General Synod Election Candidates 2026

Election Address - General Synod 2026
House of Laity

Malcolm Maclean

Email:
[email protected]
Mobile:
07920 521954
Address:
38 Applebrook, Shifnal TF11 9PZ
Proposer:
Chris Gill (Newcastle Deanery)
Seconder:
Ros Clarke (Stafford Deanery)

Dear friends in Christ,
I am standing for General Synod because I care deeply about the life and witness of our Church. In a
season of change and challenge, I believe we are called to be a people shaped by Scripture,
sustained in prayer, and centred on the hope we have in Jesus Christ.
Rooted in the gospel
At the heart of our calling is the good news of God’s love revealed in Christ. I long to see a Synod
that keeps Christ at the centre of our discernment, encourages every Christian to grow in faith, and
supports gentle, relational mission that helps people encounter Christ for themselves. Grace and
truth must sit together in all we do.
Strengthening the local church
The parish remains a precious gift: a Christian presence in every community, offering worship,
welcome, and care. I will advocate for sustainable ministry that supports clergy and enables those
with a lay vocation to flourish; clear and transparent governance; investment in children, young
people, and families especially through our Church schools and partnership working, including
ecumenical collaboration where it strengthens mission.
A Synod that listens well
Our Church is broad and diverse, full of faithful people seeking to follow Christ. I am committed to
listening carefully across traditions, building unity where we differ, and bringing a calm, steady
approach to moments of tension. My experience in parish leadership and deanery/Diocesan
collaboration has taught me the value of patience, generosity, and shared purpose.
Engaged with the world
Our communities face real pressures—economic, social, and spiritual—and the Church has a vital
calling to be present, compassionate, and courageous. I will support the highest standards of
safeguarding so that our churches remain places of safety, transparency, and trust for children,
young people, and adults at risk. I champion advocacy for justice and care for the vulnerable. And
uphold stewardship of creation as part of our responsibility to the world entrusted to us. I am
committed to prayerful engagement with national and global concerns, responding to conflict,
inequality, and environmental challenge with faith, humility, and a longing for peace, so that the
Church’s voice helps shape a society where dignity is upheld, hope is nurtured, and the love of Christ
is made visible.

Roles and Experience
Judicial and Community Service
•
Presiding Family Justice Magistrate Shropshire (since 2007) serving in both adult and family
jurisdictions providing leadership and oversight in complex family cases and supporting the
effective administration of justice
Education and Governance
•
Parent/Foundation Governor, St Andrew’s CE Primary School, Shifnal (2006–2021),
contributing to school leadership, Christian ethos, safeguarding, and strategic development.
•
Elected Member, Lichfield Diocesan Board of Education (since 2022), supporting
governance, policy formation, and oversight of Church schools across the diocese.
•
Chair of Trustees, Shropshire Church of England Academies Trust (SCEAT) (since 2023),
providing strategic leadership for a growing MAT serving children, families, and communities
across Shropshire.
Parish Leadership
•
Churchwarden, St Andrew’s Shifnal (2007–2014), supporting worship, administration, and
pastoral life.
•
Lay Chair of PCC (2014–2025), providing leadership in mission, governance, and parish
development.
•
Parish Safeguarding Officer (2014–2025), ensuring compliance, training, and safe-church
practice.
Deanery and Diocesan Roles
•
Lay Chair, Edgmond & Shifnal Deanery (since 2021), enabling collaboration across town,
village, and rural parishes and supporting deanery-wide mission and deployment.
•
Elected Member, Lichfield Diocesan Synod (since 2021), contributing to diocesan
governance and strategic decision-making.
•
Diocesan Vocations Advisor (since 2022), accompanying individuals exploring ordained and
lay ministries.
•
Elected Member, Lichfield Bishop’s Council (since 2023), participating in senior diocesan
governance and oversight.
Why I am standing
I believe the Church of England can be a place of welcome, faithfulness, and hope—rooted in
Scripture, centred on Christ, and open to the renewing work of the Spirit. If you feel able to support
me with your vote, I would be honoured to serve.
With every blessing
Malcolm Maclean

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