Revd Mike Coe - House of Clergy Candidate for General Synod
• Vicar: All Saints, Ilkley (Bradford Episcopal Area)
• Area Dean: South Craven and Wharfedale Deanery
• Member of the Leeds Diocesan Synod since 2024
• Member of the Leeds Diocesan Evangelical Fellowship
(DEF) Steering Group
• Member of General Synod since 2025
• Proposed by Revd. Mike Green
(Vicar: Kildwick, Cononley and Bradley)
• Seconded by Revd. Diana Rees-Jones
(Associate Vicar: All Saints, Ilkley)
About me
I’m from Romford, Essex but haven’t lived there since I went to university in 1981. After
university and before ordination I worked in marketing/sales, was a regional children’s
and youth worker for the Church Pastoral Aid Society (CPAS) and led church based
evangelistic missions in the UK. Ordained in 2000, I served my curacy in Peterborough
Diocese, and was a vicar in Hastings (Chichester Diocese) for 15 years where I was also
the Area Dean. I've been the vicar of All Saints Ilkley since 2018 and the Area Dean of
South Craven and Wharfedale Deanery since 2020.
I'm married to Lisa with four adult children, five grandchildren and one soft-coated
Wheaten Terrier! I’m a very keen West Ham Utd supporter, enjoy long distance walking
(the latest being the Cleveland Way earlier this year), going to the cinema (mainstream
and off-beat) and reading WW2 history.
Why am I standing again for General Synod?
I was elected to General Synod in June 2025 and have attended three General Synod
sessions (in York and London) in that time. General Synod can be a confusing place to
understand and get your head around, and after three Synod sessions I have learnt a lot
about how to contribute and participate effectively! A big part of the reason I am
standing again is to use and build on that experience to be more effective in my
participation and representation of clergy on the ‘frontline’ of parish ministry.
In my 26 years since ordination, I have experience of mission and ministry in Dioceses
in the North, the Midlands and the South, in three very different social and
demographic contexts. As a result, I have significant interest in, concern for and
experience of several issues that are ‘present-tense’ in the Church of England. I’ve
outlined some of those areas below to which, if I am re-elected, I would hope to continue
to make a helpful and significant contribution to represent, support and be a voice for
local parish clergy.

1. Clergy well-being and welfare

I had to take some time out from ministry a few years ago due to workplace stress and
burnout. Because of that difficult time I have personal experience of the negative impact
of the pressures and difficulties that clergy on the ‘front-line’ of parish ministry face. I
welcome the General Synod decision for clergy to have 36 hours off per working week
and the recent significant improvement to clergy stipends and pensions. However, I
believe there is more that could and should be done to enable all clergy to be better
pastorally and practically supported.

1. Parish ministry and mission

Before ordination, for eight years I was an itinerant evangelist leading parish-based
outreach initiatives. Through that I became convinced of the critical need for all parish
churches to prioritise the active proclamation of the good news of Jesus Christ to all
ages with a specific focus, where possible, on families with school aged children. That’s
not because other ages are less important but because, in my experience, parish
churches that are thriving and growing have an effective ministry to that group.
My experience has been that if you connect with them, often through a proactive
ministry in church schools, you are also reaching parents, grandparents and the wider
community. I want to see Synod prioritising the effective resourcing, training,
encouraging and equipping of clergy and laity in every parish so they can train,
encourage and equip others in this crucial area.

1. Human sexuality

I hold to orthodox and traditional Biblical teaching in this area and want the church to
maintain and uphold its existing doctrine of marriage. However, I recognise the deeply
held views of those who disagree with me and long to see a change in the church’s
teaching and practice. I believe that to move forward with as much unity as possible,
and before substantive decisions are made, we need to listen to voices from all sides of
the debate with respect and clear understanding. Ultimately I believe there is more that
unites us than divides us.

1. Retired clergy

During my sabbatical in 2024 I focused on the subject of ‘Finishing Well in Parish
Ministry’. During my study, my appreciation of the importance of retired clergy to the
present and future mission and ministry of the church was reaffirmed. I want to see
Synod continuing to recognise the invaluable place of retired clergy and to enable the
best use of their gifts, abilities and experiences whilst making proper provision for their
personal and pastoral needs in retirement.

1. The worldwide church

I have a particular concern for Christians in the worldwide persecuted church. I want
the Church of England to be at the forefront of advocating for their rights and
prayerfully and practically supporting their needs. In the midst of the inevitable focus
on our own concerns and issues we must not lose sight of the reality of what it means to
be a Christian in places where persecution is a present day experience.

1. Re-establishing confidence and trust in General Synod

In conversations with clergy and laity one thing that everyone seems to agree about,
regardless of their churchmanship, is a dismay at the manner and tone of how General
Synod has conducted its business recently, and the growing lack of confidence and trust
in the leadership of the Church. There is a pressing need to change that narrative and I
would hope to continue to play a part in that if I were re-elected.

Thank you for taking the time to read my statement. I have also made a short video to
support my candidacy, so that those who don’t know me can put a voice to the face!
You can watch the video via this link - https://bit.ly/MC-GS-2026
If some or all of the issues I have highlighted above are ones that you share and identify
with, can I encourage you to give me your first (or a high) preference vote?
If you would like to ask any questions before deciding whether to vote for me, please
contact me at [email protected]

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