General Synod Election Candidates 2026

GENERAL SYNOD ELECTION 2026
ROSEMARY J. LYON – LAY CANDIDATE
PROPOSED BY:
Mrs. Susan Leathert, Whalley Deanery Synod
SECONDED BY:
Mrs. Avril Fowler, Chorley Deanery Synod

Tel:
01257 464541
Mob: 07962 996772
Email: [email protected]

Dear Elector,
General Synod is sometimes justifiably criticised, but it is important and is only as good as its
collective membership. I have been honoured to serve on behalf of the laity of this diocese for
more than a decade. No longer in paid employment, but very active in ‘retirement’, after prayer I
feel called to stand for the next five-year period.
A degree of ‘churn’ in General Synod membership is good, but it is beneficial to have some
members experienced in the workings of Synod who hold the wisdom that comes from ‘corporate
memory’. I know that I could offer such experience and wisdom in the new Synod.
I worship in a small country parish of Catholic tradition (but with a broad-church congregation).
We face the common challenges of a shortage of volunteers and funds and a church building
needing costly repairs. I strongly believe in local parishes and realistically-sized incumbencies.
If re-elected I would again seek to be a member for the full range of lay electors and lay people in
the diocese. My contact details are always on my election addresses and I would continue to make
myself available to local deanery synods to report back on General Synod, bring prayer points in
preparation for forthcoming General Synod meetings and to take questions and receive feedback.
At General Synod I deliberately mix with and try to build good relations with and understanding
between colleagues of a full range of churchmanship and ideas. General Synod at its worst can
justifiably be described as ‘tribal’. I seek to be a bridge-builder, an aim which receives a positive
response from most people most of the time.
Apart from involvement in debates and asking questions, I have served in several additional roles,
including as Vice Chair of the Queen Victoria Clergy Fund. This body provides financial relief to
clergy and their families by distributing support through dioceses. As the Synod Observer on the
Mothers’ Union Worldwide Council, I have arranged related fringe meetings. I also serve as one of
the two elected Synod members on the National Society Council. This body negotiates with
Government and other national agencies to maintain and develop the contribution of church
schools, Further Education colleges and universities to public education in England and Wales.

[PLEASE READ ON OR TURN OVER]

So Who Am I?
• Married with two grown up sons, I worship at St.Mary’s, Rufford with Holmeswood, where I
serve as Parish Safeguarding Officer and Joint Incumbency Committee member.
• Former USPG voluntary pastoral assistant in the Anglican Diocese of Argentina, working in
various capacities, including helping at the diocese’s children’s nursery and leading a home
group. My most recent volunteer visit, supporting Crosslinks missionaries in Mendoza, was
earlier this year.
• Supporter of Scripture Union, serving as a leader (and latterly also Safeguarding Officer) on
‘Great Dayz’ (sic) summer youth camp (2017), Hexham Holiday Club (2018) and ‘Edale
Adventure’ (2019 - present).
• A volunteer now as a school chaplaincy assistant, giving pastoral support to pupils facing a
range of challenging personal circumstances. This after a career in education, including
teaching in primary and secondary schools and in teacher training college, as well as school
governorship.
• Member of PCC, Deanery Synod, Diocesan Synod, Mothers’ Union, Prayer Book Society.
• Member of the Diocesan Board of Patronage.
• Apart from family life, I keep myself sane and in touch with the secular world through active
membership of the u3a (Shakespeare, Italian, Canasta) and Silver Swans (IYKYK!).

Issues of Particular Concern for Me
• MISSION – I would like to see more and more consistent focus on this in General Synod in
the next five years.
• UNITY – This is what Jesus wants for His Church and this is what He wants for the Church of
England. I see ‘mutual flourishing’ flourishing in our own diocese but also see future threats
to our general unity.
• EDUCATION – I have a heart for education and would continue to seek to ensure that the
importance of the education of the next generation should not be lost among other topics
at Synod. We need to attract and engage with children through engaging with families and
schools at parish and diocesan levels. Our ministry with schools must be a key priority as we
strive to share our faith with children and families and encourage parents to have
confidence and ability in passing on the faith.
• PARISH, DEANERY AND DIOCESE – I see the value of and am very keen to support each of
these three, including in the forum of General Synod. I know, not least from personal
experience, the current threats to parishes, the ways in which deaneries can be beneficial to
parishes rather than a burden, and the growing strengths of our own diocese.
You are most welcome to contact me to discuss these or any other relevant issues.

       I ask for your first preference vote or as high a preference as you feel able to give.

Rosemary J. Lyon

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