General Synod Election Candidates 2026

The Rev’d Canon Rowena King - Candidate Statement

Nominated By:
The Rev’d Adam Watson - Rural Dean and Vicar of St. George's,
Swallowbeck, Lincoln

The Rev’d Rachel Heskins – Vicar of St John the Baptist, Ermine,
Lincoln

I have really valued being part of General Synod for the past year
and would love to continue to support you and this Diocese across the next
quinquennium.

I have been ordained 11 years, having previously worked in the fields of Education and
school Chaplaincy, alongside 4 years working for the Iona Community in Scotland.

Post ordination, I combined full-time rural parish ministry in Gloucester Diocese,
(looking after 5 churches and a fresh expression of church across six villages), alongside
part-time work as a theological educator with Ripon College Cuddesdon in their
regional training courses in Gloucester and Monmouth Dioceses. In March 2024, I
moved to Lincoln Cathedral as Canon Missioner. I remain passionate about supporting
sustainable rural ministry and about issues around theological education and
ministerial formation.

I value the diversity of the Church of England. I consider my home to be in the liberal,
liturgical tradition of the Church, however I count myself friends with people across the
diversity of church traditions and enjoy the opportunity to lead and worship in a variety
of ways. I believe General Synod benefits from people who value this breadth, and who
seek unity across diversity; I don’t underestimate the challenges of seeking common
ways forward. I would seek to transform the polarising styles of discourse often
prevalent around contentious issues and aim to find ways of working together across
our differences.

I have a particular interest in Clergy Wellbeing (including pensions and remuneration)
and would seek to support creative and courageous thinking around how best to
address the current challenges of clergy workloads, finances, and deployment.

I am committed to equality for everyone, at all levels and roles within the church and
also seek processes and outcomes that enables us to move forward together in our
diversity, whilst protecting the unity of our structures.

If elected, I would want to remain connected with clergy across the Diocese and to
know which issues you consider most important for General Synod to discuss, and also
to hear your views on issues raised for debate.

Thank you, for taking the time to consider my nomination as you prayerfully consider
your vote.

Peace and Blessings,
Rowena

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