General Synod Election Candidates 2026

Gavin Collins

Background

Before becoming a Bishop, I served for 10 years as Archdeacon of the
Meon in Portsmouth Diocese, and prior to that I served for 14 years in
parishes in Ely and St. Albans Dioceses. Additionally, I served on General
Synod whilst an Archdeacon from 2013-21. Before ordination, I worked as a
commercial litigation solicitor in the City of London.

General

As a Bishop, I am called to serve and represent the whole of the
Diocese, and not any particular faction or grouping within it. It would be a
privilege to be able to resume that service at the national level at General
Synod. As well as working for the good of the church, I also have an active
interest in public issues that affect society at large, and have a strong
commitment to the mission of the church and our national witness on issues
of justice, social equality, international development, education and medical
ethics.

General Synod service

During my previous service on General Synod, I came to appreciate
much that is good about the national structures of the Church of England – as
Current role

I have been Bishop of Dorchester,
in Oxford Diocese, since February 2021,
and, since July this year, am also
currently Acting Bishop of Oxford.

I see my role as Bishop as being
chiefly to pastor the clergy, LLMs and
churchwardens of my parishes; to work
with the legal and systemic structures of
the church in a way that enables and
promotes mission and growth; and –
above all – to work as a faithful servant of
Christ and the Gospel in my life and
ministry.

My other commitments are as a
husband to Christina, and as father to our
3 young adult children.

well as why they can often be frustrating – and, particularly, to value the
sense of being part of “something bigger” than parish and diocesan concerns.
I saw my calling on Synod as being a voice for unity, deliberately helping to
bring together people of different opinions, particularly on divisive subjects,
and giving a challenge to remember the Biblical call to walk in love as well as
truth, with the consequent commitment to ongoing fellowship and unity.
Whilst personally committed to working for the church to move forward in our
inclusivity and our provision for LGBTQIA+ people, I am committed to
enabling the mutual flourishing of the whole of the church, and to honouring
and protecting the theological integrity and legitimate position of all
convictions.

Hobbies

Cycling, running (I try and run on at least a weekly basis), supporting
Brighton and Hove Albion (which proves that I’m a person of faith), spending
quality time with my family and engaging in lively debate on politics and
current affairs.

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