General Synod Election Candidates 2026

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General Synod Election Statement
It has been a privilege for me to represent the Diocese of Leeds on General Synod over recent years
and thank you if you have given me a high preference vote in previous elections. Although we stand
as individuals, being part of the “Leeds team” has been a great support and encouragement.
Thank you to Pam Grant from Harrogate and Canon Zahida Mallard from Aire & Worth for
supporting my nomination.
This year sees a significant number of people retiring from General Synod, and thus many welcome
new faces, so the re-election of some continuing members will be all the more important.
My experience on Synod, including past service on the Archbishops’ Council Finance Committee and
on occasion the Crown Nominations Commission, has given me insight into the workings, demands
and challenges of the national church and there are some key issues to be faced during this coming
Synod. There is much unfinished business for the new Synod to get to grips with.
About me
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Born and educated in London, in 1994 we made our home in Yorkshire.
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Career experience as an Arts and Cultural leader, and until 2023 as General Director of Opera
North in Leeds. Although recently retired from that role, I hold a number of arts/cultural
leadership roles including Gabrieli (very active in music engagement for young people), The
Grange Festival, and a global charity In Place of War (supporting artists, musicians and
grassroots cultural organisations in communities affected by conflict, climate change and
systemic inequality - enabling change).
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Having been an executive and non-executive leader of major arts organisations, I am familiar
with the challenges of making things happen but with a capacity to listen.
•
Deputy Lieutenant for the County of West Yorkshire: OBE from HM Queen for services to
music. In 2023 knighted by HM King Charles III.
Why am I standing for the new synod?
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The Church so often feels habituated by division and a lack of unity which can so easily un-
dermine our witness and mission. Trust, understanding and respect are key, embracing the
rich diversity and variety of faith and traditions.
•
For the Church to be inclusive, a place for equality and a welcome to all. Whilst secularism
and social divide threaten the influence of the Church on society, we must seek to strengthen
and unite all its constituent parts as instruments of mission.


Safeguarding Synod will be asked to approve new safeguarding arrangements, this is

fundamental for the future of our church and I am deeply committed to securing explicit safe

guarding provisions at all levels.

Sir Richard Mantle DL
UK Arts and Cultural Leader
Former General Director - Opera North and Scottish Opera
Chair - In Place of War
Trustee - Gabrieli and Gabrieli Roar
Chair of Directors - Parcevall Hall
Trustee - Bishopthorpe Charitable Partners Trust
Harrogate Deanery Synod - Diocesan Synod - General Synod
Deputy Lieutenant in the County of West Yorkshire
Doctor of the Universities of Leeds and York

2

The Future of the Parish This is a hot topic not least in our own Diocese. Parish life
and mission are at the beating heart of the Church, and we need structures which are fit for
purpose for our times.

Parishes must be resourced to flourish alongside new models for ministry and mission. I hope

for honest and open thinking which places our priests at the forefront of mission; a key is to

foster new vocations to the priestly ministry unhindered by top-down restructuring or

centralisation.

Same Sex Relationships and Marriage This is important unfinished business
for the new Synod. The Church must be a place of welcome where everyone can be loved
and respected, regardless of identity, gender or sexuality. Our task is to reconcile the basic
human right to be treated equally with the biblical and historic teaching of the church on
marriage being the union of one man and one woman for life. We need to discern how we
can flourish together in following Jesus Christ, respecting emerging patterns of human
relationships whilst holding to our core faith, order and beliefs.

Me and the Church
The Christian church plays a significant part in my life.
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A member the congregation of St Wilfrid Harrogate for over 30 years.
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Broader engagement across the wider Church, including past membership of the Finance

Committee of the Archbishops Council.
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Chair the charity which owns Parcevall Hall and garden, the Leeds Diocesan Retreat
House.
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Treasurer Guardian of the Anglican Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham, a national centre
for pilgrimage and retreat; I witness first-hand the incredible impact of spiritual renewal,
healing and reconciliation for so many thousands of Anglican and ecumenical visitors, not
least hundreds of young Christians, who discover the joy and meaning of faith
•
A lively concern for vocations and spiritual development brought me to the College of the
Resurrection in Mirfield where I served as a Council Member.
•
Trustee of the Bishopthorpe Charitable Partners Trust supporting the ministry of the
Archbishop of York and initiatives across the Northen Province celebrating faith stories for
young people, renewal of missionary purpose, and sharing resources to open new
pathways to Jesus Christ.

Now is the time for renewal and a fresh direction for the Church of England and its General Synod.
We can help refocus the church to proclaim the Gospel in relevant and vibrant ways which speak to
our communities and to the nation. This will require energy, vision, commitment and above all
a confident and resilient faith.

Thank you for reading this. If you feel that, on your behalf, I can make a difference, please give
me your first or high preference vote.

phone: 07970 463170
email: [email protected]

WHATEVER YOU DECIDE MAKE SURE YOU VOTE!
Poposer: Pam Grant Harrogate Deanery
Seconder: Canon Zahida Mallard Aire & Worth Deanery

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