Jennifer (Jennie) Cummings-Knight
Norwich
House of Laity
Personal Statement for Jennie Cummings-Knight, MA, PGCE, Accred. Mediator dob
Application to stand for General Synod
27.08.26
(Edited slightly to include a little more information for clarity, 01.09.26, please add
to application already sent).
Baptised (by full immersion) at Coombe Creek, Cornwall at age 13 and afterwards
confirmed into the Church of England, ! have been an active member since then.
For the last 13 years | have been a member of Northrepps Church, Cromer. | have
served on Deanery and Diocesan synods and am in my fourth year as fellow
Churchwarden with Janet Payne (@Byears of age).
Senior church leaders and others active in the Church of England have suggested that
my interest in safeguarding in its fullest sense and my personal background makes me a
suitable candidate for General Synod.
A post modern frame of reference in the Western world challenges all previously held
assumptions and beliefs, leaving children and young people especially vulnerable to
abuse and exploitation. Social media spreads false information promising instant cures
for unhappiness, encouraging the avoidance of struggling with personal identity, and
personal responsibility.
As a psychotherapist in private practice, affiliated with the BACP (British Association of
Counsellors and Psychotherapists) since 2008 and on their media team, | am aware of
the daily challenges that we face as Christians in an increasingly secular society. | am
also in touch with the struggles of those not part of the church family who feel that they
often do not fit in, or who lack a sense of purpose in their lives.
lam currently studying for a D Prof in Practical Theology at ARU (Anglia Ruskin
University) with the Cambridge Theological Foundation and am a specialist in couples
counselling and issues relating to male identity.
My interest in shared dialogue between the three main monotheistic religions has led to
me becoming a fellow of the Woolf Institute in Cambridge, which works to foster mutual
understanding and respect across Judaism, Christianity and Islam.
Whilst never forgetting the Jewish roots of our faith (our Lord Jesus Christ was born into
a Jewish family and “of David’s line”) | continue to attend a joint online Bible/Koran
study group based at the Woolf Institute, to further dialogue and understanding. | have
also lived in Israel, studied Hebrew, and have connections there still.
| have a strong “Bible based” faith but | attempt to express and tive this faith with
humility and a willingness to honour the perspectives of others.
Jennie Cummings-Knight
abuse,islam,israel,jewish,safeguarding,secular society,young people
abuse,safeguarding
israel
islam,jewish,secular society
young people
