General Synod Election Candidates 2026

Dear brothers and sisters.
I came to the diocese as a curate 10 years ago and have still not manged to escape!
I feel called to stand for General Synod out of gratitude, hope, and love for the Church. I
believe this is a moment to give back, to serve faithfully, and to help shape a future filled
with courage, compassion, renewal and justice.
I stand as an ally to our oppressed LGBTQIA+ community because this is, for me, a
matter of justice, dignity, and love. I long for us to be a Church where two men or two
women can come before God, be welcomed without fear, and be married in the place
they call home. No one should have to wonder whether the Church’s doors, or its
blessing, are truly open to them.
I stand as a member of the UKME community. I was born in England, have never lived
outside the UK, and yet I now find myself afraid. Our country is no longer as safe as it
once felt for those who look like me. Fear is growing, lies and misinformation are
spreading, and the Church has a moral responsibility to respond. Much of this work
must happen locally, but I am standing because I believe we must also ask, urgently
and honestly, what more we can do together at a national level.

I stand as someone with long-standing experience in youth and children’s ministry
across four dioceses. There is an urgent need for stronger support for ministry among
young people at the highest levels of the Church. As a 53-year-old vicar, I do not wish to
be the youngest person present in one of my churches on a Sunday.

I stand because I believe I can offer a unique and relevant perspective.
Thanks
Rav

children's ministry,dioceses,justice,lgbtqia,young people,youth