General Synod Election Candidates 2026

General Synod Statement
Revd Canon Dr Mark Dimond
I put myself forward to be considered as a member of the General Synod. I have
been an incumbent in west Norfolk for five years, and have had wide experience
in the Anglican Communion, both in the Church of England, the Diocese in
Europe and the Church in Wales.
Many of the items on the agenda of a typical General Synod have some
relevance to local parish life, from pensions policy to local sustainable flowers,
from how to deal with the Israeli-Palestinian crisis or the introduction and limits
of AI. My aim would be to bring wider issues into sharper focus at grassroots
level with reference to the Diocese of Norwich, among the benefices, deaneries,
dioceses and chaplaincies. I would also commit to bring parochial issues to
wider, synodical attention.
I am, I believe, a good listener, and have an open mind, always healthy when
entering into a debate that can reveal unforeseen truths. I would value the
opportunity to debate, propose and vote at national level. I have already had
some exposure at national synodical business, having been an ex-officio
member of the Governing Body in the Church in Wales. I have also participated
in presentations at church hustings, for example during the Brexit debate.
I would also be interested in serving on committees where specialism is
required.
In terms of specialisms, I am interested in interfaith dialogue, what I believe to
be a key area for the building of national unity. Interfaith dialogue is not in the
best health, not at least since the closing of the UK’s Interfaith Network, nor
after the tragedies that have unfolded in Gaza since October 2023. Interfaith
dialogue needs to be reinvigorated. Having been a participant on the Presence
and Engagement Team at Lambeth Palace, and as the Interreligious Dialogue
Adviser to the Bishop of Norwich, I am in a good place to offer more in this
area.
There is a need for servicing our many heritage church buildings, a fair few
being in the ‘at risk’ category. I know about the challenge of trying to maintain a
large building (in my case, King’s Lynn Minster). People who normally do not
attend church would respond positively and participate if they see that the
national church investing more in its building structures. It would also free up
clergy and laity to practise the art of faith and less the business of buildings.

I am also keen to develop pilgrimage as a serious route to faith, in either an
educational or even liturgical sense. I have experience in establishing a new
pilgrimage route from Walsingham to King’s Lynn (the Walsingham Way).
There is greater potential in developing urban pilgrimage for those who live in
towns and cities.
Joining the General Synod would be an exciting prospect. Of course, I would go
with God in mind: ‘be strong to grasp what is the breadth and length and height
and depth of Christ’s love’ (Ephesians 3.18)

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