General Synod Election Candidates 2026

General Synod Election 2026
John (Tug) Wilson
General Synod 2005 – 2026 (Seeking Re-election)
Bishop’s Council (Current)
Trusts, Projects, Loans & Grants Committee (Current)
Chair of Diocesan Synod House of Laity (2006 – 2021)
Chair Board of Patronage (2014 – 2024)
Proposed by:
Chris Gill
General Synod (2015 0 2026)
Archbishop’s Council (Current)
Chair Lichfield Diocesan Vacancy-in-See Committee (Current)
Lay Chair Newcastle Deanery (Current)
Seconded:
Amanda Robbie
General Synod (2021 - 2026)
Chair of Diocesan Synod House of Laity (2024 – Current)
Dear Elector,
F
or the past twenty-one years it has been a privilege to represent the Diocese on General Synod. During
that time I have spoken in debates, tabled amendments, asked questions and worked with colleagues
across the Church to strengthen legislation and improve the way Synod serves our parishes. Just as
importantly, I have listened carefully, reflected prayerfully and sought to faithfully represent the views and
concerns of the people of this Diocese.
Seeking Re-election
I have been urged and encouraged
by colleagues, both lay and clergy,
from the diocese and the wider
church to consider standing for
General Synod again. One
comment from a synod colleague
that really struck home was “we
need people like you who
fearlessly engage with the
business of synod particularly
where it impacts on the mission
and ministry of the church”.
So, the decision to seek re-election
once again, has been given much
thought.
The next five years are likely to be
among the most significant in
recent decades, with decisions that
will shape the life, mission and
governance of the Church of
England for years to come. I have
always believed that effective
representation is about far more
than making speeches. It means
studying the papers thoroughly,
understanding the procedures,
listening respectfully to differing
opinions and helping shape better
legislation through informed
debate and practical amendment.
Experience matters.
About me
That experience also proved
invaluable during fifteen years as
Chair of the Diocesan Synod
House of Laity and through my
work coordinating the National
Deaneries Network. Nationally
and locally I have sought to
strengthen deaneries, encourage
good governance and ensure that
parish voices are heard.
With a background in senior
management and business, for
over forty years my professional
life has been rooted in the
charitable, voluntary and church
sectors, helping organisations
strengthen governance, develop
sustainable services and respond
to changing needs.
Within the Diocese I have served
on:
Bishop’s Council
•
The Mission and Pastoral
•
Committee,
The Trusts Projects Loans
•
and Grants Committee
The Board of Patronage as
•
Chair,
supporting the work of deaneries
across the Church.
These experiences have
reinforced my conviction that the
Church is strongest when local
ministry is supported by effective
national structures.
My wife Ann and I have two sons
and two grandchildren – one son
in teaching for over 35 years and
the other a Para Legal in the
Supreme Court. We worship at St
Chad’s in Lichfield.

Challenges for the New
Synod
The agenda facing the new
General Synod will be
exceptionally demanding.
Safeguarding must remain one of
Synod’s highest priorities. The
implementation of independent
safeguarding structures and the
continued response to past failures
will require careful scrutiny,
effective legislation and a
determination to rebuild trust
through accountability,
transparency and compassion for
victims and survivors.
The continuing work arising from
Living in Love and Faith will
also require wisdom, humility and
prayer. These discussions touch
deeply held convictions across the
Church. My commitment will be
to listen carefully, engage
respectfully and seek outcomes
that strengthen rather than divide
the Body of Christ.
Alongside these nationally
prominent issues are matters that
directly affect every parish:
The revised Clergy Conduct
•
Measure and new complaints
system,
Pensions and the welfare of
•
Clergy and those who serve
our parishes,
Realistic patterns of ministry,
•
Sustaining local parish
•
mission and ministry.
Those who serve the Church
deserve proper support while
maintaining appropriate
accountability.
Using our Financial
Resources
The Church also faces significant
financial decisions. We must
continue to invest wisely in parish
ministry, mission and evangelism
while exercising careful
stewardship of the resources
entrusted to us. One issue likely to
receive considerable attention is
the £100 million Fund for
Healing, Repair and Justice
established in response to historic
links with the transatlantic slave
trade. These discussions deserve
thoughtful scrutiny, respectful
debate and a clear focus on
faithful stewardship.
Caring for our
Environment
Environmental stewardship will
also remain high on the agenda as
the Church continues its
commitment towards Net Zero
Carbon. Caring for God’s
creation is part of our Christian
discipleship, however,
implementation must remain
practical and affordable for
parishes of every size.
Focusing on Mission and
Ministry
Above all, I remain convinced that
our greatest challenge is helping
the Church flourish in every
community. We need to encourage
mission, nurture disciples, support
lay ministry, invest in younger
generations and make effective
use of technology without losing
sight of the value of traditional
parish ministry. The fundamental
question remains: how can we
best use the resources God has
entrusted to us to proclaim the
Gospel and serve our
communities?
Working Collaboratively
Throughout my time on Synod I
have sought to build bridges, work
collaboratively and improve the
legislation before us.
Disagreement need not prevent
respectful dialogue. The Church is
at its best when people with
differing convictions work
together in prayer, mutual respect
and a shared commitment to
Christ’s mission.
If re-elected, I will continue to
prepare thoroughly, participate
actively, ask searching questions
where necessary and ensure that
the voices of our Diocese are
heard at General Synod. I will
remain accessible to deaneries and
parishes and continue to represent
you with integrity, independence
and experience.
Casting Your Vote
Choosing your General Synod
representatives is an important
responsibility. I hope that my
experience, commitment and
record of service give you
confidence to support my re-
election.
I would be grateful for your
FIRST PREFERENCE VOTE,
or, if that is already committed,
one of your highest preferences.
Thank you for your consideration,
your prayers and your continuing
service to the Church.
Yours sincerely,

John (Tug) Wilson
How to get in touch
You can contact me :
By Email:
[email protected]
Or you can write to me at:
49 Oakhurst
Lichfield
Staffordshire
WS14 9AL

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