General Synod Election Candidates 2026

Revd Andrew Vaughan
4 Manor Gardens
Walderslade
ME5 9AB
[email protected]

General Synod Election Address - Rochester Diocese

Dear Electors,

My name is Andrew Vaughan. I was ordained into the Rochester Diocese in
2007 and served my curacy at Christ Church, Chislehurst, where I
completed my first illuminating term on Diocesan Synod. In 2011, my
family and I moved to Istead Rise, where I became the Vicar of St Barnabas
Church. During my ten years there, we explored creative ways to reach our
community—including free car washes and an annual pantomime—while
building strong links with local schools and civic leaders. During this time, I
also served as Deputy Area Dean of Cobham Deanery, sat on the board of
Gravesend Churches Housing Association, and led a New Wine Core
Group in Dartford.

In 2021, we moved to Walderslade, where I took up the post of Associate
Vicar of St Philip and St James Church (PipnJims). I hold day-to-day
responsibility for leading the church, enabling our Vicar, Martyn Saunders,
to lead the work at St John’s, Chatham, under a Bishop’s Mission Order
(BMO). At PipnJims, I had the privilege of guiding the church out of the
Covid-19 pandemic and through a collaborative Values, Vision, and
Strategy process. Today, I remain deeply embedded in our local
community as a school governor, a trustee of a local charity serving the
vulnerable, and a co-leader of a New Wine Network in Gillingham. In 2025,
I returned to Diocesan Synod to represent the Rochester Deanery.

Anyone who serves on a PCC or synod knows that running a church
requires immense dedication. While I am not actively looking to add more
administration to my plate, I feel a clear, persistent call from God to serve
on General Synod for the next quinquennium. After more than 20 years
Encounter - Grow – Go

immersed in the Church of England, I believe I have something valuable to
offer. I want to help shape positive change and mutual understanding from
the inside, rather than spectating from the sidelines. Alongside my passion
for mission and discipleship, I am determined to see General Synod take
definitive action to protect clergy and PCC members from harassment and
bullying—protections that, alarmingly, are not yet in place. Furthermore, as
an adoptive parent, I am eager to champion the motion brought by
Rochester Diocesan Synod member Billy-Jo O’Leary to appoint a lead
Bishop for Young People in Foster Care and Adoption. Personal experience
has shown me that support for foster and adoptive families often only
arrives when a placement reaches a crisis point. A lead Bishop
championing this work would provide invaluable support to families and
stand as a powerful witness to the wider world.

Personal Background

I am 62, married to Catherine—a part-time music teacher and worship
leader at PipnJims—and we have two teenage boys, Joseph (18) and Logan
(16). Before answering the call to ordained ministry, I trained as a
construction manager, working for various construction firms and as a
project manager for a housing association. I came to a living faith in Jesus
at a Billy Graham meeting at Earls Court in 1989. In my spare time, I enjoy
listening to vinyl and digital music, keeping my Red Rover Cabriolet going,
and playing the drums. I am also swim 1km a week and I am a regular Park
runner and proudly completed the London Marathon this year!

As a parish priest, an experienced member of the Diocesan Synod, and a
firm believer in the growth of the Church, I believe I am well-prepared to
serve you. I seek your vote in this election, and I pledge to remain open,
fully engaged with the beautiful breadth of our Church, and passionate
about our shared calling.

bullying,curacy,discipleship,harassment,housing,mission,new wine,pcc,witness,young people