Emma Lyddon
Portsmouth
House of Laity
Election Statement for General Synod House of Laity: Emma Lyddon
Name: Emma Lyddon
Place of Worship: Portsmouth Cathedral
Proposer: Alasdair von Claasen (Portsmouth Cathedral)
Seconded by: Paula Thomas (St Luke’s Church)
My Faith and Churchview
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I am a 25 year old woman raised in Hampshire and currently
working in the charity sector. I have been an active member of
church communities since childhood, growing up in a small
town church with a big focus on community care, spending 6
years in a rural village church, and now a regular member of
Portsmouth Cathedral.
●
I often connect with God through silence, spending time in nature, oil painting, and writing poetry
which explores faith. You can learn more about that here: Fount of Flow.
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My faith is rooted in Christ’s inclusive love which prioritises understanding, humility and dialogue.
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I believe we are all made in the image of God and worthy of God’s love. This extends to Christians
of all denominations and siblings of other faiths and none.
●
For me the Church of England is an important and rich tradition with great potential for serving
those most in need, inspired by the grace of Christ. I believe this is done best when it is person-
and parish- centred.
My Expertise
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I have a BSc in Psychology and an MA in Global Development with International Law & Relations.
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I began my career working with refugee families abroad before delivering therapeutic interventions in
psychiatric hospitals with perpetrators of gender based violence.
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Based on personal experiences, I founded Kind To Mind to reduce the cultural and systemic
contributors to gender based illness and have spoken on these issues at the European Parliament
and the World Health Organisation. I feel confident bringing those skills to the table at General
Synod.
●
Professionally and personally I have seen how love and understanding have transformed the lives of
patients, victims and perpetrators when someone is willing to serve them from a place of humility. I
believe the church can and does offer that love and service but at times loses touch of its
importance.
●
This is why the core values I would be applying to General Synod discussions are: Love, Humility
and Service.
My Priorities
My priorities for General Synod centre on reducing suffering amongst the most marginalised and oppressed
people within our society and congregations, and recentering our focus on Christ's servanthood.
- Supporting a People-Centred Church
●
I want our churches to flourish as hospitable, safe and accessible communities that respond to
people’s spiritual and practical needs. This requires adequate budgets that meet the needs of local
parishes and people of all generations.
●
I believe there is value in diversity of worship and theology within the Church of England. Different
approaches can help different people find a spiritual home, and I would encourage dialogue and
mutual understanding across those differences.
●
I am inspired by Jesus’ ministry which met people where they are, both literally on the streets and in
their homes, and also in meeting people from various backgrounds. Therefore, church initiatives and
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Election Statement for General Synod House of Laity: Emma Lyddon
charitable services should involve and be built upon the lived experience of the communities they
serve, to ensure more effective, person-centred ministry and reduce the risk of top down harm.
●
A question I would bring to General Synod discussions is: How would these policies or decisions
serve God’s people in real life, particularly those who are most vulnerable, excluded or
easiest to ignore?
- Celebrating the Full Spectrum of the Body of Christ
●
I believe in a church that reflects the cultural, racial and social diversity of contemporary England,
recognising that a broader range of voices and experiences strengthens our communities and
impact.
●
It is written that Jesus said, “In my Father’s house there are many rooms.” (John 14:2). I believe
that the Kingdom of God is a diverse mix of beings, as seen in God’s creation around us, with our
differences being made in the image of God as much as our similarities. Therefore, the church
should make room for a broader array of individuality.
●
England has not only become increasingly multicultural over the years, but the voices of
minoritised communities are now rising higher into positions of leadership. This is a positive shift
and I hope will lead to the Church of England also having a more diverse perspective.
●
I believe every church could be better supported to understand the identities and needs of the
people they serve, including barriers to participation. As one body of Christ it is important that
everyone has equal opportunities and equitable support.
●
I seek a church that is willing to address harm and take responsibility for our individual and
collective contributors to abuse. This includes our human susceptibility for apathy and bias, and gaps
in understanding. Therefore, greater education, accountability and integrity amongst those in
positions of leadership, alongside tight safeguarding policies, is key.
- Responding to Rise in Social Division
●
At a time of increasing polarisation and hostility towards marginalised communities, I believe the
Church could lead the way in modelling respectful dialogue and compassion. I believe we have
the tools to demonstrate how people with different views can remain in relationship with one another.
This is seen in Christ’s commandment: “Love one another. As I have loved you…By this
everyone will know that you are my disciples.” (John 13:34-35).
●
This means being willing to recognise and respond to prejudice and discrimination, while also
creating spaces where people with different lived experiences and perspectives can listen to one
another.
●
Therefore, greater investment in training, education and prejudice reduction is needed to help clergy
and all in positions of leadership to recognise discrimination, respond constructively to conflict and
serve increasingly polarised communities.
I would love the opportunity to bring my passion and skills to General Synod. Please consider voting for me.
If you would like to know more about me then please get in touch at [email protected].
Thank you.
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abuse,accountability,disciples,discrimination,inclusive,other faiths,safeguarding,tradition,victims,violence
inclusive
abuse,safeguarding,victims
disciples
tradition
discrimination,violence
accountability
other faiths
