General Synod Election Candidates 2026

WHY I AM STANDING
It has been an enormous privilege to represent you as a lay member on General Synod for the past five years. I have
taken that responsibility seriously: listening to people across our diocese, contributing to Synod’s debates and wider
work, and seeking to ensure that the experience of our parishes is heard nationally.

I seek re-election to consolidate and apply all I have learned, bringing a strong sense of calling and a commitment to
listen to and work with all across our broad and diverse Church. My faith has been shaped by several Christian
traditions, nurturing an instinct for ecumenical partnership.
Thirty years as a teacher and senior leader, together with my work as a spiritual director, have taught me to listen
carefully, ask good questions, weigh different perspectives and help people find a way forward together.
MY PRIORITIES FOR GENERAL SYNOD

 Resourcing Parishes: Parishes are the foundation
of our Church. Belonging to a rural multi-church
benefice and serving on the National Church
Buildings Council, I see local financial struggles
firsthand. I will press for central funding to be
distributed more fairly to support stipends and
parishes, liberating clergy and volunteers for local
mission and ministry, making Jesus known in our
parishes.

 Building an Inclusive Church: I am fully committed
to equality for everyone at all levels and roles
within the Church, regardless of disability,
ethnicity, economic power, sex, gender identity,
learning ability, mental health, neurodiversity or
sexuality. My ecumenical background helps me
value difference while seeking unity.

 Championing Children & Young People: As an
educator and parent, I will continue to secure an
active, valued place for children and young people
within the church family, General Synod, and wider
society.

 Creation Care: I’m passionate about environmental
stewardship as a keen beekeeper and gardener. In
2026 our church became a National Demonstrator
Church for our use of sustainable energy. We must
model hope and action in caring for creation.

 Ecumenical Engagement: Drawing on my work
with Churches Together in England and national-
level ecumenical representation, I will continue
building bridges and deepening friendships across
traditions.
ABOUT ME

National Governance: Elected to the Church Buildings
Council (2026). Appointed to the Elections Review Group
(2022) and Lay Conduct Group (2025) to help develop a na-
tional code of conduct for PCCs.

Diocesan Connections: Facilitated Deanery Synod training
for Single Friendly Church; volunteer with Mothers’ Union
running a visitors’ tea bar at New Hall Prison, Wakefield.

Parish & Local Commitments: Active member at Christ
Church, New Mill, serving as churchwarden, sub-organist,
choir member, assistant treasurer, and Reading Group
leader. Initiated monthly Faith on Friday, bringing together
our community for food, faith, and fun. Local connections
are enriched by active membership of the Huddersfield
Beekeepers Association and Huddersfield Choral Society!

Professional & Vocation: 30 years as a teacher and senior
leader. Farmington Institute Fellowship Award (Durham) re-
searching Religious Education and music led to an MA in
Theology and RE. As a trained Spiritual Director, I bring
deep listening skills: a vital asset for representing the laity
on Synod.

Contact & Connect
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 07754-540125

Dear Deanery Synod member,

Thank you for reading my election statement. There is more
detail about my experience on page 2. Do contact me if you
have any questions. Above all, I would value your prayers,
and would be grateful for your 1st preference vote.

Catherine

Catherine Stephenson
Diocese of Leeds Candidate for General Synod 2026
Proposer: David Ashton MBE, General Synod (1973-2026) (Father of the House), Lay Chair, Dewsbury & Birstall Deanery
Seconder: Hilary Pollard, Lay Chair, Almondbury & Kirkburton Deanery

A RECORD OF ACTIVE SERVICE ON GENERAL SYNOD
“Catherine brings a rare combination of deep faith, thoughtful leadership, careful listening, and a genuine
commitment to building bridges across different traditions and perspectives. Her service on General Synod and
national church bodies reflects not personal ambition, but a desire to help the Church discern and respond faithfully
to the needs of God's people”
Rev Sean Robertshaw, Diocesan Director of Vocations, Diocese of Leeds
National & Legislative Leadership
•
Church Buildings Council (2026–present): As a result of my election by fellow members of General Synod, I
enjoy contributing to thoughtful advice and balanced consideration of mission, heritage, sustainability, and
liturgy. My re-election would mean that our diocese continues to have a voice on this national council.
•
Elections Review Group (2022–present): We worked closely with the National Legal Team to strengthen a
variety of election processes across the Church of England. I had a key role in designing the national
consultation on PCC membership which achieved an unusually high response rate, leading to high-quality
research outcomes.
•
Lay Conduct Group (2025– present): I was appointed as a consequence of my work with the Elections Review
Group. Our work, developing a national Code of Conduct for PCC members, is progressing well.
•
Theological Education & Governance: I served as Governor of Lincoln College of Theology until its
amalgamation with St Hild’s College, gaining further valuable insight into theological governance and training.

Other Contributions to Synod and the wider church
•
Ecumenical Representation. I had the privilege of representing the Church of England at the Methodist
Conference (2024) and the Churches Together in England Residential Forum (2025); experiences that
strengthened ecumenical relationships and informed my reporting to the Council for Christian Unity and
General Synod. I later participated in the 21st Anniversary of the Anglican–Methodist Covenant at Westminster
Abbey and the Methodist Central Hall, continuing this collaborative work.
•
Global Perspective: Experience working with an NGO supporting treatment for a tropical disease in remote
parts of Uganda last summer deepened my understanding of the global reach and diversity of the Anglican
Communion.
•
Speaking and submitting questions: I have contributed to Synod debates and submitted questions on matters
of concern, including prison ministry. In my maiden speech I highlighted the important work of the Mothers’
Union volunteers at New Hall Prison, Wakefield.
•
Leading Synod Worship: It has been a joy to be part of the Synod Choir singing in harmony with other
representatives from different church backgrounds. I especially loved being part of the small team playing the
piano for worship which bookends Synod business each day.
•
I have maintained a 100% in-person attendance record throughout my five years on General Synod.

My Pledge to you…
I pledge to remain accessible, accountable, and prayerful. I will continue to listen to all perspectives across our
diocese, report back transparently from General Synod, and ensure the Diocese of Leeds is represented with clarity,
integrity, and warmth.

Please give CATHERINE STEPHENSON your 1st preference vote

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