General Synod Election Candidates 2026

GENERAL SYNOD ELECTIONS 2026 - DIOCESE OF NORWICH

Revd Simon Ward

Team Rector of Great Yarmouth, standing for election to the
House of Clergy

Proposed by Revd Sally Theakston - Seconded by Revd Darren Thornton

A voice for parish ministry, for inclusion, and for the clergy who serve this
diocese day by day.

ABOUT ME

I was born in Great Yarmouth and have served in the Team Ministry here since 2017. Ordained in
Guildford in 2000, I spent six years in rural Suffolk before moving to this diocese in 2009, where I have
served as Bishop’s Chaplain, Priest-in-Charge of Earlham, Rural Dean and Acting Archdeacon. Iam
married with two grown-up sons, and love running, cycling and watching rugby.

WHY 1 AM STANDING

I love being a priest and serving this diocese, the place where my own faith was nurtured. My journey
from deeply rural parishes to the strikingly urban has given me a real understanding of our diocese’s
diversity and its challenges, and a deep respect for the committed, faithful, imaginative clergy who
serve it. I feel a daily privilege in serving here.

I have never stood for General Synod before, but this feels like the right time. The next five years will
bring critical decisions: the independence of safeguarding, the pastoral implementation of Prayers of
Love and Faith, the climate crisis, financial sustainability and the future of the parish system. I would
represent the clergy of this diocese with care, diligence and understanding.

WHAT | CAN OFFER

Passion Decades of daily parish Wisdom Lessons learned over 26 years of
ministry, and still loving it ordained ministry

Breadth A journey from evangelical Understanding — Ministry is tough; clergy
roots to a liberal catholic home wellbeing matters

Collaboration A collegial way of working that Relationships Strong connections with clergy
welcomes breadth of view right across the diocese

“Simon will bring to General Synod a great depth and breadth of ministerial experience. He
knows and loves this diocese and is familiar with the challenges faced especially by those in
parochial ministry. His inclusive and collaborative approach will ensure he represents clergy
effectively and contributes wisely to the work of General Synod.”

REVD SALLY THEAKSTON

WHAT | AM PASSIONATE ABOUT

Parish ministry

Is the bedrock of the Church of England, where beautiful acts of love and service routinely happen by
the grace of God. I believe the parish system is one of our greatest gifts to this nation. I will fight to
keep that promise resourced and alive.

Inclusion

I long for a Church where every person, regardless of background, ability, sexuality, ethnicity,
neurodiversity or circumstance, can say without hesitation, “there is a place for me here”. I support
women’s ministry in all its forms and affirm same-sex relationships. A gospel that truly welcomes all
cannot be represented by a Church that quietly excludes some.

Care for creation

Rooted in a good theology of what God has entrusted to us, the Church must remain steadfast in
defence of commitment to tackling climate change. The ambition of Net Zero by 2030 is a Church
prepared to lead by example.

Responding to poverty

Having served in two of the most economically challenged parishes in our diocese, I know first-hand
the poverty experienced by others. Families choosing between heating and eating cannot be treated
as someone else’s problem. I have seen the difference made by foodbanks, community cafés and
outreach. Responding to poverty is central to the life of the Church.

Sacramental life

We are a Church of sacraments. Again and again sacramental ministry carries people through
moments words cannot reach: grace made visible and touchable. I am passionate about ensuring this
remains central to our common life, not side-lined by busyness or budgets.

IN CONCLUSION

I bring experience grounded in real
knowledge of our diocese’s parishes and
people. I love what I do, and long to see a
Church growing in confidence and passion
to share the gospel with all. I would be
honoured to represent our diocese at
General Synod.

First preference vote, or highest available
preference, gratefully received.

CONTACT

Revd Simon Ward
Team Rector of Great Yarmouth 0 07525 739562

© [email protected]

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