General Synod Election Candidates 2026

Canon Zahida Mallard MSc Diversity Management, MCMI
[email protected] /07931761202
Proposed by Canon Mathew Ambler - Huddersfield
Seconded by Vivianne (Viv) Brealey MBE - Bradford
General information:
Age & occupation: 57 years old, Equality and Involvement Manager – South West Yorkshire Teaching Partnership Foundation NHS Trust
Current church of worship: St Peters Church, Shipley, Bradford
Local Parish Responsibilities: PCC member, Elected Deanery Synod member, Co-Chair of Parish Pastoral and Prayer Group, Electoral Roll Officer, Lead Morning or Evening Services, Reader of lessons, Intercessor, Chalice Administrator, Worship Group.
Diocesan Responsibilities: Elected Diocesan Synod member, Vacancy in See Committee member, Crown Nomination Commission member, Canon Emerita, Bradford Cathedral Chapter Non-Executive Director, member of Bradford Anglican Council for Social Aid (grant making, Bradford Episcopal area), Chair – Bradford Hate Crime Alliance (charity), member of Crown Prosecution Service Regional Hate Crime Scrutiny Panel member.
General Synod/National Responsibilities: Lay Ministry Advisory Group member (Finished Summer 2025), College of Resurrection Council member (Finished Summer 2026), Previously General Synod member (2000 to 2021) where I served on Mission and Pastoral Advisory Council and Commissioner in Churches Together in Britian and Ireland as well as various other associated working groups.
I would like to be elected as one of our Diocesan General Synod lay representatives for the following reasons:
As someone who served in this capacity from 2000 to 2021 and having had a break for the last quinquennium, I have insights into the current concerns of the national church and have the experience of participating, listening mostly, especially to people who think differently to me and speaking up as and when prompted by the Holy Spirit when something important hasn’t been said already in debates, moving amendments. I have experienced of serving/being elected and active on national church working groups, committees and councils as well as working on ecumenical bodies some of which are outlined above.
My Christian faith is extremely important to me/living as a first generation convert from a Muslim background, born and brought up in Yorkshire, I want the Church to remain relevant to society and missional. The Church continues to undergo a time of far-reaching challenge/change, especially from the ongoing pandemic recovery/journey still, and I feel called/qualified to continue to contribute to its future if elected to serve.
While I am convinced that the traditions and teachings of the Church are crucial, in terms of equal opportunities for all, the disconnect perceived by so many between Church and society troubles me as it can only have a negative impact on the future of the Church if we don’t live and communicate that it is a place of welcome for ALL in God’s Kingdom and the society we live in. I would like to be a part of using my gifts to change the perception of what a church family really is, living everyday lives based on my own journey of faith and challenge.
I believe reconciliation needs to be reached to ensure the Church united remains an accessible and integral part of society, without losing its integrity, belief and diversity of tradition. This is something the Church needs to address robustly to achieve its goal of growing both numerically and spiritually. I would seek not to dismiss concerns and the very fundamental principles of our faith but work to find solutions and broker agreements that ensure the Church remains relevant and active in our society.
I appreciate the diversity and complexities within our Church and the need to disagree well, listen, and collaborate to reach solutions. I have friends within the Church across the various traditions/churchmanship spectrum even though my own background lies firmly rooted within the evangelical tradition, mostly through the result of the parish church boundary that I live in so feel I am informed and have experience in reaching resolutions for the greater good of all and through my working life with communities/society it gives me these skills in abundance.
I feel it is important that all members of the Church are represented and involved in its future.  I grew up in Yorkshire with parents from India and family who belong to another faith to mine. I have had the opportunity to worship in churches of many different context/ churchmanship’s to my own and can adapt and be flexible from Matins, sung Eucharist to on the chair/floor in New Wine worship environments as well as large formal Cathedral/Minster services.
I strongly believe we should continue and encourage more lay involvement to support our Clergy, particularly considering the falling Clergy numbers, different models from BMOs to traditional single/team parishes and the financial pressures/wellbeing faced by the clergy.  I do very firmly believe in an active parish presence in each community and mission opportunities that enables us to provide locally as a church.
As a passionate layperson, I have been privileged to contribute to a few parishes that I have worshipped in within Bradford Episcopal area, Deaneries and their Standing Committees, Diocesan and Bishop’s Council over the years. I have experience in working alongside others who come from churches that have different resolutions in place and been able to work/worship together with those to whom I have different theological understanding. I would like to bring my experiences, background, and views to the discussions and decision making both from my involvement within a faith context as well as through my working life exposure in communities across our diocese.
Finally, I have experience of and an interest in the outworking of policy and procedures of the Church, locally, regionally and nationally. In my working and voluntary life, I work with in different settings, national, regional and local groups/organisations/communities big and small on solving problems, reaching a compromise when different viewpoints are expressed, defining and optimising processes. This usually requires me to get up to speed on not only the views but most importantly understand the rationale behind them, to provide appropriate recommendations for solutions.  I have been able to use these skills on General Synod directly and in associated working group/ bodies that I have had the privilege to be appointed or elected to serve on over the years that I have served.
I would be grateful if you would after praying consider giving me your first or second preference vote. If you need more information before deciding, please do contact me on the details above.

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