General Synod Election Candidates 2026

Revd Mark Watson Statement — Diocese of Leeds —
General Synod

Proposer: Revd Sharon Wilkinson, Assistant Area Dean in the South Leeds

Deanery, and Vicar at St Mary’s Woodkirk

Seconder: Revd Phil Harris, Vicar and Team Rector of Morley Anglican Church network (St Peter’s and
St Andrews)

Understanding of the Role

lam standing for election to the General Synod because | believe deeply in the Church’s calling to be a
community of faith, hope, and reconciliation—rooted in scripture, shaped by prayer, and committed
to serving every parish, every worshipper, and every neighbourhood.

My ministry in the Church of England has taught me that our national church is at its best when it
listens attentively, speaks clearly and courageously, and acts compassionately. General Synod is one
of the places where that calling becomes real: where we discern together how to witness to Christ
faithfully in a rapidly changing world. | want to contribute to that work with humility, clarity, and a
steady commitment to the Gospel.

My priorities

e AChurch grounded in Scripture and Sacrament
lam committed to safeguarding the theological breadth of the Church of England while
ensuring that our worship, teaching, and mission remain rooted in the life-giving truth of the
Gospel. | am passionate about mission and evangelism and helping to resource and equip laity
in engaging with that in their local context.

e AChurch that listens well
Across our parishes, people carry joys, wounds, hopes, and fears. | want Synod to be a place
where those voices—lay and ordained—are heard with respect and seriousness as we journey
together in Christ to the glory of God.

e AChurch that is pastorally courageous
Whether addressing safeguarding, inclusion, vocations, or the future of our parish system, |
believe we must act with integrity, transparency, accountability, and compassion whilst being
rooted and grounded in orthodox and traditional Biblical teaching.

e AChurch that invests in its local communities
The parish remains one of the most powerful expressions of Christian presence in public life. |
will advocate for structures and policies that strengthen local ministry rather than weaken it.

e AChurch that communicates clearly and graciously
In an age of mistrust and noise, our public witness must be marked by honesty, hope, and the
love of Christ. | want Synod to be transparent, accountable, and trustworthy.

e AChurch that has a credible voice, speaking prophetically into today’s society and
culture
There is tremendous wisdom and blessing to be found in seeking to live out Christian values to
the glory of God. | believe the Church of England has privileged opportunities to speak into

society as the National Church. We need to reestablish our credibility, soeak prophetically and
with authority, seeking to be a voice for the voiceless.

What | bring

Over the past 20 years, | have been actively involved in Parochial Church Councils in a variety of
contexts and traditions, and a variety of ministry teams. | currently serve on the Deanery Standing
Committee, and | am a member of Diocesan Synod in the Diocese of Leeds. | have learned the
importance of prayerful listening, discernment, collaboration, and wise and strategic decision-
making. My professional background in technical consultancy and my training and personal and
professional development in ministry have equipped me with skills in leadership, management of
change, mission accompaniment, mentoring and coaching, governance, pastoral care, strategic
planning and project management, which | believe will be valuable in engaging with and contributing
to General Synod. | am an Open Evangelical and also a Tertiary in the order of St Francis, seeking to
live a rule of life that is Christ centred and life giving. In summary | bring:

e Experience of leadership, parish ministry and pastoral care

e Acommitment to thoughtful, and prayerful decision-making

e Acollaborative approach that values dialogue over division

e Adesire to help the Church speak with confidence and compassion

e A belief that Synod should seek to model the unity we proclaim in Christ and foster trust

Why I’m Standing

| want to help shape a Synod that is spiritually grounded, Christ-centred, mission-focused, and
genuinely attentive to the needs of our congregations and communities. My hope is to contribute to a
Church that is both faithful to its tradition and responsive to the challenges of our time.

If elected, | will serve with diligence, openness, and a deep sense of responsibility to the people and
parishes of our diocese.

| am happy to address any questions that people might have. | can be contacted via email at
[email protected]

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