General Synod Election Candidates 2026

Elizabeth (Liz) Rowles.
Dear Colleagues,
I am asking for your vote in this important election for the General Synod.
I am standing for General Synod because I believe in the Church of England and the ministry it exercises
across our Country and our County. I believe that I can be a strong voice for my Diocese on all matters but
particularly those that I am passionate about, parish ministry, the climate crisis, clergy wellbeing, and
inclusion.
Proposed by Rev. Canon Grace Thomas, Canon Missioner, Manchester Cathedral
Seconded by Rev. Canon Andy Salmon.

Who am I?
I grew up in Stalybridge in the Roman Catholic Church. I was an active member of the church as a teenager
and enjoyed attending Catholic Youth events. Throughout my childhood and teenage years, although I loved
God, I began ask questions about my faith and my role in the Church. At the age of 27 I was attending a service
of Ordination into the Roman Catholic Priesthood, and I heard my call to ordination, although I did not
understand it. At the age of 31 I took my son to a Scout Church Parade service at my local Church of England
Church. During that year my baby daughter died and my life changed forever. My Faith and the support of the
local church of England curate and congregation got me through, and I started my journey to ordination which
resulted in my ordination at the age of 50.
As a teenager, I volunteered with children with physical and mental disabilities. Before
ordination I worked as a nurse for 30 years. I was a ward Sister at The Christie Hospital in
Manchester and a Specialist Nurse in Genetics at St Mary’s Hospital, Manchester. In 2001, I
became a volunteer in the Scout Association, and I have continued to volunteer ever since.
In 2017, I became a District Commissioner. This role provided me with experience of
governance at a local and national level.
I was ordained in 2018, and my ministry is centered around, community, children and youth ministry, and
discipleship. I am a parish priest at heart, and I love talking to people about God whether in a school assembly,
a toddler group, a funeral visit or cafe drop in. It is my joy in ministry to be able to walk alongside people
wherever they are in their lives or on their own faith journeys and to invite them to meet Jesus in a way that is
helpful to them.
I am a wife, a mum to 3 boys, a step- mum to 2 boys and a grandma to 3 boys – that’s a lot of boys! Even my
much-loved curly coated retriever, Bailey is a boy!

I am currently studying for a master's degree in ministry and theology at Luther King
House.
What matters to me?
Parish Ministry. I believe our parishes are the beating heart of our society, and I wish to
work with others to ensure that we continue to deliver pastoral and sacramental ministry
to our communities. I recognise the challenges the Church faces but pray that through
improved dialogue and collaboration, parish ministry can thrive.
The Climate Crisis. I have a passion for the environment and to find ways of celebrating
creation and raising awareness of the Climate Crisis.
Disability I live with a chronic illness/disability ,and I reflect on the impact of this on everyday life and ministry
and my desire to see church floors lowered and doors opened wider so that all can be included. My stepson’s
both live with Usher’s disease, and so are registered Deaf and Blind.
LGBTQ+ I have a commitment to an inclusive church that enables every person to find their place and live out
their calling in the body of Christ. As a mum to a son and sister to a woman, who both identify as gay, I want
them and everyone to know and feel the love of Christ in the world and in the church.
Language. Spending so long in the NHS, I was surrounded by acronyms and medical language that alienated
patients and families. I have encountered the same in the Church and in education. I am passionate about
inclusive language; God calls all of us irrespective of our educational status or IQ,
Clergy Wellbeing. A desire for the wellbeing of clergy supported by structures that enables us to thrive in our
ministries. In addition, I believe in the care of clergy spouses and families
I am committed to equality for everyone, at all levels and roles within the church, regardless of disability,
economic power, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, learning disability, mental health, neurodiversity, or
sexuality.
I can think strategically and work with the processes that make things happen in the Church of England.
Thank you for reading this statement.
I would appreciate your vote as your preferred candidate. If you would like to
contact me, then I would love to hear from [email protected].

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