General Synod Election Candidates 2026

The Revd Timothy Edwards
General Synod Election Address 2026
House of Clergy for the Diocese of Rochester
Why I am standing again
Thank you for the trust you placed in me when I was elected to
General Synod in 2021. It has been a privilege to represent Rochester's
clergy, and I am asking for your support to serve for a second term.
I came to Christian faith as a child through a local church shaped by
the love of God revealed in Jesus Christ. I still believe there is nothing
more powerfully transformative than the Church when its worship,
common life and witness are shaped by that love.
The past five years have made the challenges before us unmistakable.
Safeguarding failures have gravely damaged trust, disagreements have
strained relationships, and many clergy and parishes face sustained
financial and pastoral pressure. Yet local churches continue each week
to proclaim the Gospel, serve their communities and welcome people
into new life in Christ.

About me
I have been Rector of Knockholt with Halstead, serving St Katharine's, Knockholt, and St Margaret's, Halstead,
since 2017. During those nine years it has been a particular encouragement to see real growth across the
benefice, especially among families and young children. That has strengthened my confidence that faithful local
parish ministry can still reach new generations.
As Area Dean, I work with and support clergy from different traditions who serve in varied contexts. Before
ordination I worked as a management accountant, and I also bring a background in theology and postgraduate
New Testament research. These experiences help me ask whether a proposal is faithful and whether it will work.
I am married to Debbie, and we share the rectory with our dog, two cats and eleven chickens.
How I have served in Synod
I have tried to bring clear Christian conviction, careful attention to law and process, and an awareness of how
national decisions affect local ministry.
 Living in Love and Faith. I asked the bishops to be clear about what was and was not changing, and pressed
for doctrinal, legal, and procedural clarity, because ambiguity in these matters is pastorally unkind.
 Crown Nominations Commission. In debate on proposed changes to its standing orders, I argued for proper
checks and balances and for appointment processes capable of commanding confidence across the Church.
 Faculty jurisdiction. I supported amendment rules intended to make the law work better, arguing that justice
and sound, effective law should reinforce one another.
 Burial fees. Drawing on rural parish experience, I supported an amendment opposing a substantial increase in
fees, arguing that cost should not put parish funeral ministry, community care or the hope of the Gospel
beyond people's reach.
Synod is not only what happens at a microphone. I have deliberately sought to build relationships with members
whose traditions and convictions differ from mine. Honest face-to-face conversation can deepen understanding
and make constructive work possible even when disagreement remains.

What I will work for
Flourishing parishes and sustainable ministry
Local churches are where worship, evangelism, pastoral care and service take place. National plans, structures
and spending should be judged by how well they equip that work. I will argue for fair provision for clergy,
including stipends, housing, and pensions, and for sustainable ministry in rural, suburban, urban, and lower-
income communities. I will keep asking whether national initiatives help local churches proclaim Christ, form
disciples, welcome children and families, and serve their neighbours.
A safe and accountable Church
Safeguarding must put victims and survivors first, with properly independent and transparent oversight and
cases handled promptly. Redress must be delivered with compassion. Those entrusted with authority must be
accountable. National bodies should explain how decisions are made, who is responsible and how failures will be
corrected. Trust will not be restored by another promise; it requires conduct and structures worthy of trust.
Truthful and charitable Christian witness
Our society needs the hope of the Gospel and confident, outward-looking local churches. I remain committed to
the Church of England's received doctrine of marriage as the lifelong union of one man and one woman because
I believe it faithfully reflects the teaching of Scripture. I will continue to speak and vote from that conviction. I
will also listen carefully, speak courteously, honour the dignity of every person and refuse contempt or
caricature when disagreements remain.
Representing Rochester's clergy
Rochester's clergy do not all belong to one tradition or serve in one kind of setting. My work as Area Dean of
Sevenoaks has shown me how differently ministry is experienced even within one part of our diocese. For me,
representing the whole clergy electorate means being accessible, listening seriously, bringing different
experiences into Synod's deliberations, and explaining the decisions I make.
I have reported regularly through diocesan and deanery synods, including alongside colleagues who take
different views on contested questions. If re-elected, I will continue to make myself available and report
honestly on Synod's work. I will listen carefully to every view, then weigh the evidence and arguments, pray,
exercise my judgement and explain the decisions I make.
If this is the kind of representation you would value, I would be grateful for your first preference, or your next
available preference.
See my work in Synod
Watch four short video extracts giving a sample of how I have sought to represent Rochester’s clergy in General Synod
timothymarkedwards.wordpress.com/synod
[email protected] | 07980 826 365
Every blessing,
Tim

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