General Synod Election Candidates 2026

Alexandra (Sandra) Isaac
32 Barrett Road,
Norwich, NR1 2HZ
07891 578028
[email protected]
PSO St Helens and St Edmunds, Costessey
Lay Chair Norwich South Deanery
Lay representative Diocesan Synod
My name is Sandra. I am 66 and live with my husband,
Peter, in Lakenham, South Norwich. We have three
adult sons and two grandchildren.
You will be aware that our Diocese is encouraging us to talk to each other about our
stories, and this is my story:-
As an adult, I believed in God, but Peter and I did not attend church. Our first baby was
stillborn, two weeks overdue, with no apparent cause. In our pain and confusion we
needed God’s help to get through and so we named her Faith. A local vicar visited us in
hospital in Ely. On our first Sunday home, we attended church and he ran down the
church to embrace us. That unforgettable welcome brought us back to church, and we
have attended with joy ever since.
We were later blessed with three sons. One was baptised by Maggie Guite, one of the first
women deacons to be ordained. Her preaching taught me that Christian faith is not about
being "successful", but about knowing that God accepts us as we are.
When Peter was posted to France, we joined St Luke's, Fontainebleau, which met in a
school. As a church, it was a great place to be, particularly as there were so many
children. Socialising after church was hugely beneficial to us all, particularly for the boys
as they could play basketball or football with their friends, along with Dads and MBA
students joining in. The boys loved everything about church.
Our chaplains helped deepen my understanding of Christ and gave me opportunities to
grow. I led a women's Bible study, completed an online theology course through St John's
College, Nottingham, and started a Bible study at INSEAD.
After nine years, we returned to Britain and settled in Lakenham. Readjusting was
difficult, but we joined Holy Trinity, Norwich as it had a thriving youth and children’s
ministry. I later trained as a mathematics teacher, working in schools across south and
east Norfolk before teaching at Wymondham College. I saw the effects of poverty in
council estates, rural communities and coastal areas alike.
I eventually became a mathematics tutor and have supported about 100 GCSE and A-level
students, including Iranian refugees and people from the Lakenham Council estate.

Prayer has become central to my faith, contemplating Christ and allowing his Word to
shape my heart and life. I trained as a spiritual director, completed the Ignatian Spiritual
Exercises and now lead a weekly online prayer group. As part of the Diocesan Prayer
Diary team, I travelled across Norfolk, gathering stories to encourage informed prayer
and to help witness how Christ transforms lives and communities.
I have led and supported children's ministry, served on parochial church councils and
spent six years as churchwarden at Holy Trinity, including during an interregnum. I have
been a lay representative in Norwich South Deanery for 20 years and now serve as lay
chair.
I am currently Parish Safeguarding Officer at St Helen's and St Edmund's, Costessey.
Through revitalisation, our church has grown into a diverse, intergenerational community
of people from different backgrounds, nationalities, abilities and incomes. It is a place
where everyone is welcome. It is a great place to be.
Why my story is relevant to General Synod
My experience has given me four clear priorities:
•
Clergy training and well-being: I am committed to clergy training and
well-being, so that clergy are supported, valued and able to thrive in
their ministry.
•
Children and young people: The Church must offer engaging ministry
where younger generations enjoy taking part and know they belong.
•
Diversity and inclusion: Churches flourish when they welcome people
of different backgrounds and build relationships with under-
represented communities.
•
Safeguarding: As a parish safeguarding officer, I understand the
practical challenges of supporting children, disabled people,
vulnerable adults and older people.
I would bring to General Synod substantial experience of parish, deanery and diocesan
life, together with a commitment to ensuring that every person is welcomed, valued and
cared for as someone made in the image of God.
I am grateful to the following people for proposing and seconding me:-
Proposer: Anna Price, Gorleston
Seconder: Matt Elliott, Loddon
Thank you for reading my election statement. I respectfully ask for your first-preference
vote so that I may represent you and help ensure the Church of England continues to
grow, thrive and remain relevant to the next generation.

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