curacy,disciples,gospel,inclusive,make disciples,mission,ordination,prayer,sacrament,safeguarding,stipendiary,tradition,vocations,working class

GENERAL SYNOD ELECTIONS 2026
Diocese of Leeds· House of Clergy

Gary
Waddington

Team Rector, St Wilfrid’s Harrogate

Proposed by Rachael Firth,Vicar of Huddersfield
Seconded by Robb Sutherland, Vicar of Mixenden and Illingworth

Dear Colleague,

I ask for your first or high-preference vote to continue
representing the Diocese of Leeds with experience, honesty, and
care for clergy, parishes, and the wider Church.

Having served two full terms (2015–21, 2021–26), I seek re-election to continue
representing you with experience, established relationships and a clear grasp of Synod’s
work. It has been a privilege to serve; I would be honoured to do so again.

I was born in Skipton into a working-class family and studied at Durham. After serving as a
pastoral assistant in London, I trained for ordination, served my curacy in Southsea, and
spent ten years as Vicar of a large UPA parish in Portsmouth. Since 2010, I have been
Team Rector of St Wilfrid’s Harrogate, and I also serve on the Leeds Board. This has given
me experience of varied communities, pressures and patterns of ministry, and it shapes the
voice I bring to Synod. Thirty years of ordained ministry across very different social and
economic contexts have taught me much about the opportunities and pressures facing our
parishes. I will continue to listen carefully, speak honestly and work constructively for a
confident and faithful future for our Church.

In Synod I have contributed to debates, asked questions, served on sub-groups and
maintained a 100% attendance record. If re-elected, I will continue to bring an informed,
sensible and constructive voice to issues affecting clergy, parishes, this diocese and the wider
Church of England. I am especially committed to parish life and to those ministering in the
poorest and most deprived communities. The next quinquennium will involve significant
legislative work, including a new Pastoral Measure. Experience, judgement and attention to
local realities will matter. We may not always agree, but it is vital that we work together to
build the kingdom in word and sacrament.

Please give me your first, or a high-preference vote.
Thank you.

A Church for the whole nation
Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.
Synod needs members who will speak clearly and persistently for those too often unheard.
The Church is strengthened by the breadth of its communities, cultures and histories. I
have spoken in Synod for people ministering and living in our poorest areas: places too
often overlooked, under-resourced and absent from the centre of our debates. I will
continue to press for decisions that take seriously the realities of those parishes and
communities.

A Church for every person
I know my sheep and my own know me.
A truly inclusive and comprehensive Church values every tradition and treats every person
with dignity. Safeguarding must remain urgent, practical and survivor-centred. Synod’s
task is to test proposals carefully, shape wise law, and ensure that major legislation —
including the new Pastoral Measure — strengthens, rather than weakens, the life of the
Church.

A Church bold in mission
Go then and make disciples of all the nations.
Mission and parish support must remain at the heart of our common life. I will support
the removal of unnecessary red tape where it genuinely releases clergy and parishes for the
Gospel. Parishes must be supported to grow and thrive, especially where ministry is
hardest and resources are thinnest. Mission, not managerialism, is our calling; governance
should make parish ministry simpler, clearer and more hopeful.

A Church ready for tomorrow
God is our refuge and strength.
General Synod will face serious questions about the Church’s future. We should not meet
them with fear. We can plan for mission with confidence, foster vocations generously,
and use our resources where they will make the greatest difference. Rooted in the God
who makes his home among us, we can work with courage, realism and hope.

A Church that stands with clergy and parishes
So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest
time, if we do not give up.
After 30 years in parochial ministry, I know the pressures clergy and parishes now carry.
More is asked of fewer stipendiary clergy, and honest, hopeful advocacy is needed. I will
continue to speak up for the parish system. Parishes are the Church’s frontline presence:
places of worship, service, teaching, visiting, prayer, listening and proclamation. We must
equip future leaders, and we must also stand with those serving faithfully now in the
communities entrusted to their care.

Please give me your first or a high-preference vote.
Thank you.

Please feel free to contact me at:
[email protected]
The Rectory, 51b Kent Road, Harrogate HG1 2EU

07920 464818