General Synod Election Candidates 2026

Deborah Alero King
Dear friends,
My Calling to Serve on the General Synod; I believe I am called by God to
serve on the General Synod as part of the body that shapes the policies,
mission, and future direction of the Church of England. My desire is to
bring a voice rooted in lived experience, discipleship, multicultural ministry,
and the conviction that the Church must reflect the fullness of Christ’s
inclusive love. I seek to contribute faithfully to a Synod that listens deeply,
acts justly, and builds a church where every person; regardless of ethnicity,
background, or circumstance; knows they belong. As a Black woman,
migrant mother, and local lay minister in our inclusive St. Chad’s & St.
Mark’s Church in Wolverhampton, I seek election to the General Synod to contribute my lived experience,
theological formation, and passion for an inclusive, mission-focused Church of England.
Journey into the Church of England: As a single parent from Nigeria, migrating to the UK in 2021 with my two
daughters to pursue a Master’s degree at Coventry University. In a new country, with no family or support
network, I reached out to St Chad’s & St Mark’s Church in Wolverhampton. Through a simple phone call to the
Vicar, Rev. Ray Gaston, we were welcomed with extraordinary kindness; provided food, utensils, gifts, and the
warmth of Christian hospitality. During the Covid era the church embodied Christ’s love in action. This welcome
transformed my life. It ignited my renewed commitment to God, deepened my faith, and opened the door to a
new spiritual home in the Church of England. The sermons, intercultural worship, prayers, healing ministry,
community fellowship, food bank support, pastoral care and donations I received in 2021–2022 became a living
testimony of grace. St Chad’s & St Mark’s became my family, my sanctuary for prayers and healing, and the divine
place where my calling to serve God and humanity was affirmed.
Ministry, Service, and Leadership. As a family-oriented positive woman I have built a new family with my partner
Steve. We all serve actively in the Church Ministry as a devoted Christian family, including our three children. I
serve wholeheartedly in the Central Parish of Wolverhampton:
•
Local Lay Minister (sub-deacon and preacher)
•
Children’s Ministry Leader, nurturing young disciples in faith and
confidence.
•
Intercultural Music Ministry; drummer, singer, and multicultural worship
contributor.
•
Community Meal Volunteer, cooking and serving Sunday lunches on
need basis.
•
Taught ESOL, supporting refugees and asylum seekers with language
skills for integration.
•
Multicultural Events Coordinator, planning and participating in
intercultural celebrations.
•
DCC, PCC and Deanery Synod Representative, contributing to
governance and mission.
•
Community Support Worker, offering wellbeing sessions for vulnerable people.
Our parish is multicultural, inclusive, and home to many asylum seekers and refugees. Serving this beloved
community has shaped my theology, my compassion, and my understanding of the Church’s mission in a diverse
society. I have benefitted from training by the Diocese of Lichfield in the Pathways Course, Theological Preacher’s
Courses and Discipleship Enablers Course. These have expanded my understanding of Anglicanism, theology,
pastoral ministry, and the practical outworking of faith in community life.

Commitment to Inclusion, Diversity, and Safety: As a Black woman, a migrant, and a mother, I care about:
•
Inclusion and belonging for all ethnic minority groups.
•
Anti-racism as a Gospel imperative.
•
A safer church where every person is protected, respected, and valued.
•
Passionately being a voice for the voiceless and giving back to society positively.
•
Multicultural and intercultural worship, liturgies, and theological expressions.
•
Mission-focused growth, rooted in hospitality, justice, and discipleship.
•
Children and youth formation, empowering the next generation of Anglican leaders.
•
Community engagement, strengthening the Church’s witness in society.
I believe the Church of England must reflect the Kingdom of God; a diverse, welcoming, compassionate body
where every member is honoured as part of Christ’s family.
Professional and Academic Background: I bring over a decade of professional experience that strengthens my
ability to contribute to Synod with strong communication skills, analytical thinking, pastoral sensitivity, and a
deep commitment to justice:
• Teacher of English, ESOL, Literature, Drama, and Dance
• Cambridge-certified UKVI IELTS Speaking Examiner with British Council UK, MTS
Global UK and MOD-IDP IELTS, Nigeria
• I am currently a Probation Practitioner with the Ministry of Justice (2025–
present), training through Portsmouth University
• Volunteer Community Researcher
• Academic qualifications include: B.Ed in Teacher Education (English Language)
(University of Ibadan, Nigeria, 2011) , MS in Education (AIU, USA, 2018), MA in
English Language (University of Lagos, Nigeria 2021), MA in Communication,
Culture & Media (Coventry University, 2022), Associate Member, CMI, UK

I Seek Election to the General Synod to bring the voice of ethnic minority Anglicans into national
decision-making. I want to support policies that strengthen the theological diversity of the Church,
recognising unity in Jesus’ love. I also want to advocate for inclusion, migrants and ethnic minority groups,
multicultural worship, children and youth discipleship, families in the life of the church, supporting the
vulnerable and marginalised, gender equality, supporting those from the working class, single parents and
female/women leadership, mission growth, and a safer, welcoming Church for all.
With the love of Christ, the support of my parish family, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, I stand ready to
serve the Church of England. My journey; from a migrant mother seeking belonging, to a lay minister serving a
multicultural parish; has prepared me to contribute to the work of the General Synod. I ask for your prayerful
consideration and your vote, trusting that together we can build a Church that is truly inclusive, mission-focused,
and a beloved community reflective of the diverse Body of Christ.
Do contact me if there is anything you would like to ask. Many blessings,
Deborah Alero Nwaloko King
143, Pinfold Lane, Penn, Wolverhampton. WV4 4ES. Email: [email protected]
Deborah Alero King has been at St Chad and St Mark for five years. In that time, she has had an enormous impact upon
church life. She supports and works in every possible aspect to further the work of God and support others, whoever they
may be and in whatever situation they find themselves. Deborah's commitment to Christ is unquestionable, and both her
willingness and energy endless."
Susan Capstick, Member of St Chad and St Mark's Church, Wolverhampton for 61 years.

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