General Synod Election Candidates 2026

Election Address
The Reverend Kenson Li SCP
Assistant Curate — Manchester Cathedral
Born 1997; Deaconed 2025, Priested 2026
Proposed by: The Reverend Canon Grace Thomas
Chair, House of Clergy; Canon Missioner, Manchester Cathedral
Seconded by: The Reverend Canon Daniel Burton SCP
Acting Area Dean, Deanery of Oldham and Ashton; Rector, Oldham Parish Church
Dear colleagues in the diocese,
I have been part of this diocesan family for the past 11 years,
ever since I moved to Manchester to study Music at University. As a lay person, an ordinand, a
deacon and a priest, I have experienced first-hand and contributed to the diverse ministries
the Diocese offers to a wide variety of people.
I am seeking re-election to the General Synod, having previously served in the House of Laity
(2022-2025). At synod, I combined my clear convictions with proven record of turning them
into constructive action, often working across profound disagreement.
Drawing on these experience, I put myself forward as a candidate who is committed to the
flourishing of Manchester, as someone who has found a home here in the city and in the
Church.
My experience and track record on General Synod
• I spoke at debates on the topics of gender equality, LGBTQIA+ rights, racial justice, and
youth involvement in the Church
• In February 2025, I moved a motion to strengthen the representation of younger voices in
Synod; I am still involved in this work currently.
• I have consistently voted for the proper resourcing of residential ordination training and
parish ministry
• I have been said to be a respected and measured voice in debates, and a valued member
who facilitates dialogues across differences
• At the dissolution of the last General Synod, I was one of
five members who were younger than 30
• From 2024 until its dissolution, I was a member of the
Living in Love and Faith working group. I contributed
directly to the shaping of different proposals, in particular,
the abolition of the document Issues in Human Sexuality.
You can watch my speeches by scanning the QR code
or visiting the link: https://beacons.ai/kenson1997

What I continue to stand for
I am particularly passionate about inclusion in the Church of England because I
believe the Church must above all be a place of welcome for all, and that radical
Christian inclusion is the only way we can stay faithful to the Gospel we proclaim,
therefore: I am committed to equality for everyone, at all levels and roles within the
church, regardless of age, gender, disability, ethnicity, socio-economic status, mental
health or sexuality.
If elected, I will work to ensure that the Church will:
• Embrace people of all sexualities; working towards equal marriage
• Give our young people a voice on all matters in the life of the Church
• Encourage vocations to lay or ordained ministry, especially in people from GMH
backgrounds
• Support the ministry of women and call out all forms of misogyny which continues
to fester in our Church
• Value, prioritise and properly resource parish ministry
• Uphold the highest standards of Safeguarding, and ensure the Church’s
safeguarding policies will put survivors first
• Ensure the Church of England’s structures are open, transparent and inclusive at all
levels, especially in appointment processes, and that people of different protected
characteristics are well represented in all levels of governance and participation
More about me
• I am a trustee of USPG: as part of my role I scrutinise different mission projects
across the world, assessing their financial sustainability, legality and feasibility. I am
also their designated trustee for safeguarding.
• I am the Communications Officer for the Society of Catholic Priests.
• I am finishing a doctorate in philosophy, which is on the idea of forgiveness in the
work of Emmanuel Levinas.
• I trained for ministry at Westcott House and The College of the Resurrection, Mirfield
• I am an organist; I am also a keen reader, traveller and concert goer
Thank you very much for reading my address. I would be very grateful if you would
consider giving me your First Preference Vote.
Please do not hesitate to contact me at [email protected] if you would like to
know more about me or to discuss my candidature. Thank you!

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