deaneries,disability,equality,gender identity,inclusive,inclusive church,mental health,neurodiversity,safeguarding,safeguarding officer,sexuality,stewardship,sunday school,vacancy,youth

Election Address – Margaret Carr
Proposed by Graham Berry Seconded by Ruth Nightingale (Lancaster & Morecambe
Deanery)
Who am I?
My name is Margaret Carr, I’m usually known as Mags.
My background is in education, working for over 30 years as a
teacher, Advisory Teacher and Lecturer across all phases of
Education from Nursery to University.
I recently worked as a Caseworker for a Teachers’ Union,
helping to resolve issues, manage conflict, negotiate solutions
and access benevolence assistance for serving and retired
members. I have been active in debates at local level and
have spoken on issues at National Conference. These experiences have enabled
me to make my voice heard and encourage others to be proactive in making
changes in their organisations.
I have been a Christian for over 50 years, worshipping and serving God as a
Sunday School teacher, Youth Leader, Parish Safeguarding Officer, Deanery Synod
Representative and Licensed Lay Minister.
My many years working in churches, along with my career have equipped me to be
an effective communicator, to be able to identify and address areas of concern and
speak out for those who need support.
My current church has now been in vacancy for a year and I have been active in
ensuring that our governance, administration, day to day work and worship in the
Parish has continued. I have learned a great deal about how the church functions
during this time!
Why am I standing for election?
Although I was not brought up in the Church of England, I love the diversity and
breadth of experience it offers. I believe we must be an inclusive and welcoming
Church which offers practical theology, inspiring worship and relevant teaching for
today.
Our Churches must be safe places where all are welcomed, loved and nurtured in
the Christian Faith.
I feel that my previous employment has prepared me well to help in ensuring that
issues are raised, and change is implemented where necessary.
I am passionate about my faith and want to see others working well together in a
church with clear values, policies and procedures, based on Christ’s teaching.
I want to make a difference!

What matters most to me?

A Church that follows true
Christian principles
• As Christians we must aim to
be the best we can be, in all
aspects of Church life.
• In our Churches, Parishes,
Deaneries and Diocese, we
must be transparent, honest
and beyond reproach in the
way we conduct our affairs.
• From appointments and
financial dealings to pastoral
care we must aspire to the
highest standards and be
prepared to call out things
that are wrong.
• We need Senior Leaders
who are gracious,
accountable and prepared to
communicate effectively with
those who they serve.
A Safe and Inclusive Church
• We must be committed to
equality for everyone, at all
levels and roles within the
church, regardless of
disability, economic power,
ethnicity, sex, gender
identity, learning disability,
mental health, neurodiversity,
or sexuality.

• We must continue to review
and develop our
Safeguarding practices and
be honest about where
failures have occurred.

Ethical and responsible
stewardship
• We must be committed to
being good stewards of all
the we have and value.
• We must aim to ‘tread lightly’
on the earth, by being
responsible with natural and
manufactured resources.
• We need buildings to be
valued and maintained for
use by our communities
Parish ministry
• We must commit to a
structure that enables
parishes to have sufficient
clergy resources to serve the
needs of the community
• We need clergy to have an
appropriate work / life
balance
• We must train and use our
Lay Leaders effectively

Please give me your first
preference vote
Thank you for reading!
Mags
[email protected]