General Synod Election Candidates 2026

Diana Tremayne
An inclusive voice for General Synod

Proposed by Canon Jane Evans (Halifax & Calder Valley Deanery)
Seconded by Canon Professor Joyce Hill (East Leeds Deanery)
About me
I have lived in Todmorden with my civil partner Rachel for nearly 30 years and we have a daughter who is
now at university in York. We also have a much-loved rescue greyhound. I worship at St Mary’s in
Todmorden which is a welcoming and growing church and am an active member of the PCC. I have served
on General Synod for the last five years and been active on Deanery and Diocesan Synods during this time.

Ways in which I live out my faith include:
• Involvement in different aspects of worship, including leading prayers, being part of our recently re-
established Sunday School team and helping with our popular monthly Rainbow Faith services.
• Being passionate about the environment. I’m currently Parish Environment Officer as we work to
build on our Silver Eco Church status.
• Co-ordinating an Interfaith group in Todmorden which brings together people of all faiths and none
to share our different experiences of life and faith. I also co-ordinate the Diocese of Leeds Together
network.
• Undertaking the discernment process towards ordained ministry. I will be starting training in the
autumn.

My journey of faith has had its ups and downs. After growing up in an Anglican household I came to
faith as a student. When I came out as a lesbian I was unsure if the church was a safe place for me.
Returning to faith over recent years has allowed me to experience both wholehearted welcome in
some settings and less warm reactions in others. For me the welcome is more important than the
style of worship and I enjoy visiting a range of churches. Knowing now that I am loved just as I am by
God has had a huge impact on me but my experience as an outsider to church is also invaluable as I
hope to help build a church which is truly inclusive for all.
Professional and community experience
• I’ve spent most of my working life in education, teaching ESOL to people from all over the world and
now as a Senior Lecturer on teacher education courses at Leeds Beckett University. Much of my
professional life has been about empowering those who are marginalised to speak for themselves
and now helping teachers develop a greater understanding of the diverse needs of their students.
• I was a Calderdale councillor from 2021 until this May and gained wide-ranging and valuable
experience, from working for the benefit of all, whatever their views, to dealing with financial
challenges and governance. As a councillor I had the privilege of being responsible for Adult Social
Care for two years which included a strong focus on safeguarding.
• I’ve been a member of the local authority Fostering Panel for 5 years, drawing on my experience as
an adoptive parent.
• I’m involved in a range of community groups from litter picking to being a member of the
committee for Todmorden’s beautiful Grade 1 listed Unitarian Church.

What can I bring to Synod?

Working with others
My experience in local politics means that I am
used to working with people from all walks of life
with a wide range of views. I’ve often had to chair
tricky public meetings and find ways to defuse
challenging situations. Synod debates can be highly
charged but listening carefully to others is
something I take seriously both inside and outside
the Synod chamber.

Inclusion
I am committed to equality for everyone, at all
levels and roles within the church, regardless of
disability, economic power, ethnicity, sex, gender
identity, learning disability, mental health,
neurodiversity, or sexuality. As a member of the
LGBTQ+ community I know how important it is that
we are represented when issues which affect our
lives, worship and ministry are being discussed. I
long for the day when the church truly delights in
the lives and ministry of all, as that is when all will
finally know we are welcomed with open arms.

Safeguarding
Safeguarding has rightly been at the centre of much
of the last General Synod and will continue to be a
key focus as reforms are implemented. Experience
of safeguarding in other contexts through my
professional and council roles is helpful when
scrutinising such an important area of the Church’s
work.

Church and community
Discussions at General Synod highlight the many
challenges faced by local churches but also the
enormous role they so often play at the heart of the
local community. Support for clergy and local
volunteers is key to ensuring that parishes sustain
both regular and new worshippers and look
outwards to serve the whole community and bring
people together.

Love for Creation
I am fortunate to live in a beautiful part of the
Diocese but we are also affected regularly by
flooding, changing weather patterns and threats to
biodiversity. I have supported motions tackling
climate change and welcome the focus on
developing worship and liturgy to celebrate God’s
wonderful creation as well as highlighting the ways
we can all engage in our communities and parishes.

Experience on Synod
I’ve gained valuable experience of how Synod works
and made worthwhile contributions to its work
including speaking on diverse topics such as Living
in Love and Faith, Looked after Children and Church
Representation Rules. I also report back on what has
happened at Synod and enjoy conversations with
those both inside and outside the church. I hope
you will feel able to support me to continue this.

Thank you for reading this. I hope you will give me your first or a high preference vote.
I’d be very happy to hear from you, whatever your views: [email protected].

I’m grateful to Jane Evans, former Synod rep and Deanery Lay Chair for her support:

“I’m delighted to nominate Diana for what would be her second term on General Synod. Diana is a listener
and a learner, committed to an inclusive church, and she brings with her strong experience in public life as
a former local councillor. She has much to offer, so please consider giving her a high preference in your
voting.”

“God is love. Whoever
lives in love lives in God,
and God in them.”
1 John 4:16
Don’t forget to use your vote! Votes
must be in by Tuesday 13th October.

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