General Synod Election Candidates 2026

Election Address
REVD JO LEES-ROBINSON
Who am I?
[email protected]
St Saviour’s Church Nottingham
At present, I lead St Saviour's Church Nottingham, a church revitalisation
in the south of Nottingham, in the socially, ethnically and economically
diverse area of the Meadows. I am also mum to three young boys, Joshua
(7), Levi (4) and Benji (1), and married to John, who is also ordained and
leads St Saviour's alongside me. I was blessed to have parents who
introduced me to Jesus and, as church leaders themselves, grew in me a
love for and commitment to the local church from a young age. My faith
journey has had many twists and turns, but my testimony is that following
Jesus is the best adventure, and like any good epic, he has always given
me faithful friends to journey alongside.
Revd Lauren Simpson
Revd James Moring
Rector: Wiverton in the Vale
Nominators
Priest in Charge: Benefice of
West Trent
Why am I Standing?
I have admired from afar those who can navigate the complex work of legislating for an established and
historic Church. I would not describe myself as political by instinct, but the Lord has been stirring in me the
need for prayerful, prophetic voices in these days: voices able to speak hope-filled truth with gentleness and
firmness. Any established Church needs to be continually reminded of the reality of ministry on the ground,
and of the call of God to build his kingdom and not our own.
For me, General Synod should reflect the central purpose we share as Christians: to love and worship God and
to extend his Kingdom on the earth. Synod needs to hold together the present reality of ministry and the world
around us, while prayerfully asking where the Spirit is moving and how we should respond. At its best, Synod
can be a corporate expression of partnership with God, taking responsibility for our nation and co-labouring
with Christ to see his Kingdom come on earth. Every decision should be shaped by the apostolic faith handed
down to us through Scripture and the tradition of the Church, breathed on and refreshed in each generation
by the Holy Spirit. It would be a privilege to be a small part of that work.
My Commitment to You
To be prayerful in my service.
To be faithful in upholding and safeguarding the truth and outworking of Scripture.
To be missional in seeking to ensure the gospel is faithfully and creatively represented across the breadth of our
diverse parishes.
Please see my Passions & Contributions on the following page

Prayer - There is so much to do, and yet my greatest
concern is that our work would be in vain if we do not
seek the Lord and listen to his leading. I would hope to
encourage prayer in and around the chamber, and
among those praying at home in preparation for
Synod meetings.
Worship & Spaces of Worship - Every consecrated
building in the Church of England should be a place
where people can walk in and encounter the presence
of God through our common worship of Jesus. If we
are truly to see renewal in our nation, our buildings
need to be cherished as places of worship, and our
liturgical life needs to remain centred around Jesus. At
the same time, fresh thinking is needed about the
parish system, to address the practical challenges
facing many parishes across the country. I would be
keen to be part of that conversation.
Mission - When it comes to sharing the good news of
Jesus in our nation, we need to move from a posture
of retreat to one of confident, hopeful engagement,
trusting in the power of the gospel and the
transformation Jesus brings to individuals and wider
society. I would want Synod's decisions and resources
to prioritise this work wherever possible.
Under-Represented Communities - Having grown up
in these settings, I have seen how powerful it is when
people see real change on the ground because their
voice has been heard and taken seriously. I would love
to be part of that work: helping to re-engage those
who have counted themselves out, and ensuring that
the breadth of our communities is better represented
in the life and mission of the Church.
PASSIONS &
CONTRIBUTIONS
Unity - We are a broad and diverse part of the body of
Christ, and we need family groups within the larger
body where people can find belonging, voice and
purpose. At the same time, we must resist becoming
tribal, where different groups compete with or divide
from one another. We need to be prayerfully strategic
in our partnerships across the Church, bringing out the
best in each other, leaning on one another's strengths,
and being humble enough to admit our weaknesses.
Leadership Development - We are in urgent need of a
new generation of leaders who love and serve the Lord
with their whole heart, mind, soul and strength. I am
passionate to see this resourced, and particularly
keen to raise up those who are less likely to have
spaces to thrive, including people from different
socio-economic backgrounds, church traditions and
ethnicities. As a younger woman learning to integrate
motherhood and ministry, I am also passionate about
encouraging vocations in that demographic and
advocating for fresh ways of inhabiting ordained life.
Children and Young People - The Church will naturally
grow older, but it will not naturally grow younger.
Psalm 145 reminds us that 'one generation shall
commend your works to another', and this, I think, is a
beautiful description of intergenerational worship and
mission. We constantly need to attend to this and
ensure our churches and schools are resourced and
equipped to press into the places and spaces that
stretch us.
I would be more than happy to discuss anything you would find helpful, so please do send me an email and we
can arrange a mutually convenient time to speak. If you feel I would serve well as one of your representatives, I
would be very grateful if you would consider giving me your first or highest available preference vote.

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