house of bishops,legal advice,ordination,redress,war

The Revd Father Nicholas Justin Mercer

Leeds

House of Clergy

Full Election Address Text

Election Address
My name is Nicholas Mercer.
I am Rector of Bolton Abbey in North Yorkshire, a post which I have held since 2019. Prior to ordination in 2011, I was a military lawyer in the British Army for twenty years serving all over the world. I was the Command Legal Adviser to the HQ 1st Armoured Division in the Iraq War 2003 and was Human Rights Lawyer of the Year 2011.
I decided to put myself forward for General Synod after the debate over Kairos II. I am probably one of the few priests (if any) to have given legal advice both on the Law of Armed Conflict as well as the Laws of Occupation during an International Armed Conflict. I was responsible for overseeing some of the targeting during the Iraq War 2003 and the conduct of the military occupation in the UK Area of Operations. When I read the debate, I felt I had more to offer the Church than just my parish ministry.
As well as the above, I have wide experience in the field of Human Rights and, in particular, opposing torture around the world (as a trustee of Redress as well as being on the Liberty Policy Council for many years). I advised the House of Bishops on the Overseas Operations Act 2020 and I still lecture both on Human Rights and criminal procedure. I am married with three children - now all recently in gainful employment leaving a much emptier Rectory!
Reverend NJ Mercer
Rector of Bolton Abbey
28th August 2026

Terms used in address

house of bishops,legal advice,ordination,redress,war

Theological Tradition Terms

Theological Tradition Sentences

Sexuality, Marriage & LLF/PLF Terms

Sexuality, Marriage & LLF/PLF Sentences

Safeguarding Terms

redress

Safeguarding Sentences

As well as the above, I have wide experience in the field of Human Rights and, in particular, opposing torture around the world (as a trustee of Redress as well as being on the Liberty Policy Council for many years).

Evangelism, Mission & Church Growth Terms

Evangelism, Mission & Church Growth Sentences

Doctrine & Formularies Terms

Doctrine & Formularies Sentences

Society, Justice & Inclusion Terms

war

Society, Justice & Inclusion Sentences

I was the Command Legal Adviser to the HQ 1st Armoured Division in the Iraq War 2003 and was Human Rights Lawyer of the Year 2011. ------ I was responsible for overseeing some of the targeting during the Iraq War 2003 and the conduct of the military occupation in the UK Area of Operations.

Clergy Concerns Terms

Clergy Concerns Sentences

Church Structure & Policy Terms

house of bishops,legal advice,ordination

Church Structures & Policy Sentences

Prior to ordination in 2011, I was a military lawyer in the British Army for twenty years serving all over the world. ------ I am probably one of the few priests (if any) to have given legal advice both on the Law of Armed Conflict as well as the Laws of Occupation during an International Armed Conflict. ------ I advised the House of Bishops on the Overseas Operations Act 2020 and I still lecture both on Human Rights and criminal procedure.

Other Churches & Other Faiths Terms

Other Churches & Other Faiths Sentences

Youth & Next Generation Terms

Youth & Next Generation Sentences