General Synod Election Candidates 2026

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Election Address – House of Clergy, General Synod

The Rev. Ben Somervell
Associate Minister at St Mary’s Parish Church, Balderstone in Rochdale (Diocese of Manchester)
Who am I?
I studied Theology & Religion at Durham University before training for ordination at Ridley Hall,
Cambridge. I served my Title Post at Holy Trinity Church, Old Hill in the West Midlands where I served
as Assistant Curate. In July, I was appointed Associate Minister at St Mary’s Church, Balderstone in south
Rochdale.
Why am I standing?
I am standing for election to General Synod because I care deeply about the future of parish ministry, the
wellbeing of clergy, inclusion, and the mutual flourishing of every person made in the image of God within
the life of the Church of England.
Aged 28, I bring the perspective of a younger priest formed in parish ministry during a period of
significant challenge and change for our church. I am passionate about ensuring that the Church of
England remains a place where children, young people, families, and single adults can encounter Christ,
belong deeply, and grow in discipleship. Much of my ministry has focused on youth outreach, children’s
work, and supporting parents and families navigating complex modern pressures. I want Synod to keep
asking how our structures, resources, and decisions serve the next generation at the parish, Diocesan, and
national levels.
I am also personally committed to inclusion, particularly around singleness, neurodiversity, specific
learning differences, and disability. As someone who is autistic, I care deeply that our churches are places
where neurodivergent people, those with mental health challenges, and those who have often felt on the
margins can feel welcome, cherished, included, and can then fully belong and contribute. I believe this is
not just an optional extra but is actually a central element of faithful pastoral ministry.

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Clergy wellbeing is another priority. Many clergy carry heavy pastoral, administrative, and emotional
loads. I want to advocate for realistic expectations, sustainable patterns of ministry, and cultures where
clergy can be honest about struggle without fear. As a single clergyman, I am particularly passionate about
this and about seeing how effective support networks and structures can be wisely developed and
implemented.
I am committed to the flourishing of parish ministry specifically across the Church of England. I believe
strongly that local churches, rooted in their own parish communities, remain central to our mission and
distinctively Anglican calling. I want to support work that strengthens local congregations, supports
smaller and stretched parishes, and enables faithful ministry in every context. I am especially passionate
about parish ministry within urban deprived contexts. I have experience of this ministry from my Curacy
parish, current parish, and a placement on the Shankill Road in west Belfast.
I am passionate about the development of Word-based women’s ministry and about ensuring that women
and men can flourish in their callings with mutual respect and generosity.
Theologically, I stand within the Reformed evangelical and liturgical Anglican tradition (an unusual but
vital combination in the Church of England today). I am a member of the Prayer Book Society and Church
Society. I am committed to working constructively, prayerfully, and respectfully with colleagues across our
theological breadth. Synod works best when we listen carefully, speak honestly, and seek the good of the
whole Church, encouraging mutual flourishing for all.
If elected, I will aim to be prayerful, attentive, accessible, and diligent — representing parish realities and
serving the mission of Christ’s Church with integrity.
I hope you feel able to support me in this election. If you don’t know me or have any questions, please
email me at: [email protected]
I am asking for your “First Preference” vote, please. Thank you for your consideration and your prayers.

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