General Synod Election Candidates 2026

A heart and a voice for the wellbeing of clergy. As a parish priest for 16 years, and
during that time Co-Area Dean, Dean of Women’s Ministry, a Training Incumbent,
Spiritual Director, MDR reviewer and mentor, I have a deep understanding of what
matters to clergy, both stipendiary and SSM, across a wide range of contexts and
traditions. At a Synodical level I will adovcate for structures that enable us to thrive.
Knowledge of this Diocese from 12 years’ ministry here during which I have served on
Diocesan Synod, Bishop’s Council, Bishop’s Staff as Dean of Women’s Ministry, Vacancy
in See and CNC. I led the working group for under 25s strategy that fed into TC.T. I am
Co-Area Dean of the hugely diverse Bristol City Deanery.
A commitment to an inclusive church that enables every person to find their place and
live out their calling in the body of Christ
An ability to think strategically at a high level. I have the experience and knowledge
to work with the structures and processes that make things happen in the Church of
England at a Synodical level.
Ten years’ experience of General Synod - five as a lay person in Southwark 2005-2010
and five years in the House of Clergy representing Bristol 2021-2026
What I bring to Synod
Please consider giving me your first preference vote
Kat
Campion-Spall
I am standing for re-election to General Synod because I’m
passionate about parish ministry and clergy wellbeing, I’m
committed to the Diocese of Bristol and I want to see the
Church of England flourish in every community.
Nominated by Becky Waring (Archdeacon of Bristol)
and Simon Taylor (Director of Ministry)
As your representative I have given speeches in General
Synod on subjects including net zero, creation care, racial
justice, contested heritage, and LLF, and have asked
questions on subjects ranging from church buildings to
ND inclusion, from gluten free communion bread to
retirement housing, and more. I bring lived parish
experience from our Diocese to General Synod, and I am
glad to use my voice to advocate for others.
“Kat is someone I trust to represent the interests of clergy and the good governance of the church.
I have witnessed her detailed work on policies that improve things for clergy, and her care for all,
and especially those from whom she holds different views.” Simon Taylor, nominator

What I’m passionate about
I would be very happy to hear from you
if you have any questions.
[email protected]
Voting closes Tuesday 13th October
It’s critical that the Church of England responds to the climate emergency by modelling impactful action
through our finances, buildings and land use, while offering compelling teaching that care for God’s
creation is integral to Christian discipleship. We must not lose momentum on net zero targets, but
parishes need support with making this a reality in their church buildings. I welcome the new Creation
Season of resources that ensure our action is rooted in our faith, worship and discipleship.
Ministering in a historic church on Bristol harbour has heightened my sense of responsibility to advocate
for racial justice in this generation as we deal with the legacy of the generations who have gone before
us. I bring experience and expertise in responding to contested heritage and have contributed to
resources at diocesan and national levels.
I believe in an inclusive church that celebrates and affirms God’s image in every person. I have been a
champion for women’s ministry at every level in the church my whole adult life, and I fully support
equality for LGBTQI+ Christians, at all levels and in all roles in the church. I am committed to working
hard in this Diocese and on General Synod to make this a reality. But I am also committed to working
with people who hold a different view to me - we are all part of the same body and none of us can say
“I don’t need you” to another (1 Cor 12). Whatever outcome we hope for in the LLF process, many are
finding it difficult living with uncertainty, and I want to see a resolution that enables us all to flourish.
With clergy numbers falling and many dioceses facing financial challenges,
many of us are anxious that pressures on clergy, both stipendiary and SSM,
will increase. I have supported measures to improve clergy wellbeing
including stipend and pension uplifts, reform of CDM, better support for
working class clergy and neurodivergent clergy, and an increase in rest
periods. I bring the voice of ordinary parish clergy into the decisions of
Synod, whether directly related to clergy wellbeing, or about big picture
issues around funding and strategy that impact our day to day ministry.
About me
I grew up in a rural church in Kent, discovering a deeper love for Jesus through Alpha as a teenager. I
learned how to make things happen in churches aged 16 when my vicar asked me to join the Mission &
Evangelism Committee. Since then I have been involved in Church of England governance at every level.
I was ordained in 2010, serving my curacy in SW London. I came to Bristol in 2014 as Associate Vicar at St
Mary Redcliffe, becoming Rector of Bristol Harbourside Churches four years ago. As Co-Area Dean in
Bristol City I prioritise building supportive and collaborative relationships with clergy colleagues,
working together to make God’s love known in our communities, whatever our church tradition.
I am a parish priest at heart and I love extending Christ’s welcome to all as my churches work with and
in our communities. It is my joy in ministry to enable people of all ages and backgrounds to encounter
God, grow in faith and find purpose as followers of Jesus. But I also live with the challenges familiar to
so many of us in parish ministry – compliance, admin, financial pressures, and the reality of smaller
congregations with limited capacity. I have a strong understanding of how this Diocese operates while
having my feet – and my heart – firmly in the parish.
For an open, compassionate, strategic
and experienced General Synod member,
please consider voting for me as your
first or high preference.

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