General Synod Election Candidates 2026

The Rt Revd Karen Gorham, Bishop of Sherborne
Having had experience of General Synod for a good number of years in three dioceses,
as incumbent, archdeacon and suffragan bishop, I am standing for re-election and
would value your vote.
I have been Bishop of Sherborne for over ten years and am currently Acting Bishop of
Salisbury. During this time, I have been a participant observer in the House of Bishops.
I bring an awareness of the issues facing the church at this time as well as a
commitment to diocesan life and the local and am acutely aware of the frustrations
acting bishops currently have with no voting rights in either General Synod or the House.
Seeing how many dioceses are currently vacant this needs to be addressed during the
next quinquennium.
I serve on the Legislative Reform Committee of the Archbishop’s Council seeking to
create flexible and pragmatic change to our legal structures and having been a member
of the LLF Next Steps Group am now on the Relationships, Sexuality and Gender
Pastoral Consultative Group.
My aim is always to join the pig picture with the detail and to seek solutions which
improve our processes and pastoral care, helping the church be always be good news
as we make Jesus known.
Coming from a broad evangelical perspective my contribution to the LLF debate has
been to find a position of unity within our dioceses, whilst seeking inclusion for LGBTQI+
sisters and brothers. I am pleased that we have a suite of prayers however am
disappointed that we have not moved further over the last five years to offer services of
blessing for those who are in committed, faithful same sex relationships. Without this
the churches welcome to all remains tentative.
I am committed to listen and work for a church that reflects the love of Christ for all.
This includes good governance, independent scrutiny, processes that serve the local
church, and support clergy well-being. I am also committed locally to issues of
homelessness, inclusion and justice. General Synod needs to be a voice for the
voiceless, at its best when stories are shared, including the voice of young people.
Suffragan bishops have an important part to play in the life of the national and
international church, and I am committed to playing my part as we participate together
in God’s mission and ministry.

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