deaneries,inclusive,prayer | GS 2026 Candidates

Election Address for Jonathan Bourne

I have been a committed member of St Georges, Weald, Kent for nearly 30 years.
Outside of church I am a retired professional. My near 40 years of work experience has
equipped me with practical skills in listening, governance and collaborative decision
making.

I am standing for election because I believe it is important that everyday grass roots
experience of local church goers is strongly represented at the national level

We face significant opportunities and challenges in the coming years. We need a strong
financial base and growth in the numbers attending church to be able properly care for
clergy and lay volunteers, and to foster and build an increasingly inclusive Christian
community. I will champion a practical commonsense lay perspectives to guide the
national debate on the agenda

My career has been built on a strong belief in:

Empowering individuals and teams at a local level i.e. making parishes and

deaneries strong and avoiding heavy central admin burdens. Thinking as one but
acting locally. I led large global teams at work building strong respect for other
people’s opinions and views

Getting the culture right. Being able to listen, to embrace diversity and embrace

traditions alongside change through prayerfulness and understanding.

Clear communication, practical insights and pastoral care. Using all these to

help shape national legislation and policy.

I enjoy thoughtful debate and am comfortable tackling tricky and difficult subjects with
sensitivity

If elected I commit to represent our diocese, to prepare thoroughly for sessions, to
listen to the views of local deanery members and to feedback openly on the key issues
debated at Synod

I ask for support and prayer as we seek God’s guidance for the church’s next session.