General Synod Election Candidates 2026

Background
I became a Christian at the age of 16, joined a PCC aged 17 and been involved in Church Life (mainly rural
but 5 years small market town) ever since. First encounter with Holy Spirit when faith moved from head to
heart, subsequently outside of church involved in mission leading, organising mission events and secular
and church youth leading. My main concerns and passions for which I would campaign if elected are (in no
particular order of importance because they are all important) as follows.

1. Campaigning and bringing pressure to bear on both the Church Commissioners and Archbishops

Council, to direct more money directly to Parish ministry.

1. To campaign and seek to influence that no priest should have charge of more than 5 churches. I

believe this is a realistic long-term objective.

1. To press for a significant reduction in Diocesan Office costs. This can be done, as has been done in

other large public organisations by creating combining the back-office functions of several diocese
into single units e.g estates, HR, finance and safeguarding. For example, why should every diocese
need a dedicated Director of Safeguarding (as proposed) with costs in excess of £100k a year when
several dioceses could combine. Ensuring that the pain suffered by survivors of abuse is properly
recognised with compassion and understanding and support

1. Encourage new and different thinking on the vexed question of sexual orientation. I believe there is

confusion between specific actions (whether, marriage, blessing etc) and what inclusivity really
means. Matthew 15:18 tells us that it is what comes out of our hearts that defiles us. In a sense we
must educate people’s hearts.
I believe that the Christian Church in this land is at a pivotal moment. No longer is it realistic to look to
those ordained to do what it takes to bring about revival in the church. We need to get the message across
that all Christians are missionaries; all have been empowered by Christ to do his work here on earth. The
church has a duty to empower, train and encourage all of us in that endeavour. This is one message I
support coming from the top down. I am encouraged by the diocesan ministry strategy imitative “Streams”
telling our stories of faith. Encouragement is need from the top down and bottom up to fulfil our
commission to “Go into all the world” – you know the rest!

John Hooper – Depwade Deanery and member of Norwich
Diocesan Synod.
Retired Chartered Surveyor experienced in working in large
organisations including the NHS, HMRC and Local Authority
Lives in Tacolcheston, married with two sons and three grown
up grandchildren.
Lay Minister, Churchwarden and Parish Safeguarding Officer

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