General Synod Election Candidates 2026

Dr John Appleby, Tynemouth Deanery,

standing for election to the House of Laity, General Synod elections 2026
Proposed by: Simon Harper, Corbridge Deanery and Chair of Diocesan Finance Committee
Seconded by: Carol Griffiths, Secretary of Bamburgh & Glendale Deanery
Why am I standing?
I’m standing again for General Synod because I want the Church of England
to thrive and grow, continuing to inspire people in every community with
God’s love, justice and hope, and to support and encourage them in their
lives.
What’s happening in General Synod 2026-2031?
I think the biggest issues we’re likely to be discussing and debating are these:

Decline in attendance and finance, use of historic assets, our parish base, role of laity

Sexuality and relationships, diversity and inclusion will continue to create debate and division

Climate change, extreme weather, biodiversity, and especially how these might affect the poor

Nationalism, and internationalism, migration, social division, housing and poverty

AI – how it will affect us both positively and negatively, both practical and ethical issues

Safeguarding, both historic and ongoing will also continue to be a key concern
Declining numbers and income, and hence a decline in paid clergy numbers, challenge us about what
the Church of England is for and how to maintain and develop its role in the future. This has raised
understandable fears about whether we value the traditional parish clergy and buildings. How can we
best use a smaller number of paid clergy to lead and support the range of worship, teaching and
pastoral work that we are called to? Are we sufficiently inspired by a shared vision to support this work
by giving our time, talents and money? Are we prepared to listen to the spiritual experiences and
needs of those who don’t attend and admit humbly that our model of church might not always meet
those needs?
The Living in Love and Faith project helped us to understand the experience of others and also their
fears, but has disappointed many in delivering so little change to our practices. Sexuality and
relationships is an area where we are in conflict between a changed view of human nature and a
traditional view of male/female relationships.
My own belief is that the Church should affirm and bless all committed, respectful and loving
relationships, but I recognise that others disagree. I hope we can find a workable ‘solution’ that keeps
us together in our Christian mission to all people. I hope that the Holy Spirit can guide us into a new
way of living together with our differences, recognising our imperfect understanding but also the many
areas where we agree and share a mission. (I’m a member of ‘Inclusive Church’ which encompasses
race and disability as well as gender issues.)
Climate change and loss of biodiversity are of enormous significance for us all, but especially for our
children and grandchildren. I’m glad the CoE has committed to reducing the carbon footprint of our
own buildings, but by 2030 we’ll still be far from our target. We must press on! I think we must also
all be willing to adapt and accept some level of sacrifice in our stewardship of God’s wonderful
creation, as well as persuading our Government and Industry to change things on a larger scale.

Nationalism and division have been a worry in recent years, with a sense that we don’t share a
common vision for our own country or trust in our government and institutions. Poverty and
inequality have increased, with increasing foodbank use (often run by churches), and our society
seems to take a position driven by self-interest. Our unique position in every community gives us both
opportunity and responsibility to address some of these issues. Perhaps we can be really helpful in
rebuilding trust and a common purpose, whether we agree with current government policies or not.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a new challenge to us all, and might bring profound changes to our patterns
of work, and to our ethical responsibilities if we delegate decision-making to algorithms. Together with
evident impacts of social media and screen addiction, especially on children, we must inform ourselves
about these trends, and be alert to their impact on those around us, seeking also to bring our spiritual
and pastoral experience to bear on policy-making.
Biography
I live in Whitley Bay and attend St Mary’s, Monkseaton, where I’m a Churchwarden. I’m 69, married
to Rev Janet Appleby with three adult children. I grew up in London and worked at Newcastle
University 1984-2025, where I taught mathematics, and was formerly Head of Mechanical
Engineering.
I’ve been a lifelong member of the Church of England, and I’ve attended several churches (one
ecumenical) in East, West and Tynemouth Deaneries as Janet took up different posts. I’ve served on
PCCs, Deanery Synods and Diocesan Synod, and I’ve served on Bishop's Council and Finance Group
since 2012. I’m also a member of the Diocesan Net-Zero Steering Group.
I was an elected member of General Synod 2015-2021, where I contributed to a number of debates
including those on the environment, women’s ministry, school inclusion, and ‘Conversion Therapy’,
and submitted questions on environmental and other issues. I contributed a successful amendment
to an important motion on Downs Syndrome. I was also an elected member of the Mission & Public
Affairs Council, which addresses ethical, environmental and medical issues. I was part of the
discussions on sexuality and relationships, and published articles on sexuality in Christian Today and
in the Church Times.
From 2004-7 I was the local councillor for a fairly deprived ward of Newcastle City, and I have also
stood as a candidate in local, regional and parliamentary elections, where I try to bring respect and
honesty to the debates. I was Chair of Trustees at the Cedarwood Centre in North Shields 2019-2026,
I was a Governor of All Saints College in West Denton, and I’ve been a trustee of several other local
charities. I’m strongly committed to environmental action, and use a car-club rather than own a car. I
enjoy walks on the beach, in the nearby farmland, and in the hills when that’s possible.
Summary
General Synod is an important part of the governance and decision-making of the Church of England.
With about 450 members, each one of us plays only a small part in discussion and voting, but if elected
again I shall try to contribute as I did before. I shall also report back to Deanery Synods if requested on
what we do.
Please feel free to contact me directly with any questions about what I’ve said or any other matter of
interest. I would also be willing to attend a deanery meeting if requested.
John Appleby, August 2026
E-mail: [email protected] Mobile: 0774-273-1766

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