General Synod Election Candidates 2026

General Synod of the Church of England 2026
The Rt Revd Paul Davies
Bishop of Dorking
Election of Suffragan Bishops (Canterbury)
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Proposer: The Rt Revd Dr Rosemarie Mallett, Bishop of Croydon
It is a privilege to nominate Paul for election to the General Synod. I believe he
brings a valuable combination of strategic foresight, legislative aptitude, and a
deep, lifelong commitment to our Church’s future. At a time when Synod faces
complex and deeply sensitive discussions, his capacity to bridge theological
divides and build consensus across diversity—guided by a great sense of
humour, warmth, wisdom and humility—will make him an invaluable asset
to the house. He is committed to ensuring that the frameworks, policies, and
measures debated at General Synod directly empower local communities to
be effective in mission, evangelism, and public service.
Seconder: The Rt Revd James Grier, Bishop of Plymouth
As I have got to know Paul since he became a bishop, I have been consistently
struck by his wisdom and pastoral persepctive. This has been exemplified
more than ever as he has loved and led a grieving Guildford Diocese. As a
member of General Synod, he would be a pastor who is strategic, missional
and places youth and children at the heart of the life of the church.
About me
I’m a cradle Anglican. I was a boy chorister in the Anglo-Catholic parish church
in Pembrokeshire where I was raised. I came to faith through confirmation
at 14 years old, which was further nurtured by the evangelical chaplaincy
and Christian Union at university. I still treasure both traditions. Following
formation at Ripon College Cuddesdon, I was ordained at 24 years of age.
I served my title at St Davids Cathedral, followed by two incumbencies: a
benefice of three rural parishes in North Pembrokeshire; and then a grotty
post-industrial town parish west of Swansea. Both were revitilisation projects
which saw considerable growth. This led me into senior leadership and two
successive archdeacon posts (in North Wales and Surrey).
As an archdeacon for 11 years, I focussed on being alongside clergy and
parishes in missional leadership (designing systems to support them), and
pastoral care (establishing clergy wellbeing convenants in two dioceses). As
Bishop of Dorking, I have held portfolios for children and young people,
vocations, the environment, racial justice, as well as being Warden of Readers.
Alongside my day jobs, amongst other things I have served on the General
Synod of two provinces; been Diocesan Ecumenical Officer, DDO, an
Officiating Chaplain to the Military, Acting Dean of a Cathedral and a member
of a lifeboat crew! I am married to Louise (a town planner and ordinand) and
we have two young adult children.

General Synod of the Church of England 2026
What I would bring to General Synod?

1. Passions

•
Jesus: I am wholly committed to a Church of England that is Jesus centred,
shaped by the five marks of mission, and is humbler, simpler and bolder.
•
Safeguarding: ‘the treasure entrusted to us is Christ’s own flock, bought by
the shedding of his blood on the cross’. We have to get this right.
•
Young People: whilst I am committed to all forms of diversity, I have a
particular heart for the place of children and young people in the church.
•
Clergy Wellbeing: I have been a very strong advocate of this for many years.
There has been significant progress, but there is still some way to travel.
•
Local Church: I believe the local church is the hope of the world and, whilst
I support mixed ecology, I’m a strong advocate of the parish system.
•
National Church: I long for us to be a Church of England that exists not for
the Church but for England - we need to be more outward focussed.
•
Stewardship of Resource: There needs to be a greater conversation about
how resources are used within the Church of England.

1. Gifts

•
Listening: I’m deeply influenced by the Rule of Benedict and seek to listen
carefully to what the Spirit is saying through the whole Body of Christ.
•
Unity: I am a reconciler of people - having spent many years in different
ministries of reconciliation, I seek to be a bridge builder.
•
Hope and Joy: Other people say that I’m a person who inhabits and expresses
hope and joy. I hold on to this - especially in challenging times.
•
Expereince: In nearly 30 years of ministry, I have served as a curate, minor
canon, vicar, archdeacon, acting dean and bishop in very different contexts.
•
Governance: I have served as a lay person, clergyperson and bishop across
the General Synods of two provinces in the Anglican Communion.

1. Values

•
Prayer: I am committed to praying for the work of General Synod and to
attending worship when present - which I believe is essential for this work.
•
Kindness: I am passionate about cultivating this fruit of the Spirit and seek
to influence culture through being kind and investing in relationships.
•
Trust and transparency: I lament the erosion of this during recent years and
would seek to play my part to build this during the next quinquennium.
•
Process: I am committed to following process as part of good governance
and, where appropriate, to challenge creative interpretations of it.
I hope you will consider giving me your first preference vote.
If I am elected, I will serve the Suffragan Bishops to the best of my ability.
Many thanks

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