biblical,evangelical,inclusive,inclusive church,lgbt,marriage,mission,same sex,same-sex marriage

@RevJodyStowell
e. [email protected]
m. 07940 269148
The Reverend Ms Jody Stowell  Diocese of London
Please vote for me with your FIRST or high preference vote, thank you
Nominated by: The Venerable Catherine Pickford, Archdeacon of Northolt
The Reverend James Yeates, Associate Area Dean for Brent

Why stand for General Synod again?

Over the last five years, I have listened, learned and got stuck into the structures and governance of
synod. I believe that this will enable me to be a helpful and productive member of synod in the next
quinquennium. I was elected to be a member of the Business Committee of General Synod, even
though it was my first quinquennium, because I am committed to the processes of synod, to ensuring
that we do things well, and understand that what we do fundamentally impacts the parishes at a
local level, which is what matters.

Who am I?

I have been ordained 15 years, all served in London Diocese. Having trained at both Ridley Hall and
Spurgeon’s College, I have a wide experience and understanding of the Church, and streams of
theology that are generous, open and inclusive in perspective. I am currently a Vicar of a small church
in Harrow, where I have been the incumbent for over 12 years. Alongside my parish role, in 2024 I took
on the additional role of Chaplain to the Bishop of Willesden, Lusa Nsenga-Ngoy. Both these roles
‘speak’ to one another, and it is very helpful being able to speak as a parish priest of a small church in
the vision and strategy meetings that impact the whole Area and Diocese.

Candidate for General Synod: The Reverend Ms Jody Stowell
Diocese And Deanery: Willesden Area, London Diocese, Harrow Deanery
General Synod Member: 2021-2026 Quinquennium
Member of Business Committee on General Synod: 2021-2026
Vicar: St Michael And All Angel’s Harrow Weald 2014-Present
Bishop’s Chaplain: Chaplain to the Bishop Of Willesden, 2024-Present
Chair, House of Clergy, London Diocese: 2018-2021

Author: Bruised Reeds and Mustard Seeds: The Gift of the Small Church

Please vote for me with your FIRST or high preference vote, thank you

‘Jody has a wealth of experience and wisdom rooted and grounded in parish life. She
has an excellent understanding of the impact of decisions made at General Synod on
mission and ministry in our diocese and beyond, and will use her voice with confidence
and clarity.’
The Venerable Catherine Pickford, Archdeacon of Northolt

@RevJodyStowell
e. [email protected]
m. 07940 269148

What is important to me?

An Inclusive Church

I am an Inclusive Evangelical and therefore have an inclusive theology on LGBT+
ethics. I was one of the founders of Inclusive Evangelicals, which began in 2023
and very quickly amassed a large Facebook Group of 2000+, supporting those
who were both Evangelical and Inclusive. In particular, it has helped people to
find good inclusive theology and to give pastoral space to those who have found
themselves excluded because of their inclusive theology, and supporting LGBT+
people. And so I believe in the full welcome of LGBT+ people in the Church and am
‘pro’ same-sex marriage, which I believe to be consonant with the biblical narrative. Therefore in my
previous membership of General Synod I spoke and voted to encourage the flourishing of all human
beings within the Church of England and would work again in General Synod to see LGBT+ people
given the support and framework with which to do this. I have been and will be a member of the
Together network on General Synod, which works for inclusion across the spectrum.

Ordinary Parish Churches

In my local church ministry, I have been a champion of the voice of smaller
parish churches, and have recently published a book on this subject. I am
passionate about the place of ordinary parish churches, which are often
smaller churches, whether in urban or rural settings. I have and will ask
questions in synod, of narratives, funding strategies or theologies which
devalue the place and work of smaller parish churches and I will look to find
ways in which synod can support and affirm their work and flourishing. Often
the ‘average’ parish church is framed as simply maintaining the status quo at
best, or hastening general decline at worst. However that is far from my
experience as a parish priest of a small church and I would like to see us work
from the centre to resource these kinds of parishes, for the flourishing of the
whole Church of England.

Looking Forward

I desire to see a church which is serving each local area, regardless of the area’s affluence. Where
clergy are trained and supported to minister in and through their vulnerabilities and the fragility of their
particular communities. Where that is seen as a strength and not something to be despised. Where
congregation members know they are part of something bigger and their perspectives wanted. Where
not everyone is the same, or neat and tidy. Where people from the local communities see the local
parish church as ‘theirs’ even if they don’t yet attend, and know they will be welcomed when they
decide to step through the door. Our legislative processes can help or hinder us in this endeavour,
and I will seek to make sure that they help!

Thank you for reading. Please be in touch if I can answer any questions.

@RevJodyStowell
e. [email protected]
m. 07940 269148

Please vote for me with your FIRST or high preference vote, thank you