General Synod Election Candidates 2026

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Thank you for taking the time to read this election
address. I am standing for General Synod to serve our Diocese and ensure that the experiences of our
parishes and lay people are heard in discussions shaping the future of our Church.
Who am I?
I have been a member of the Church of England all my life. In my childhood parish, I was a member of
my local Deanery Synod and Durham Diocesan Synod for six years. I participated in running the local
church youth group as well as being a member of the Church Lads’ and Church Girls’ Brigade
(CLCGB) for over 20 years. I was subsequently appointed by General Synod as the Church of England
representative on the CLCGB National Council, a position which I held for three years. This
experience taught me the value of children’s involvement within the Church and how to do this in a
collaborative and safe way.
I have been a member of Manchester South & Stretford (previously Hulme) Deanery Synod for 15
years and have served as Deanery Secretary and latterly Deanery Budget Secretary. I was elected to
Manchester Diocesan Synod in 2012 and have been a member since. I have served as a member of
Bishop’s Council in the Diocese of Manchester for eight years and was elected as the Diocesan Chair
of the House of Laity in 2024, prior to that I served as the Vice-Chair of the Diocesan Board of
Finance. I was extremely honoured when Bishop David appointed me as a Lay Canon of Manchester
Cathedral in 2024. I have enjoyed these offices, especially the experience of getting to know lots of
different people across the Church’s traditions and viewpoints.
I have been a governor at Armitage CE Primary School since 2004. I am currently Chair of Governors
of the Aiming High (CE) Primary Federation based in Ardwick and Gorton. I have a strong passion for
the education of our children, especially as so many children across our Diocese are educated in our
wonderful church schools. We must ensure all our children are given the best opportunities possible
to become aware of and ready to face the wider world after education. I passionately believe that the
values and beliefs taught in our church schools help prepare them for life and instil in them the love
and compassion of Jesus.
Why General Synod?
I represented our Diocese on General Synod from 2015 - 2021. I found being a member interesting,
rewarding, educational and sometimes difficult. During this time, I was an active participant and spoke
on issues including healthcare, youth work, finance, and Synod organisation. Whilst I was a member of
General Synod there were a number of important issues which were discussed including a document
entitled “Setting God’s People Free” which looked at the role of the laity in the Church of England
and how they are being encouraged to live out the Gospel message within their normal lives every day
of the week.
• Registered Nurse working at Manchester
Royal Infirmary (2003-present)
• Member, Churchwarden and Treasurer of
Christ Church, Moss Side
• Treasurer at The Church of the Ascension,
Hulme
• Manchester Diocesan Lay Chair (2024-
present)
• Member of General Synod (2015-2021)
Canon Philip Geldard

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During my time on Bishop’s Council and now as Diocesan Lay Chair, I have regularly spoken about the
role and position of laity within the Church of England and championed their gifts. I am positive we can
make a difference to the mission and ministry of our church as lay people, especially with declining
clergy numbers. Lay membership, participation, and leadership are crucial within the Church of
England (especially at parish level) and within the governance structures of the church. I believe that
this lay participation should be maintained and strengthened as the laity make up the majority of
members of the church.
Issues Facing the Church of England
During the last term of General Synod, one of the main items which was discussed on a regular basis
was “Living in Love and Faith” which looked at the subject of same-sex relationships. This continues
to be a very controversial subject, with views varying across the Church of England. I engaged in the
discussions during my time as a member of General Synod and have since followed the debates with
interest. It is vital we listen to the views of others across the Church of England and respect their
experiences which have shaped their views.
I am extremely committed that there is, and always should be, a fully active place within the Church of
England for those who are LGBTQIA+ and may or may not be in a same-sex relationship. I fully support
the “Prayers of Love and Faith” which were published during the last few years and have been used
in many parishes across the Church of England.
During a reflection early in her role as Archbishop of Canterbury, Archbishop Sarah spoke about the
important place of the parish within the church; I am fully committed to our parish system which has
been described as “the heart of the Church of England” and has been for many centuries. I can also
understand the need for more original ways of imagining how the church may reach out to those who
do not attend our parish churches, but I feel that this must be in addition to our parish system. With my
experience worshipping and fulfilling many roles across multiple parishes in different contexts, I would
be able to bring this experience to bear and ensure that views and voices from across the Church’s
parishes are heard.
There are several other issues the Church of England is facing. One of the most important of these is
safeguarding within the church. During the next term, the General Synod will look to approve new
safeguarding arrangements; it is vital we get it right! We must remember that safeguarding is at the
heart of the Christian faith and Gospel message. I would look forward to getting involved in debates on
this important subject, using my experience within healthcare, the CLCGB and with our excellent
church schools.
My Commitment
If elected, I hope I could bring my knowledge and experience of church governance, healthcare, and
education, along with God’s guidance, to help me participate in the decisions facing the Church of
England.
To be able to previously represent our Diocese on General Synod was a tremendous honour which I
hope with your support I will be able to undertake for the forthcoming five-year term.
I would be extremely grateful if you would lend me your first or second preference vote, so I can
represent our Diocese of Manchester in the national arena.

Yours in Christ,
Philip Geldard

Proposed by Jeff Dunkerley (Lay Chair of Manchester South and
Stretford Deanery)
Seconded by Linda Parkington (Member of Bolton Deanery)

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