General Synod Election Candidates 2026

General Synod Election Address 2026 | 1
Revd Matt Mason - Candidate for the House of Clergy
Diocese of Lichfield — General Synod Elections 2026
Who I am
I am the recently appointed Vicar of St Peter’s, Little Aston, having moved into the
Diocese of Lichfield with my wife, Beth, and our three daughters.

I served my curacy in Birmingham Diocese across contrasting contexts: a Gas
Street church revitalisation on an outer estate, a traditional suburban parish, a
civic town-centre church and a smaller parish shaped by a more catholic
spirituality. This gave me practical insight into the opportunities and pressures
facing different kinds of parish, and taught me to value the breadth of the Church
of England.

I am a member of the Evangelical Alliance and the New Wine Network. My roots
are charismatic and evangelical, but my ministry has been deepened by
sacramental, liturgical and contemplative traditions I have been called to serve in.

I hold a historically Christian understanding of the doctrine of marriage and
human sexuality, and would describe myself as generously orthodox: clear in
conviction, committed to listening and seeking unity with all in a way that
demonstrates the love of Christ.

Before ordination, I spent eleven years as an engineer and Director of
Operations, running a Midlands-based manufacturing company. I hope this
experience would enable me to contribute practically to Synod, in the areas of
strategy, finance, governance and implementation, while keeping sight of the
people and communities affected by national decisions.

Why Me?
Renewing the parish
I believe deeply in the parish system and want to see it renewed rather than
allowed to drift into managed decline.

The parish embodies the Church of England’s commitment to every place and
every person, not only those who attend. Yet many parishes are being asked to
carry more of this responsibility, in rapidly changing contexts, with fewer clergy,
volunteers and resources.

I do not believe that parish renewal will come from one national model, but
through attention to local context and a willingness to learn from what is already
working. I would support practical approaches that strengthen parish ministry
reduce avoidable bureaucracy, encourage collaboration and connect financial
and structural decisions with the reality of parish life.

General Synod Election Address 2026 | 2

If elected, I would use the following question as a lens through which to view
proposals and vote: will this help local parish churches to thrive: To worship God,
nurture disciples, serve their communities and sustain healthy ministry?

Removing barriers
As someone with dyslexia and ADHD, I am passionate about making the Church
more accessible to people who are neurodivergent or have disabilities or learning
differences. Accessibility in church is not so much about restrictive buildings; but
about restrictive thinking. I would bring personal experience and practical
attention to these issues, asking how Synod’s policies and processes can
become more accessible and how good practice can be shared. Removing
barriers is part of enabling the Church to be more faithful, fruitful and equipped for
mission.
Releasing gifts
One of the greatest privileges of ministry is seeing people discover their gifts and
grow in confidence as they use them to serve the Lord. I would ask whether new
initiatives genuinely equip and release the church for mission or simply add
expectations to people who are already stretched. Our structures and resources
should release the gifts of the whole body of Christ and help the Church remain
true to its purpose in every parish.

Why Now?
I believe I may be called to serve the wider Church through General Synod.
Vocation is discerned with others, and so I am standing in order to test that call
well with the clergy of our diocese.

I bring three perspectives together that may be valuable in Synod: the experience
of a parish priest, the breadth gained from serving in different contexts and
practical skills developed through leadership in industry. If elected, I would listen
carefully, represent clergy faithfully, contribute honestly to debate, examine
proposals diligently and communicate clearly about Synod’s work.

I would bring my convictions while working constructively across the breadth of
the Church, seeking wise and workable decisions that strengthen parish ministry.

I do not claim to have all the answers. I simply want to offer my experience,
perspective and energy in the service of Christ and his Church. If that resonates
with you, I would be grateful for your vote.

Revd. Matt Mason
Vicar of St Peter’s, Little Aston
Email: [email protected]

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