General Synod Election Candidates 2026

General Synod Election Address
Candidate: Revd James Hughesdon
Current Role: Vicar, St Mary Islington & Vicar, Hope Church Islington |
Associate Area Dean for Islington

About Me
I have served as Vicar of St Mary Islington since January 2021. In June 2025, I became Vicar of
Hope Church Islington, establishing and overseeing a balanced partnership model between the
two parishes that preserves local identity while sharing operational strength.
Since September 2024, I have supported churches across the Islington deanery and Stepney area
as Associate Area Dean. My prior ministry includes eight years in Tower Hamlets at St Paul & St
Mark, Old Ford (until December 2020), as well as experience before ordination in the charity and
social enterprise sector. Having served on the London Diocesan Synod, Diocesan Bishop’s Council,
and Diocesan Finance Committee (2018–2020), I understand how diocesan structures
operate—and how General Synod must be directed to better resource and serve grassroots
ministry.
What I Will Stand For on General Synod
●​ Hope​
The hope of Christ must remain at the center of our national church identity. This hope has
always been at the heart of my ministry. I believe that with a General Synod which has
voices of hope on it the Church of England can more fully bring Christ’s hope into every
community in this country. General Synod is a key voice in speaking into the major social
issues in our country and bringing Christ’s hope into the national debate and conversation.
We need to be known nationally as a more hopeful Church so that we can reveal the God of
hope. I will strive to be a voice of hope on General Synod.
●​ Sustaining a Broad and Generous Church​
Our diversity and breadth of tradition is a strength. The difficult conversations we have had
over the last few years have been hard, but the fact that the Church of England has been
able to have them and hold together in relationship, is a gift. Having ministered across
catholic, charismatic, and evangelical contexts, I know the value of our different traditions
and the broad middle of the Church. I will work for a Church where all are represented and
where honest, challenging conversations are held in grace and relationship.
●​ Care for Creation​
Caring for God’s creation is an integral part of what it means to bring God’s Kingdom on
earth. Having led one parish to an A Rocha Gold Eco Church award and another to Silver, I
bring practical experience and knowledge in delivering environmental transformation at
parish level. I will champion the Church’s Net Zero targets while supporting parishes to
realise the missional opportunities of creation care.

●​ A Well-Resourced, Locally Focused Church​
I am passionate about local ministry as the driving force and engine of the Church of
England. This local ministry needs to be responsive, financially sustainable, and deeply
rooted in the communities it serves. I have always worked closely with neighbouring
churches, local chaplains, and led many shared projects with other local churches. I bring
extensive practical experience in improving the financial sustainability of churches. I will be
a strong advocate for the local church.
●​ A Healthy Culture & Fair Working Environment for Leaders​
In 14 years of parish ministry (12 as incumbent), I have experienced both the joys and
significant strains of ministry. General Synod must act to better support clergy and lay
leaders by delivering:
○​ Nationally recognized, continuous professional development, especially when clergy
take on additional responsibilities or risk.
○​ Sustainable stipend structures that prevent ministers from relying on hardship
grants or external charities.
○​ Nationally accredited, high-quality training frameworks for lay leaders.
○​ Robust safeguarding practices that foster a safe, diverse, and healthy culture.
I hope that you will vote for me for General Synod so that I may bring my experience, skills and
knowledge and be a voice and advocate for you and the whole Diocese of London.
You can contact me at [email protected] if you have any questions or would like to know
more.

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