chaplaincy,continuing ministerial development,disability,discipleship,equality,gender identity,justice,lgbtq,mental health,mission,neurodiversity,prayer,prisoners,prisons,safeguarding,sexuality,stewardship,universities

Calum Crombie

Blackburn

House of Clergy

Full Election Address Text

Calum Crombie
About Me
I am standing for General Synod because I believe the
Church of England is a church for everyone. It is at its
best when it creates safe communities where people
know they are loved, welcomed and invited to be part of
something greater than themselves. Our communities
must also be safe communities, where safeguarding is
embedded in our culture, and power is exercised
responsibly, protecting the dignity and wellbeing of every
person.

Our
diversity
of
traditions,
theological
perspectives, and experiences is a strength, and we are
called to work together in mission, learning from one
another while remaining rooted in our shared faith in
Christ. The Church flourishes when it listens carefully,
serves faithfully, and equips people for ministry in every
context of modern life.
Proposer
Rev’d. Alex Frost
Vicar, St Matthew, Burnley
General Synod 2021 - 2026
Ven. Jane Atkinson
Archdeacon of Blackburn
Seconder
What Has Formed My Ministry
My ministry has been shaped by 21 years of service within His Majesty's Prison and
Probation Service, where I have witnessed the transformative power of faith, compassion
and hope among some of the most marginalised members of society. Walking alongside
prisoners, staff and chaplaincy teams has deepened my belief in the dignity of every person
and the Church's calling to create opportunities for people to discover their worth and
potential. I now lead learning and development for prison chaplaincy nationally, supporting
chaplains, advising governors on matters of faith, belief and pastoral care and helping
shape national policy and practice.
I believe the Church is
strongest when it combines
faithfulness with hospitality,
creating spaces where people
from diverse backgrounds
can worship together, grow in
discipleship and contribute
their gifts to God's mission.
I am also actively involved at St Ambrose
Leyland, where I helped found and
continue to lead the diocese's only Open
Table
congregation,
creating
a
welcoming space for LGBTQ+ people and
their allies to find genuine belonging,
explore faith and encounter God. This
parish ministry keeps me grounded in
the realities of local church life and
reinforces my commitment to a Church
in which all can belong and flourish.

If elected, I would seek to
Champion mission in parish and beyond, including prisons, hospitals, schools,
universities, the armed forces and workplaces.
Support effective clergy formation for all, continuing ministerial development, and
leadership development at every stage of ministry.
Promote a Church that is confident in its faith, committed to justice, and attentive to
those who are often unheard.
Encourage good governance, prudent stewardship, and decision-making that is
rooted in prayer, evidence, and pastoral wisdom.
Strengthen collaboration across traditions, recognising that the breadth of the
Church of England is one of its greatest strengths.
I am committed to equality for everyone, at all levels and roles
within the church, regardless of disability, economic power,
ethnicity, sex, gender identity, learning disability, mental health,
neurodiversity, or sexuality.
Throughout my ministry I have worked with people from many faith backgrounds,
cultures, and traditions. I have learned that respectful dialogue, careful listening, and a
commitment to human dignity create the conditions in which individuals can flourish and
strong, diverse communities thrive.
General Synod needs members who can bridge the gap between national decision-
making and the realities of frontline ministry. I would bring practical experience of
leadership, training, organisational change, and chaplaincy ministry, together with a
commitment to serving the whole Church faithfully and constructively.
I would be honoured to serve our diocese and the wider Church as a member of General
Synod.
Contact Details
07745 641521
[email protected]
Phone:
Email :
Due to the nature of my employment I have chosen not to publish my home address,
however you are welcome to contact me by phone or email:

Terms used in address

chaplaincy,continuing ministerial development,disability,discipleship,equality,gender identity,justice,lgbtq,mental health,mission,neurodiversity,prayer,prisoners,prisons,safeguarding,sexuality,stewardship,universities

Theological Tradition Terms

Theological Tradition Sentences

Sexuality, Marriage & LLF/PLF Terms

gender identity,lgbtq,sexuality

Sexuality, Marriage & LLF/PLF Sentences

congregation, creating a welcoming space for LGBTQ+ people and their allies to find genuine belonging, explore faith and encounter God. ------ I am committed to equality for everyone, at all levels and roles within the church, regardless of disability, economic power, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, learning disability, mental health, neurodiversity, or sexuality.

Safeguarding Terms

safeguarding

Safeguarding Sentences

Our communities must also be safe communities, where safeguarding is embedded in our culture, and power is exercised responsibly, protecting the dignity and wellbeing of every person.

Evangelism, Mission & Church Growth Terms

discipleship,mission

Evangelism, Mission & Church Growth Sentences

diversity of traditions, theological perspectives, and experiences is a strength, and we are called to work together in mission, learning from one another while remaining rooted in our shared faith in Christ. ------ I believe the Church is strongest when it combines faithfulness with hospitality, creating spaces where people from diverse backgrounds can worship together, grow in discipleship and contribute their gifts to God's mission. ------ If elected, I would seek to Champion mission in parish and beyond, including prisons, hospitals, schools, universities, the armed forces and workplaces.

Doctrine & Formularies Terms

prayer

Doctrine & Formularies Sentences

Encourage good governance, prudent stewardship, and decision-making that is rooted in prayer, evidence, and pastoral wisdom.

Society, Justice & Inclusion Terms

disability,equality,justice,mental health,neurodiversity,prisoners,prisons

Society, Justice & Inclusion Sentences

Walking alongside prisoners, staff and chaplaincy teams has deepened my belief in the dignity of every person and the Church's calling to create opportunities for people to discover their worth and potential. ------ If elected, I would seek to Champion mission in parish and beyond, including prisons, hospitals, schools, universities, the armed forces and workplaces. ------ Promote a Church that is confident in its faith, committed to justice, and attentive to those who are often unheard. ------ I am committed to equality for everyone, at all levels and roles within the church, regardless of disability, economic power, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, learning disability, mental health, neurodiversity, or sexuality.

Clergy Concerns Terms

continuing ministerial development

Clergy Concerns Sentences

Support effective clergy formation for all, continuing ministerial development, and leadership development at every stage of ministry.

Church Structure & Policy Terms

chaplaincy,stewardship

Church Structures & Policy Sentences

Walking alongside prisoners, staff and chaplaincy teams has deepened my belief in the dignity of every person and the Church's calling to create opportunities for people to discover their worth and potential. ------ I now lead learning and development for prison chaplaincy nationally, supporting chaplains, advising governors on matters of faith, belief and pastoral care and helping shape national policy and practice. ------ Encourage good governance, prudent stewardship, and decision-making that is rooted in prayer, evidence, and pastoral wisdom. ------ I would bring practical experience of leadership, training, organisational change, and chaplaincy ministry, together with a commitment to serving the whole Church faithfully and constructively.

Other Churches & Other Faiths Terms

Other Churches & Other Faiths Sentences

Youth & Next Generation Terms

universities

Youth & Next Generation Sentences

If elected, I would seek to Champion mission in parish and beyond, including prisons, hospitals, schools, universities, the armed forces and workplaces.