General Synod Election Candidates 2026

I am seeking re-election to General Synod because I believe the experience I have
gained over the past two years, combined with 25 years of lay and ordained ministry
in Leicester Diocese and a previous career in healthcare leadership and specialist
nursing, equips me to represent clergy effectively at a crucial time for the Church of
England.

During my first two years on General Synod, I have actively contributed to debates
on Living in Love and Faith, working-class vocations, safeguarding, mental health,
poverty and pension reform. I have sought to bring the experience of parish clergy in
Leicester Diocese into national conversations and to engage constructively across
theological and political differences.

I am Oversight Minister of Soar Valley Minster Community and Rector of four semi-
rural churches near Loughborough. I live with my civil partner, David, and Kasper the
labrador and enjoy theatre, cinema and time off in Northumberland.
About me…

Standing for House of Clergy
General Synod

Nominated by:
Rev’d Canon Emma Davies - Canon Precentor of
Leicester Cathedral.
Rev’d David Cowie – Rector of the Wigston Benefice.
Clive Watts

Justice and the Marginalised:
I have a particular concern for social justice and care of the marginalised and believe
that love of God and neighbour is at the heart of the Gospel. Jesus’ teaching that
‘what you do for the least of these, you do for me’ guides my response to issues such
as the cost-of-living crisis or our welcome of refugees. I am deeply committed to a
Church which challenges injustice, including the sexism, racism and disablism which
persist inside and outside of our churches.

Inclusion with Integrity:
I want the Church of England to be known for the generosity of its welcome and for
rejoicing in all God’s children, regardless of gender, ethnicity, socio-economic
background, disability, mental health, neurodiversity or sexuality.

As Synod continues its work on relationships, gender and sexuality, I will support
change that brings greater inclusion and equity, while working honestly and
respectfully with those with whom I disagree. I believe unity across difference must
be rooted in integrity rather than avoidance of difficult questions.
What I will work for…

A Church that Sustains Parish and Innovation:
My own spirituality has been shaped by charismatic evangelical and liberal
catholic traditions, as well as experience of other denominations. I understand
the importance of different traditions within the Church of England and will seek
to represent clergy across those traditions.

As the Church develops new models of ministry, Synod must support innovation
without abandoning the parish system. I will work for the financial and structural
reforms needed to sustain a Christian presence in every community, while
enabling the growth of a younger and more diverse Church.

Independent and Compassionate Safeguarding:
As Synod seeks to establish independent structures for safeguarding, my prayers
remain with all victims and survivors of abuse. The Church of England still has
important decisions to make about how we ensure that those affected by abuse
are heard, served and cared for with integrity and genuine compassion. I believe
that an independent voice in safeguarding (as proposed by IICSA) is crucial,
along with robust systems, enabling us to live the Gospel we proclaim.

Clergy Wellbeing and Sustainable Ministry:
I will continue to press for clergy wellbeing to be treated as fundamental to the
wellbeing and mission of the Church. Alongside traditional models of stipendiary
and self-supporting ministry, we need to be more creative about patterns of
ministry and deployment, enabling people to find ministry that is sustainable and
life-giving. I want to ensure that the new Clergy Conduct Measure is fit for
purpose, fair, transparent and timely. I will continue to support reforms to
pension and stipend provision and promote a diversity of vocations that more
fully reflects the body of Christ.

Caring for God’s Creation:
The climate crisis is one of the most pressing ethical issues of our age. The
Church has a crucial missional opportunity to be prophetic in how we care for
God’s creation through our discipleship, our finances and our buildings and land.
As the Five Marks of Mission express it, I seek ‘to strive to safeguard the integrity
of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth’. I will press Synod to
ensure that the Church meets its commitments on Net Zero and on the ethical
and responsible use of land and resources.
What I will work for…
I hope you will consider giving me your first
preference, or a high preference in this
election. I offer experience of General Synod,
a deep commitment to parish and diocesan
life, a determination to work for justice and
inclusion,
and
a
willingness
to
engage
constructively across difference.

Voting closes on 13th October 2026.
Thank you for taking the time to read my address. If you would like to speak
with me or ask any questions, I would be delighted to hear from you.
07534 899522
[email protected]

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