge, where I am the PCC Secretary and the Parish Safeguarding Officer. I sit on the
Stewardship and Missional Activities committees.

My work experience includes 32 years at Enterprise Mobility
• Served as European Human Resources Director where I built and executed HR strategies
until I retired in 2022
• Championed and led on inclusion initiatives
• Directed a team of 150 employees
• Spearheaded high-level projects across Europe, Canada and the United States

I am involved in the following national and community charities
• The Manna Centre, London – I serve as a Trustee for this day centre for homeless
people and those in need
• Enactus UK and Ireland – As a Trustee I create accessible opportunities for young
people to build skills, act and shape their world - regardless of their socio-economic
background
• New Bridge Foundation – I am a Group Leader tackling loneliness and isolation in
prisons through befriending
• CARE in Weybridge – I am a Trustee of the charity which provides transport to elderly
Weybridge residents for medical appointments
• Churches Together in Weybridge – I am the Chair of our group of six churches in
Weybridge – planning community events for Remembrance weekend, the Week of
Prayer for Christian Unity, Good Friday walk of witness, and more

I am passionate about the work I do in communities across the UK and speaking out for those
who are disenfranchised, reflecting Jesus’s concern for the poor and marginalised in society.

I grew up an Episcopalian in Southern California. Regrettably, I watched people leave the
church in the 1970’s when women were ordained. This surprised me, as Jesus called women to
carry the message of the Gospel with women first to witness the Resurrection. Lay and
ordained women deserve their place in the church. I celebrate Dame Sarah’s appointment,
which is very positive for the Church of England and for the wider world.

What will I bring to Synod?
• Proven strategic thinking and decision-making skills
• The ability to listen, ask questions, and see all sides of an argument – to work in
harmony with those who have opinions different to my own
• The thought process of an inclusive church – where all voices are equal and should
be recognised as such
• As a new candidate for Synod, fresh ideas and an open mind

Speak out, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.
Proverbs 31:9

What is important to me?

Safeguarding We all agree that we must safeguard and support the most vulnerable in our
society. But how? We need to right the wrongs of the past. As a Parish Safeguarding Office, I
challenge every day – challenge people (both those I know and don’t know) and challenge
process. When vulnerable people are harmed within the church, they lose a lot. Ultimately, it
can be their faith in God. That’s heartbreaking. Safeguarding is not just about smart policies
and procedures – it’s about shaping a culture of care, compassion and accountability. As the
Church of England, we can do better; and we must. People are watching and they depend on
us.

Children and Families I’m committed to growing our ministry among children, young
people and families at grass roots level. Sharing our best practices and successes with one
another is essential as most parishes can’t support a paid children’s employee. We must
continue to grow the church younger, all while cultivating our inter-generational and diverse
congregations. I have faith in our parish churches and what can be accomplished. Churches are
essential to connecting with people and solving many of our societal issues today including
loneliness, financial pressures, food insecurity, racial injustice, mental health challenges, abuse
and more. The parish church really matters.

Word and Sacrament I believe in a worshipping life that is deeply rooted in the Eucharist,
the life of prayer, liturgy and worship. Receiving communion feeds me spiritually and sets a
strong example for my Christian faith and my work in the community. Both the Word and
Sacrament are essential to the church’s core identity and missional activity.

Parish Share I have a keen interest in taking a closer look at parish share and how that can
be more equitable for all. For some parishes, meeting the full cost of parish share is simply out
of reach. It’s about balancing the differences while walking alongside smaller churches to bring
a voice to Synod that reflects the diversity in our parishes. One size does not, and cannot, fit all.

Thank you for reading my statement. I hope you will give me your first preference vote.
I would be very happy to hear from you if you have any questions:

Donna Miller / [email protected] / 0779 000 5519
St James’ Church, Weybridge

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