General Synod Election Candidates 2026

The last five years have strengthened my conviction that the
Church of England's breadth is one of its greatest gifts.
I remain deeply grateful that my own faith and vocation have been
shaped by that breadth.
Coming from a family that did not go to church, my first real
experience of Christianity was through a conservative Evangelical
beach mission. My faith was then nurtured in Anglo-Catholic
churches and chaplaincies. Since then, I have served in a variety of
parishes and dioceses and now as Archdeacon of Ashford I serve a
wide variety of parishes. Again and again, I have seen how God
works through people whose experiences, traditions and
perspectives may differ, yet whose desire is the same: to follow
Christ faithfully and make him known.
That experience continues to shape how I approach General
Synod.
Over the last five years I have contributed to debates on parish
finances, clergy conduct, safeguarding, support for ministry in
deprived communities, and the use of the Church's resources. In
each case I have tried to bring the perspective of parish and
diocesan ministry, asking not only whether a proposal is well
intentioned, but whether it is fair, proportionate and likely to help
the Church carry out its mission in practice.
The challenges facing the Church today are significant. We need
renewed confidence in the Gospel, a commitment to mission and
evangelism, support for parish ministry, and the wisdom to use our
resources well. There is no single issue facing the Church today,
and no single answer to the challenges before us. National
decisions matter, but they are ultimately lived out in local
churches, communities and relationships.
I continue to believe that one of the Church of England's great
strengths is its ability to hold together a rich diversity of people,
traditions and convictions. The Church is richer when it draws on
the gifts, experience and insights of many different voices, and
poorer when any one perspective drowns out the others. We will
not always see every question in the same way, but we are called
to listen carefully, make wise decisions, and continue to value one
another as we seek to follow Christ together.
If re-elected, I will continue to offer a practical, thoughtful and
pastorally grounded voice in Synod, drawing on parish and
diocesan experience, supporting mission, encouraging good
governance, and seeking the good of the whole Church.
I hope you will consider giving me your vote.

THE VEN
DARREN
MILLER

General Synod
Election Address
2026

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