General Synod Election Candidates 2026

Alexandra Scott
Deanery: Abingdon
Parish: Abingdon-on-Thames
Email: [email protected]
Age: 30
Standing for General Synod
I am standing for election to General Synod because I believe the Church of England
has an opportunity to grow, deepen its roots and become a Church in which everyone
can truly know that they are welcome and belong.
An open, welcoming and affirming Church
The Church of England should be open, welcoming and, most importantly, affirming of
all its members confident that all are made in the image of Christ. I am proud to be part
of Together Oxford and wholeheartedly support its mission.
As someone in a same-sex relationship, I know personally the hurt and uncertainty that
many LGBTQ+ people have experienced within our Church. I hope that, despite the pain
of previous years, we can now move towards a Church where all believing and faithful
people are recognised as full members of the Body of Christ.
Fundamentally, the Church must be a safe place for everyone. Sadly, that is not yet the
experience of all people. If elected, I will be a strong and vocal supporter of Living in
Love and Faith and of work towards a more inclusive and affirming Church.
Supporting our parish churches
I believe that whenever two or three are gathered in the name of the Lord, He is present
among us. Our parish churches are at the heart of this gathering, and volunteers are
what keep our individual churches—and therefore the wider Church—turning.
I greatly value my role as a member of the Serving Team, an occasional Reader and a
member of the Children’s Church Team. These roles have shown me the importance of
the ordinary, faithful work that happens week after week in our parish churches.
Our parish churches should be celebrated, supported and given the opportunity to
flourish. While larger and amalgamated churches can bring opportunities, we must also
recognise the increase in reported parishioner loneliness and the additional pressures
placed upon clergy. Thus, strong pastoral care is needed to support the community. If
elected, I will advocate strongly for the parish church and for a sustainable future in
which local communities continue to have a place at the heart of the Church of
England.

Experience, listening and collaboration
Across two churches, I have been an elected member of PCC, Deanery Synod and
Diocesan Synod for over a decade starting at the age of 16. This experience has given
me a strong understanding of the Church’s structures and processes, and of how
change can be achieved.
I have sought to be an active and vocal member, particularly in discussions around
youth work as I am a leader in the Children’s Church. As such, I am interested in the 30k
project to support and grow this vital ministry. But I hold concerns about the impact on
safeguarding and how to protect our most vulnerable. I am also passionate about the
environment and how we can protect God’s creation. As a Church locally, we are
working towards the Eco-Church status and I am the Eco-Church Rep. Living in Love
and Faith is naturally a topic which I am passionate about and I am keen for further
discussion to be had during this Synod.
My experience has been developed through serving as a member of the Vacancy-in-See
Committee for the Diocese of Oxford during the process of finding our new Bishop of
Oxford. Being part of that committee strengthened my ability to listen carefully to
different perspectives, work collaboratively and seek common ground in situations
involving complex issues and strongly held opinions. I would bring these skills to
General Synod.
Bringing my professional experience
Professionally, I am a Senior CAR-T (chimeric antigen receptor T cell) and Autograft
Specialist Nurse, which is a groundbreaking treatment in cancer care. I work alongside
people facing cancer, supporting them through some of the darkest and most
challenging days of their lives.
This work has taught me the importance of listening without judgement,
communicating clearly, advocating for others and treating every person with dignity. I
believe these are qualities that are equally important in the Church.
I am standing for General Synod because I want to help build a Church that is
welcoming, affirming, rooted in its parishes and confident about its future. I would bring
experience, compassion, a willingness to listen and a determination to speak up for
those whose voices are too often unheard.
I would be honoured to have your first or second preference vote.

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