General Synod Election Candidates 2026

The Revd Trudi Oliver
Standing for re-election to the House of Clergy, Diocese of Rochester
Proposed by: The Revd Canon Jane Winter,
Assistant Director of Mission and Ministry
Development
Seconded by: The Revd Susan Vallente-Kerr,
Vicar of St Nicholas with St Mary, Strood
Dear Colleague,
Thank you for taking the time to read my statement, and for wanting to know who I am, what I value, and why I
am standing for re-election to General Synod.
A little about me
Before being ordained I was a hairdresser for almost 25 years, managing a salon. I was also a keen runner,
having completed 2 London Marathons and the endurance race called Tough Guy.
I trained for ordination at Trinity College, Bristol. My curacy was in Lordshill, Southampton, a challenging Urban
Priority Area and ecumenical parish. I then served a nine-year first incumbency at St Mary’s Gravesend, a dual
role that included being chaplain at St George’s Church of England All-Through School. I am now Rector of
Eynsford with Farningham and Lullingstone, a rural benefice here in the Diocese of Rochester.
I come from a working-class background, and I am neurodivergent. Both have deepened my commitment to
ensuring that the Church hears and values voices and perspectives that are too often overlooked.
Why I am standing again
I have now served through three groups of sessions of General Synod, and I feel I have truly found my feet. I
genuinely enjoy the work. Synod brings together people from every tradition, background, and viewpoint to
discern God’s will for the Church. We will not always agree, but I have found that respectful listening, honest
conversation, and a shared commitment to Christ achieve far more than division.
At heart, I remain a parish priest. Whether we are debating safeguarding, finance, ministry, or legislation, I ask one
simple question: how will this help the local church share the love of Christ in its community?
During my time on Synod, I have:
challenged inconsistencies in safeguarding practice, including DBS checks for PCC members, because
safeguarding should be robust, fair, and consistent wherever you serve
spoken about the financial pressures facing ordinands, including the “missing month” between training and
first stipend
championed working-class vocations
advocated for parish ministry
reported back regularly on Synod debates and decisions, because national decisions must always be
grounded in the realities of parish life
My experience so far
Member of General Synod since 2025
Recently trained as a Pastoral Supervisor for clergy
Teacher of the LLM optional module on Creative and
Experiential Arts in Mission
Previously part of the Diocesan Vocations Team,
and Diocesan Young Vocations Champion
Contributor to the South East regional consultation
on working-class vocations
I am delighted to be proposing Trudi for General Synod, she is considered in her opinions, takes time to
understand the complexities of arguments and is not afraid to speak her mind on matters of deep significance
for the life of the church, particularly supporting those who are often pushed to the margins.
Revd Canon Jane Winter
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What matters to me
Clergy wellbeing
As benefices grow larger and administrative demands increase, the pressures of ministry can be considerable. I
trained as a Pastoral Supervisor because I believe clergy need safe, reflective spaces to process those challenges
and sustain their vocation. Supporting wellbeing requires more than occasional resources. It requires a culture
where seeking support is normal, healthy boundaries are respected, and clergy feel valued and encouraged.
At Synod, I have voted for increases in clergy stipends and the restoration of clergy pensions, and I have spoken
about the financial pressures faced by ordinands. The health of our clergy is intricately connected to the health,
mission, and flourishing of the whole Church.
Women’s ministry and leadership
Women remain underrepresented in parts of the Church’s life and leadership,
including General Synod. My own ministry has shown me that ordained women still
face challenges around visibility, confidence, and access to leadership. Formal
barriers may have gone, but support, mentoring, and encouragement are still needed
at every stage.
I support initiatives that develop women in ministry and leadership, both lay and
ordained. The Church is strongest when it values the gifts of all God’s people.
Community across the generations
Many young people are more connected online than ever, yet lonelier. The local church can offer something
different: real-world community, shared experiences, and supportive relationships.
Synod is a real opportunity to shape how we respond to the coming restrictions on young people’s use of social
media, and to support the parents who will be helping their children through that change. It is also a chance to
bring generations together, so that the wisdom of older members and the energy of younger ones can meet in
worship, service, and friendship.
Inclusion and Living in Love and Faith
I am committed to equality for everyone, at all levels and roles within the Church, regardless of disability,
economic power, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, learning disability, mental health, neurodivergence, or sexuality.
I support the use of the Prayers of Love and Faith, and I equally support the conscience of those who cannot use
them. We are strongest when we make space for difference without losing sight of the Christ who holds us
together.
Accountable to you
If I am re-elected, you will hear from me. I will continue to report back to Deanery Synods on what has been
debated and decided, and why. I am always glad to answer questions from electors, before the election and
throughout the next quinquennium, whether that is by email, by phone, or in person. If something on the Synod
agenda matters to you, please tell me. Please also tell me if you disagree with me. I would far rather know.
Our Church at its best
If re-elected, I will continue to be a thoughtful, independent voice: listening carefully, asking difficult questions
where they need asking, and always seeking what is best for the whole Church rather than any one tradition or
interest group. I cannot promise to agree with everyone, but I can promise to represent the Diocese of Rochester
with integrity and compassion.
Our Church is at its best when every voice is heard, every person is valued, and every parish is equipped to share
the good news of Jesus Christ. It has been a privilege to serve you on General Synod, and I would be honoured to
have your first preference vote.
Thank you,
Contact
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 07767071714
Trudi’s creativity, energy, and sheer commitment to the Church are impossible to miss. She draws on a breadth
of experience, spanning urban and rural parishes and education chaplaincy, and she uses it well, bringing a
grounded understanding of the diverse realities of parish life. She speaks up with confidence when it counts,
and she is thorough in making sure Synod business reaches the diocese.
The Revd Susan Vallente-Kerr
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