General Synod Election Candidates 2026

Internal Only
Dear Applications Committee for Lay Persons to General Synod,
I would like to introduce myself. I am Andrew Baker, a member of All Saints Parish
Church, West Bromwich.
I am on the electoral roll of the parish and have served on the PCC for a number of
years, with a particular interest in the maintenance and preservation of the church
building.
I have been an altar server for the past 55 years, having been encouraged to attend
church by my parents, who both took an active role in church life. In the near future, I
am due to start a third term as a foundation governor at the local church school.
I am also a heating adviser to the Diocese of Lichfield, a role that I find very rewarding,
as it gives me the opportunity to make use of the skills I have acquired in the day-to-day
running of the family heating company. This enables me to assist other churches in
making decisions regarding heating renewals and improvements on a voluntary basis.
Through my work as a heating engineer, I have had to communicate with people at all
levels, from the CEO of Rolls-Royce Aerospace and senior members of local authorities
and businesses, to members of the general public. Each situation has required respect,
clarity and the ability to communicate in a way that enables people to make informed
decisions.
My reason for wanting to serve on General Synod is that, throughout my career, people
have invested their time in me and shared their knowledge with me. I am now in a
position to use this experience and knowledge to help the Church for the general good,
and in support of what I have been taught and believe to be right.
Thank you for reading my application and considering me for the office of lay member of
General Synod.

electoral roll,pcc