General Synod Election Candidates 2026

ALEXANDRA GREEN – ADDRESS FOR ELECTION TO GENERAL SYNOD 2026
The heart of the Church of England is the parochial system, giving it the framework to
minister to all, through occasional offices, week by week worship, and wider mission and
outreach. If elected, I will do my utmost to promote the parochial system and its ministry,
whilst recognising the constraints faced by falling stipendiary clergy numbers and the
financial challenges faced by all parishes and diocese.
Church buildings, their maintenance and development, are often seen as overly time and
money consuming. However, they are a key witness to the life and work of the church in the
local community, and often provide many opportunities for mission and outreach in the local
community. As a member of a congregation for over 20 years that worships in a ‘Major
Church’, I am well aware of the funding and management challenges that this brings.
Through its unique relationship with Parliament, General Synod must ensure that legislation
(for example taxation of repairs to listed buildings) does not hinder the work of the church.
I am a member of Abingdon Deanery Synod, and have served on the Oxford Diocesan
Synod and Diocesan Pastoral Committee in the past. I consider that this gives me a good
insight into the processes of synodical government and a realistic view of what can be
achieved in a timely manner.
As a representative on our local Churches Together, I appreciate the opportunities to learn
from members of other denominations and consider that ecumenical working wherever
possible enables more effective witness and mission both locally and nationally.
One particular interest is that of Clergy Wellbeing, including that of their families. Although
much progress has been made in recent years, momentum must not be lost in this area. The
Redress scheme for those who have suffered abuse at the hands of present and past
Church of England clergy is another area which synod needs to keep at the forefront of its
agenda during the next quinquennium.
Recognising diversity whilst maintaining orthodoxy is a key challenge for the General Synod
in the next quinquennium and if elected I would seek to call synod and its members to
account in sustaining adherence to the structures and processes enshrined in law whilst
taking advantage of the opportunities to work flexibly in deploying resources.
Outside of church life, I have worked in academic and pastoral roles with young people for
over twenty years, and am aware that the Church of England needs to provide structures
and opportunities to take full advantage of their talents and enthusiasm.
I would very much welcome the opportunity to represent the Diocese of Oxford on General
Synod, and ask that you give me your first-place vote.

abuse,churches together,clergy numbers,clergy wellbeing,ecumenical,mission,outreach,redress,redress scheme,stipendiary,synodical government,witness,young people