General Synod Election Candidates 2026

Revd Daniele Bocchetti
Vicar of St Mark's, Woodthorpe

lam standing for General Synod because, as someone
who believes deeply in the Church of England, | hope |
can bring together theological conviction, the
perspective of parish ministry, and a willingness to
engage carefully and constructively with the complex
questions facing our Church.

Over time, | have become increasingly aware that some
of the interests and gifts God has given me may be
particularly suited to the work of Synod. | genuinely
enjoy engaging with theological, governance and legislative questions, reading papers,
scrutinising proposals, and helping translate complex ideas into something that is both
practically useful and theologically coherent. Decisions that can initially appear
technical often have profound implications for the mission, health and future direction
of the Church.

At the same time, my ministry is firmly rooted in the realities of parish life. Most of my
time is spent preaching, caring for people pastorally, developing leaders, supporting
volunteers and staff, stewarding resources, and helping the local church participate in
God's mission. These experiences provide an essential lens through which | believe
Synod’s work should be viewed.

My ministry has taken place in a variety of contexts. During training for ordination at St
Mellitus, | served on the staff team of St Nic's Church, Nottingham, a city-centre
resource church, where | was also involved in ministry among refugees and asylum
seekers. | then experienced the life of a graft while serving my curacy at Holy Trinity,
Lenton, where an incoming team became part of an existing local congregation. | now
serve as Vicar of St Mark's, Woodthorpe, where we are seeking renewal through a more
traditional parish revitalisation model. Together, these experiences have deepened my
appreciation of both the opportunities and challenges facing churches of different
traditions, sizes and contexts.

My theological journey has also shaped the way | serve the Church. My undergraduate
and graduate studies at the University of Aberdeen exposed me to a wide range of
theological perspectives and introduced me to people from different Christian
traditions, other faith communities and those of no faith. Theology remains an
important part of my ministry, and | continue to teach within the Diocese. |am
convinced that careful theological reflection is not an academic luxury but an essential
part of helping the Church respond faithfully and wisely to the challenges it faces.

My studies in disability theology led to practical involvement with people with
disabilities and reflection on how the Church can better recognise, welcome and
empower all its members. That experience taught me the importance of listening
carefully to voices that can too easily be overlooked. A healthy Church does not simply
amplify its loudest voices; it also pays attention to those whose gifts, experiences and
perspectives are less often heard.

Alongside parish ministry, | served for four years as a university chaplain at the
University of Nottingham. Working with students, university societies, departments and
staff gave me valuable insight into how the Church is perceived by secular institutions,
the opportunities for partnership and witness, and the continuing public role of the
Church of England within contemporary society.

Having lived, worked and studied in Italy, Germany, Scotland and the United States, and
having begun my discernment journey within the Scottish Episcopal Church, | have
experienced different expressions of Anglicanism and different relationships between
Church and society. These experiences have given me a deep appreciation for the
richness and challengers within the Anglican Communion and for the importance of
learning from Christians across traditions, cultures and contexts. They have
strengthened my own convictions whilst also teaching me the importance of listening
carefully, reasoning clearly and engaging respectfully with those who disagree.

We are approaching a significant moment in the life of the Church of England when a
variety of questions will continue to shape our common life for years to come. My
conviction is that the Church is healthiest when it is deeply rooted in Scripture,
dependent upon the Holy Spirit, and confident in the saving message of Jesus Christ.

At such a time, | believe the Church needs both conviction and charity, clarity and
humility. We need to listen to one another well, seek unity in Christ where we can, and
engage our disagreements with grace and theological seriousness. My hope is to
contribute thoughtfully, speak graciously, scrutinise carefully, and help ensure that the
voices of parish churches and the wide variety of ministries across our Diocese are
heard clearly within the wider Church. Above all, | would seek to serve the mission of
the Church of England as we proclaim Christ faithfully in a rapidly changing culture,
convinced that the gospel remains as relevant, transformative and necessary today as
ever.

In Christ,

Daniele Bocchetti
Vicar of St Mark's, Woodthorpe

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