General Synod Election Candidates 2026

General Synod Election September 2026 – Hereford Diocese
The Revd Stephen R Griffiths
About me: I am 47 years old and married to Cally. We have three school age children. I am originally
from rural south Derbyshire. I enjoy British history, exploring the landscape, growing food, and
playing the piano and organ.
Current role: Rector of the Ford Group of Parishes and Assistant Archdeacon of Ludlow. The parishes
are on the northern edge of Hereford Diocese, with one in Wales.
Ministry: After a city centre curacy in Derby, I felt called to serve the rural church. This call has
included many years in multi-parish benefices. I have served two terms as a Rural Dean. In the
county town of Oakham in Rutland I led the civic ministry of All Saints and chaired Churches
Together. I was a trustee of Launde Abbey 2019-2024.
My hopes for the Church of England include:
Discipleship and formation: Since ordination I have been involved with clergy and lay formation. I
am particularly interested in the ‘everyday faith’ movement, the living out of our faith Monday-
Saturday. This builds on my studies in the biblical wisdom literature. I will be speaking up at General
Synod for a renewal of confidence in teaching the faith, and for the training of clergy and authorised
ministers to the highest possible standards.
Parish: If we want to build up morale and generosity in the parishes, our people need to know they
are valued by the dioceses and the national institutions – including a fair financial deal. I want to
help preserve all that is good in community facing parish ministry, including a renewed supply of
ordained ministers.
Living in Love and Faith: I believe the Church of England’s present marriage canons bear faithful
witness to scripture and tradition.
Management culture: We need well led dioceses which respond to the nuances of the local context.
I recognise the dangers of ‘vision fatigue’ which saps morale. I will be arguing for the
implementation of the Trust and Trustworthiness report (GS2457) which exposes the Church of
England’s fragmented culture.
Safeguarding: I support a better theological rationale for our safeguarding practices which can
underpin the pastoral mission of the Church of England. I will be speaking up for proportional
systems and processes which are less easily weaponised and provide accountability at every stage.
The future: I want the next generation to experience the riches of following Christ in the tradition of
the Church of England. And so I want to play my part in building up confidence in what the Church of
England stands for – its gospel message, liturgy, welcome and witness.
Please consider voting for those who share these values at this crucial moment for the Church of
England.

The Revd Stephen Griffiths
Rector of the Ford Group of Parishes and Assistant Archdeacon of Ludlow

accountability,biblical,churches together,curacy,dioceses,discipleship,generosity,gospel,liturgy,living in love and faith,marriage,mission,next generation,ordination,safeguarding,scripture,tradition,witness