catholic,clergy wellbeing,conservative,evangelism,fidelity,global majority,interfaith,mission,other faiths,reformed,safeguarding,scripture,self supporting,stipendiary,tradition,working class

Falak Sher

Manchester

House of Clergy

Full Election Address Text

GENERAL SYNOD ADDRESS 2026

I am Canon Falak Sher, serving in the Diocese of Manchester and living in Salford. For
over two decades I have served as parish priest, chaplain, and Canon, with a heart for
urban ministry, interfaith friendship, and serving communities where the Church is most
needed. For the last four years I have served in General Synod as a UKME Co- opted
member.

I offer again myself for General Synod at a critical time for our Church. I love the Church
of England - its parochial heart, its catholic and reformed breadth, and its calling to be
present in every community.

If elected, I will bring:

A voice for the parishes of the North. I understand the realities of ministry in diverse,
working-class, and resource-stretched contexts. I will argue for fairer funding, clergy
wellbeing, and practical support for parochial ministry.

A commitment to mission and growth. We must become younger and more diverse,
not as a slogan but as reality. As someone of Pakistani heritage who has ministered
across cultures, I want to help our Church better reflect the nation, welcome Global
Majority Anglicans, and equip churches for evangelism.

A bridge-builder. In Salford I work daily with people of other faiths and none. I believe
we can hold our differences on contested issues with grace, good listening, and fidelity
to Scripture, reason and tradition. We need a Synod that listens prayerfully and speaks
with unity.

A pastor’s perspective. I care deeply about safeguarding done well, about supporting
stipendiary and self-supporting clergy, and about making Synod’s decisions
understandable and workable in the parish.

With regard to the most contentious issues of the day I will always listen to others, pray
carefully, and speak honestly from within my basically conservative worldview.

I would be honoured to have your support and your prayers.

Thanks
Fr Falak Sher

Terms used in address

catholic,clergy wellbeing,conservative,evangelism,fidelity,global majority,interfaith,mission,other faiths,reformed,safeguarding,scripture,self supporting,stipendiary,tradition,working class

Theological Tradition Terms

catholic,conservative

Theological Tradition Sentences

I love the Church of England - its parochial heart, its catholic and reformed breadth, and its calling to be present in every community. ------ With regard to the most contentious issues of the day I will always listen to others, pray carefully, and speak honestly from within my basically conservative worldview.

Sexuality, Marriage & LLF/PLF Terms

fidelity

Sexuality, Marriage & LLF/PLF Sentences

I believe we can hold our differences on contested issues with grace, good listening, and fidelity to Scripture, reason and tradition.

Safeguarding Terms

safeguarding

Safeguarding Sentences

I care deeply about safeguarding done well, about supporting stipendiary and self-supporting clergy, and about making Synod’s decisions understandable and workable in the parish.

Evangelism, Mission & Church Growth Terms

evangelism,mission

Evangelism, Mission & Church Growth Sentences

A commitment to mission and growth. ------ As someone of Pakistani heritage who has ministered across cultures, I want to help our Church better reflect the nation, welcome Global Majority Anglicans, and equip churches for evangelism.

Doctrine & Formularies Terms

reformed,scripture,tradition

Doctrine & Formularies Sentences

I love the Church of England - its parochial heart, its catholic and reformed breadth, and its calling to be present in every community. ------ I believe we can hold our differences on contested issues with grace, good listening, and fidelity to Scripture, reason and tradition.

Society, Justice & Inclusion Terms

global majority,working class

Society, Justice & Inclusion Sentences

I understand the realities of ministry in diverse, working-class, and resource-stretched contexts. ------ As someone of Pakistani heritage who has ministered across cultures, I want to help our Church better reflect the nation, welcome Global Majority Anglicans, and equip churches for evangelism.

Clergy Concerns Terms

clergy wellbeing,self supporting,stipendiary

Clergy Concerns Sentences

I will argue for fairer funding, clergy wellbeing, and practical support for parochial ministry. ------ I care deeply about safeguarding done well, about supporting stipendiary and self-supporting clergy, and about making Synod’s decisions understandable and workable in the parish.

Church Structure & Policy Terms

Church Structures & Policy Sentences

Other Churches & Other Faiths Terms

interfaith,other faiths

Other Churches & Other Faiths Sentences

For over two decades I have served as parish priest, chaplain, and Canon, with a heart for urban ministry, interfaith friendship, and serving communities where the Church is most needed. ------ In Salford I work daily with people of other faiths and none.

Youth & Next Generation Terms

Youth & Next Generation Sentences