General Synod Election Candidates 2026

The Rt Revd Simon Joseph Robinson, Bishop of
Warrington in the Diocese of Liverpool
Election Statement for General Synod 2026

What do I bring to General Synod?
• Having been born into a very poor working-class, single-
parent, teenage-mother background. I have carried these
experiences into my working life as a teacher, a headteacher,
priest, Dean and now Bishop.
• I am a survivor of domestic violence and abuse in the church. These have been
dealt with via safeguarding. I am at peace with these aspects of my life and am
confident in using my voice publicly.
• I am an openly gay man who is happily single.
• I have 24 years of teaching/headteaching experience in inner city estates in
London and Bristol, all within the top 5% of most deprived localities. This fuels
my passions for education, addressing issues of child poverty and addressing
educational under-achievement.
• I have 15 years of psychotherapeutic experience, with my own and (some)
training equipping me for dealing with the complex issues of humanity.
• I come from a liberal-catholic background with enriching experiences of the
evangelical church and charismatic renewal. I am comfortable in a range of
traditions.
• I have led a growing Parish that saw good growth through a mixed ecology
approach particularly with unchurched families.
• I am committed to engaging with complex questions in regards of diversity,
difference and disagreement.
• I am passionate about the unity of the church in both ministry and mission. I
want all to know Jesus Christ.
• I am passionate about priesthood.
• I have a proven track record in managing complex organisational dysfunction
leading to positive change including significant experience in governance
matters across both community groups, education establishments and the
church.

What priorities are high on my agenda as a bishop and I would wish to
particularly engage with at General Synod?
• That we teach the faith through traditional and reimagined methodologies.
• That we continue to build a safer and braver church through a trauma-informed
approach.
• That the voice of survivors like me, affects policy and practice in all aspects of
our lives.
• That clergy well-being is high on the agenda as a central theme to the
flourishing of the Gospel, manifesting itself in tangible impacts on individuals
and communities.

• That we increase the number of young vocations who train residentially and via
courses to both ordination, lay leadership and the religious life.
• That we engage fully with issues of social justice affecting all communities in an
increasingly fractured and fractious society.
• That we learn from and consider the positive contributions of those who are
neurodiverse in the church and the wider community
• That the church continues to invest in schools, colleges and chaplaincies and
expands this work to community educational establishments even more.
• That there is a place at the table for all from conservative to catholic whilst also
addressing the very real issues of misogyny, racism, homophobia and ableism.
• That we engage with such organisations as Save the Parish in a positive
manner with the aim of working together in addressing the needs of local and
church communities especially in the Province of York.
• That as God’s church we reignite our voice in social cohesion, social capital and
social change recognising the prophetic nature of scripture and our privileged
presence in most communities. That this is extended internationally and across
the globe recognising that we are members of the Anglican communion and the
world wide community.

Other factors:
• I am first and foremost a person of prayer. I delight in the traditions of the
church whilst also being excited about newer expressions of church
• I am very much focused on Jesus Christ, shaping my own life accordingly and
encouraging others to do the same. I take theological education seriously
• I alway walk towards conflict, seeking reconciliation and resolution for the sake
of the Gospel as well as the sake of individuals and communities.
• I support the 5 guiding principles. I rejoice in the calling of women as deacons,
priests, bishops and now Archbishop.

I never imagined I would be called to the episcopate. I have learned so much
about God, the church, society and myself in just 4 months. I want to encourage
increased confidence in our calling as bishops who shepherd, pastor and teach
those who we are responsible for. I also want to help build increased confidence in
the episcopate through genuinely engaging with the key issues the church is facing
whilst always keeping my own eyes on Christ. I see General Synod as a place to
effect positive change in the church and thus our presence in society, nationally
and internationally.

With sincerest thanks for your reading of this statement

+Simon

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