General Synod Election Candidates 2026

Rachel Webbley

Nominated by: The Venerable Will Adam

 Archdeacon of Canterbury

Seconded by: The Rev’d Canon Seth Cooper

Rector of Walmer and the Cornilo Churches

It has been a real privilege to serve Canterbury Diocese on General Synod for the past
5 years and I would love to continue this work. I remain committed to the rich
diversity of parish ministry that includes everyone and I am also passionate about
educating grass-roots Anglicans in governance structures of our church.

I am 50, married with two teenagers and have been Team Rector of Whitstable Team
Ministry since 2018, based primarily at St Alphege Whitstable and St Peter’s
Whitstable.

• Ordained in 2004 and curate in Bicester Team Ministry, Oxford Diocese
• Team Vicar in Whitstable Team Ministry 2007 – 2018
• Full attendance at every General Synod session: Helped carry two Diocesan
Synod Motions at General Synod (See of Dover CNC, Confirmation statistics),
Co-convenor of General Synod Anti-Racism network, part of General Synod
Environment Group and working for full inclusion of LGBTQIA+ Anglicans in all
roles in the Church of England.
• Full attendance at Diocesan Synod and throughout Vacancy in See Committee
work 2024-5.
• Active in Deanery Synod as DMMC member and Eco Champion, visits to 3
other Deanery Synods to raise awareness of church governance (Weald,
Elham, Thanet)
• Training Incumbent for 2 former curates who are now enjoying full-time
ministry, and currently TI for 2 part time and 1 self-supporting curate.
• 22 years experience as school governor in 3 church schools.
• Experience of World Church: Served overseas at Soup Kitchen project in
Argentina with USPG short-term placement; Sabbatical in New Zealand parish.

Local voice, national perspective

First and foremost, I am a parish priest
and always seek to bring the
perspective of our local churches to
debates and questions at General
Synod. At the same time, I work hard
to communicate and share information
I gather from the national perspective
with lay and ordained colleagues
wherever possible, especially where it
has a bearing on our day-to-day parish
life, diocesan strategy and why it
matters. Explaining how our elections
and governance structures work is also
a key way I am helping the parish and
others have a greater understanding of
how they are part of the bigger
structure. I take seriously the
responsibility of asking robust
questions on behalf of others especially
where that affects our local parishes,
schools and chaplaincies.

Healthy ministry, healthy churches

When we create an environment
where people flourish, the church
thrives and the wider community
benefits from the light and hope we
share. This includes attending to on-
going safeguarding culture change and
clergy well-being. I believe that
working together is vital to witness to
Jesus’ inclusive and unconditional for
all giving a voice to the oppressed,
marginalised and those on the edge.

Networking and Encouragement

I work hard to bring people together
and have encouraged many lay and
ordained people in the parish and the
wider diocese to successfully apply for
leadership roles. I enjoy connecting
people with one another who share
concerns or who work on particular
issues so that their efforts are more
effective.

Thank you for reading my electoral
statement. I hope you will give me your first
preference vote. The electronic ballot will
open on Monday 21 September 2026 and
close on Monday 12 October 2026 by paper
and Tuesday 13 October 2026 online.

If you want to contact me about anything I
would be very happy to hear from you:
Rev Rachel C Webbley,
[email protected],
The Vicarage, West Cliff, Whitstable, CT5 1DN

Rachel Webbley
@rachelwebbley

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