archbishops,dioceses,disciples,finances,independent safeguarding,justice,living in love and faith,mission,racial justice,safeguarding,scripture,young adults

Proposer: Sarah Poole Seconder: Estelle Woodcock
My email: [email protected] My contact number: 07749555537

Billy-Jo O'Leary born 1979
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A Christian since 2008
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Mother and Wife
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Licensed Lay Minister 2017
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Attends St John’s the Evangelist, Welling
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Works with Home for Good (Christian Charity)
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Avid lover of films, theatre, and Big Church Festival!
Dear Elector,

It is a privilege to introduce myself. I am Billy-Jo O'Leary. I am married to Dominic, and
together we have two wonderful young adult children and our lovely dog.

For much of my life, faith and church felt distant and inaccessible. Everything changed in
2008 when I encountered Jesus through Alpha and found a welcoming church family at St
John's Welling. Since then, I have trained as a Licensed Lay Minister and experienced God's
transforming grace in profound ways.
My journey has been shaped by adversity. I grew up in a dysfunctional family and spent time
in the care system. Those experiences have given me a lifelong passion for ensuring that
people who feel excluded, overlooked, or disconnected know they are seen, valued, and
loved. I believe the Church of England is called to reflect the compassion of Christ by being
present in our communities, offering hope, belonging, and practical support to those who
need it most. As I do!

Professionally, I spent ten years as a childminder, achieving an Outstanding OFSTED rating.
Today, I serve as Church and Community Team Lead for London and the South East with
Home for Good, equipping churches to support children and families in vulnerable
circumstances. This work has reinforced my conviction that the local church has a unique
and vital role in transforming lives when it is equipped, courageous, and outward-looking.

What is General Synod? General Synod is the legislative body for the Church of England,
operating under delegated powers from Parliament. It passes Measures and Canons and
approves Regulations, Rules and other secondary legislation. It also authorises Liturgies and
provides scrutiny for the Archbishops Council and others of the National Church Institutions
(NCIs).

For the past five years, I have served you and the Diocese of Rochester on General Synod. I
have built strong relationships with representatives across our diocese through parish
ministry, community engagement, and national church involvement. I have contributed
thoughtfully to debates, bringing both lived experience and practical expertise.

I am passionate about mission, safeguarding, and helping the Church engage more
effectively with people beyond its walls. I am passionate about equipping and enabling lay
people to be the Church and achieving full mutuality between laity, clergy and Bishops.

Proposer: Sarah Poole Seconder: Estelle Woodcock
My email: [email protected] My contact number: 07749555537

If re-elected, I would champion the outcome of my Private Members' Motion, which
received unanimous support on 14th July 2026. You can view the motion and debate here
(17 mins in)
Other priorities coming up in the next 5 years include:

• doubling the number of children and young active disciples in our churches by 2030.
• to complete the Mission & Pastoral Measure in 2027,
• to establish new Structures for safeguarding with a new independent Safeguarding
Authority and Complaints System,
• to continue with work on NZC,
• Racial Justice,
• Diocesan Finances,
• receiving reports from the new Bishops’ Working Groups in July 2028

The next General Synod will make significant decisions that will shape the future of the
Church of England, including safeguarding, governance, mission, and Living in Love and
Faith, as we continue to work collectively on motions passed over the past 5 years. They
require wisdom, integrity, compassion, and a willingness to listen and disagree well. I
believe I can offer all of these skills, grounded in faith, experience and a deep commitment
to serving the whole Church.

I am seeking re-election to continue being a credible and compassionate voice for those
who feel far from the Church, as I once did. I want to help shape a Church that is faithful to
Jesus Christ, rooted in Scripture, committed to safeguarding, confident in Her mission, and
known for both truth and grace.

Canon Sarah Poole, Lay Chair, Diocese of Rochester writes:

‘I am delighted to be proposing Billy Jo again for General Synod. During her first term she has
made her mark especially at the last meeting when she presented her private motion calling
on the Church of England to:
• Appoint a Lead Bishop for looked-after children and care experienced young adults
• Encourage dioceses to take proportionate action in support of them and those who
care for them.
Her speech was impassioned, well thought out and articulate, not surprisingly the motion
was unanimously passed.
Billy Jo has shown she is not worried about speaking out, and I believe God has more work
for her to do at General Synod where she is well respected by her peers.’

I would consider it an honor to receive your High Preference vote as I seek to continue
serving you and the Diocese of Rochester with faithfulness, humility, and hope.

Please give your 1st, 2nd or 3rd preference vote to me, Billy-Jo O'Leary

With thanks and prayers,

Billy-Jo O'Leary.