biblical,disciple,disciples,good news,mission,next generation,revitalisation,safeguarding

Ven Victoria (Tors) Claire Ramsey
Candidate for General Synod 2026
Email: [email protected]
Proposer: Revd David Gough (Area Dean of Bassetlaw
and Bawtry; Vicar of St Anne’s, Worksop)
Seconder: Revd Alison Jones (Pioneer Minister, The
Potting Shed Church; Lead Mission Enabler, Rural
Cluster 2)
About me
I spent 15 years working as a speech and language therapist in the NHS, a role I loved
because it enabled me to work with people, solve problems and embrace variety. I
encountered people who were lost, broken, creative, resilient, joyful, sad, traumatised
and compassionate — in short, human. Although I valued the challenge and reward of
this profession, I sensed a call to a different role: ordained ministry.
I have seen God work in transformational ways in and through people as they encounter
him. At times this happens in extraordinary and surprising ways, but more often it
unfolds steadily, faithfully and sometimes unpredictably. I believe wholeheartedly that
the local church is where people can best begin and deepen their journey of faith
alongside others. In response to this conviction, I offered myself for ordained ministry. I
now have the privilege of serving as Archdeacon of Newark, encouraging and supporting
local churches as they share the good news of Jesus Christ.
The Church as a place of hope and restoration
My work in the NHS and the Church has affirmed my understanding of the overarching
biblical story: humanity is part of a creation that is both good and fallen. From early in
my theological studies, I have been drawn to the truth that human beings possess an
inherent dignity, rooted in God’s purpose for us as bearers of his precious image. The
Church is called to embody good news in its communities. Many of the people we serve
have never encountered the life and ministry of Jesus or heard of the God who loves
them. I believe the Church is at its best when it works alongside local communities:
inviting people to walk with Jesus, experience the power of his transforming love,
become the hands and feet of God’s love in society, and pass this faith on to the next
generation. In short, we are called to be communities of disciple-making disciples. I
have valued the challenges and joys of helping churches pursue this calling through
planting, grafting and revitalisation.

Why General Synod?
I believe in the local church as a vehicle for the good news and transforming work of
God in our world. My passion is to see the Church fulfil its role in our nation: as a place
of true and inspiring worship of Jesus Christ; a place of welcome for all; and a genuine
community where people are encouraged into lives of worship, repentance and rest. It
should be a community humble enough to acknowledge that we are all a ‘work in
progress’, and open to the partnership of the Father, Son and Spirit in the work to which
we are called.
General Synod needs representatives who understand the needs of the local church
and the realities of ministry on the ground. As Archdeacon of Newark, I understand the
joys, privileges and pressures of parish ministry today. I have enormous respect for our
clergy and value every opportunity to support them. If elected, I would bring to General
Synod my experience of helping clergy develop strategic, prayerful ministries while also
safeguarding their wellbeing.
If elected, I will seek to:
• Represent the clergy of the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham
• Champion the work of the local church, especially in reaching new people,
younger generations and those who are underrepresented
• Support and inform the work of raising up and deploying new leaders
• Draw on my experience to highlight issues affecting a range of contexts,
including rural and post-industrial communities
• Engage in debate and discussion thoughtfully and prayerfully
• Build constructive relationships and partnerships with people who hold a range
of perspectives
Thank you for considering my nomination. Please get in touch if you have any questions.
Tors