General Synod Election Candidates 2026

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

Thank you for the opportunity to introduce myself and to share with you why I feel called to stand for election
to General Synod.
About Me

I am currently an Assistant Curate within the Diocese of Manchester,
where I am serving across three wonderful parishes: The Holy Family
Failsworth, S. Luke’s Lightbowne, The Most Holy Trinity Blackley. I
am also a priest of the Society of S. Wilfrid and S. Hilda.

Before ordination, I worked in the social housing sector for over four
and a half years, serving in a variety of roles ranging from Housing
Management Apprentice to Resident Liaison Officer in Salford. That
experience gave me a deep appreciation of the realities many people
face and continues to shape my ministry today.

I was ordained Deacon in 2024 and Priest in 2025. The Diocese of Manchester holds a special place in my
heart. I was brought up in Salford on a council estate with my mum, dad, and four brothers. Those years have
shaped both my faith and my ministry, giving me a deep understanding of the challenges many of our
communities face.

One of my greatest passions is nuturing the faith of children and young people. I lead several parish inititaives,
including Kingdom Mass, Kingdom Mass Takeover and God’s Pilgrim Servants, creating welcoming and safe
spaces where young people can encounter God, grow in faith, explore their vocation as Christians, and
discover the gifts which God has given them.

Ministry with children and young people is central to the Church’s mission. Through engaging worship,
discipleship, and service, we seek to nuture lifelong faith while encouraging the next generation of Christian
leaders.

Alongside my parish ministry, I serve as a governor at a local church school which is attached to one of the
parishes where I serve, helping to strengthen the partnership between church, school and community. I also
serve on Diocesan Synod and am also involved in the Diocese’s Ministry Exploration Group, encouraging
others to explore God’s call on their lives.

Together, these roles reflect my comittment to mission and evangelism. I want everyone, whatever their
background, postcode or social class, to hear the Gospel, encounter Jesus Christ, and become part of his
Church.

My Priorities for General Synod

Supporting Churches in Deprived Communities

Too many churches serving areas of significant deprivation continue to do extraordinary work with too few
resources, and having grown up on a council estate, I know firsthand the realities of poverty and
disadvantages. Our churches should never be overlooked because of where the they are located.

If elected, I will champion:

Greater investment in parish ministry across our most deprived communities,
especially in northern towns and cities.

The Church standing alongside those who are in need.

Parish ministry in deprived communities receiving the support it truly deserves.
STANDING FOR GENERAL SYNOD

Championing Vocations from Every Community

The Church needs priests, deacons and lay leaders who reflect the communities they serve.

Too often, people from working-class backgrounds, council estates and areas of deprivation do not see
ministry as something that is open to them. Financial pressures, lack of confidence, educational barriers and
a lack of encouragement can prevent gifted people from responding to God’s call.

I believe that must CHANGE. God calls people from every walk of life. The Church is stronger when those
serving at every level reflect the diversity of the communities we are called to reach.

If elected, I will champion:

More vocations from working class communities and council estates.

Greater financial and practical support for those entering training.

Stronger partnerships between parishes, schools and dioceses to identify and nurture vocations at an
early stage.

In terms of the ongoing discussions on human sexuality and relationships; I support the Church’s current
traditional position on marriage and relationships. At the same time, I believe every person should know they
are loved by God and welcomed within the life of the Church. As we continue these conversations, we must
seek to remain united, treating one another with grace, charity and respect while remaining focused on
proclaiming the Gospel.

Serving You

The Church faces significant challenges, but also great opportunities.

If elected to General Synod, I will work hard to listen, represent, and serve the people and parishes of our
Diocese. I will be a strong voice for parish ministry, mission, evangelism, vocations, and the communities that
are too often forgotten about.

Thank you for taking the time to read my address. I would be grateful for your 1st Preference Vote, and I assure
you of my prayers.

With my prayers and best wishes,
Ben

The Reverend Ben Jennings
24 Byron Terrace, Partington Street, Failsworth, Manchester. M35 9EU
07719157468
[email protected]

Proposed by: Reverend Libby Greenhalgh (Assistant Curate of Christ Church, Davyhulme)
Seconded by: Reverend Sarah Ridings (Rector Designate of S. Agnes, Longsight and S. Chrysostom’s,
Victoria Park)

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