assisted suicide,clergy conduct,equality,gospel,human sexuality,scripture,sexuality,tradition

General Synod Address 2026
Rebecca Hunt

Why stand for re-election to Synod?

I believe that the local church is the hope of the world, and she needs a strong and compassionate
presence to address the local and national issues that affect each parish, in order to move forward
to take on the challenges of the 21st Century. I am passionate for Christ and for the Church of
England and her role in promoting Christ and His purposes. I long to see this nation turn back to
Christ and believe that the Church of England is instrumental to this.

I am a barrister who has worked for 20 years in legal education. For the last 5 years I have been a
Director and the Centre Manager of the Christian Legal Centre, a pro bono organisation whose
lawyers work tirelessly to “Stand for Christians in Life and Liberty”. Many of our clients have lost
their jobs or been disciplined for standing up for what they believe in in the workplace. It is the
privilege of my life to do this work.

If re-elected to Synod, I would continue to do all I can to ensure that we, the Church, have a clear
voice that is steadfast and certain in public life and to do all I can to enable the Church of England
to lead and guide the nation and its communities.

What are the Key Issues?

Hope to the Hopeless

We in the Church of England, with our positive vision of society which has so shaped our country
for the good of all, must have complete confidence in the message of gospel hope that is found in
Jesus Christ. I believe that the Church should not be ashamed to take the lead in speaking on
issues of national concern, nor should it hesitate to proclaim God’s truth to all in many and various
ways. We should not shrink back from seeking to win the hearts and minds of every citizen,
whether they come from a church background or not or from a different religious perspective.

We must stand firm in the face of those who wish to marginalise the Christian faith or to relegate
the Church to the private sphere.

Historically, the Church of England has probably had a greater and more beneficial impact on our
nation than any other institution. The Christian message established our national values of honesty,
kindness, compassion, fairness and equality; shaped our legal framework; gave birth to our
education and health systems; inspired welfare provision; and has influenced our culture, the arts,
architecture, literature and music.

We need to see the Church of England in every community speak with a clear and cohesive voice
on the issues of the day. We need greater confidence in the truth of our message and the benefits
to society. I believe that rigorous and respectful debate in the General Synod is essential to these
aims and my legal training and experience of teaching skills to trainee Barristers and as a Director
of a Christian organisation would enable me to do this.

Human relationships

At this time of ongoing challenge and reflection, the Church needs to renew her vision of the
authority of Scripture and her teaching on God’s plan for the foundation of human society and to
proclaim afresh the benefits of godly relationships to all.

In the last 5 years at the General Synod, I have had opportunities to speak on various issues
including matters concerning human sexuality, to attend the committee on the new Clergy Conduct
Measure, to organise a number of fringe events on issues such as assisted suicide, and to ask many
formal questions.

Other important issues

• Unity around the truths of Scripture.
• Promotion of the Christian faith in this country, especially amongst the young.
• The funding of our local churches and the need to see congregations grow

Church Tradition

Over the past 18 years my husband has been the Rector of the growing churches of St Peter’s,
Bishop’s Waltham and Blessed Mary, Upham. We serve a diverse faith congregation and I love our
different styles of worship service representing the various ways of expressing faith found in a
typical Church of England context such as ours.

Thank you for reading this. I hope that you will give me your first preference vote. If you
have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me on (0777 3758860).