General Synod Election Candidates 2026

1
Candidate:
The Venerable David Gerrard
Archdeacon of Sheffield and
Rotherham
Nominator 1:
The Venerable Javaid Iqbal
Archdeacon of Doncaster
Nominator 2:
The Revd. Dr Dan Christian
Director of Vocations and
Diocesan Director of Ordinands
Personal
Background
I am married to Carole, a
Primary School Teacher, and
we have two daughters, Sarah
and Anabel. In my spare time I
enjoy music, long walks,
reading and all things science
fiction!
GENERAL SYNOD
ELECTION ADDRESS
Career and Ministry
After graduating with a joint degree in History, Professional
Development and Primary Education I spent 5 years working
as a Primary School teacher. After being called to ordination
I trained at Trinity College in Bristol and then served my
curacy in the Parish of St Anne’s, Shevington in the Diocese
of Blackburn from 2012. In 2014 I completed my MPhil in
the area of Biblical Studies.
In 2016 I became the Priest-in-Charge of the United Benefice
of St Catherine’s, Belle Vue and St Andrew’s and St Mary’s,
Wakefield; inner city, multicultural parishes with high levels of
deprivation. In 2019 I became the Area Dean of Wakefield
and in 2023 I took on the role of Project Lead of the SDF
funded ‘Every Good Work’ Project.
In 2025 I was appointed as the Archdeacon of Sheffield and
Rotherham. Since then I have endeavoured to serve the
churches across the Diocese and offer support and
encouragement. I believe an Archdeacon can offer a unique
perspective on the General Synod and I would be grateful for
your consideration.
Areas of Interest
Young people: Before ordination I was a Primary School
teacher and since ordination I have continued to do a lot of
work in the field. This included leading the ‘Every Good
Work’ Project, which works with young people cross the city
of Wakefield, engaging them in social action and discipleship.
I am convinced that our churches need young people. We
need to be hearing their voices and perspectives, as well as
helping them to grow in their discipleship.
Creating a Safe Church: I believe the church has to be a
safe place for children, vulnerable people and also clergy. As
the Bishop’s Lead for Safeguarding in the diocese I support
the continued reviewing and reforming our Safeguarding
practices. Likewise, I support the continued review of the
Clergy Discipline Measure. Many people have been hurt and
it is important to do all we can to prevent this in the future.

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Poverty: Until recently I served in a parish placed in the bottom 5% of the country in terms of social
deprivation. We ran two community centres, seeking to help in the areas of food poverty, social
isolation, mental health, education and more. We ran a fresh expression of church reaching out to
people struggling with homelessness, addiction issues, mental health struggles and other areas of need. I
am passionate about calling the Church of England to be in the poorest areas. Instead we are often
closing churches and withdrawing from the most deprived areas of our country. The same could be said
for the disparities in wealth across dioceses. If we are to be the body of Christ, we must not allow this to
unthinkingly happen.
Mission and Ministry: In a turbulent and divided world the call to proclaim the Gospel is more
important than ever. The decisions made at General Synod, including how resources are allocated across
the Church of England, are vital if we are to be effective in sharing the Gospel. The call to pray, the call
to evangelism and the call to be the body of Christ in each community should remain the core of all we
do.
Disability and Neurodiversity: My eldest daughter has a genetic muscle condition called ‘Mcardle’s
Disease’, a rare and often hidden disability. She lacks the enzyme which allows glycogen to be broken
down into energy to be used by her muscles. My youngest daughter is diagnosed with Autism, making
new situations and overstimulating environments difficult for her. As such, the call to make our
churches open, welcoming and inclusive to people with disabilities and neurodiversity is deeply personal
to me. Our church should be places where all people can come and encounter the living God.
Witness: The Church of England has a long standing role in speaking into the public square. There are
numerous areas in our culture into which the church should be speaking with a clear voice. For example,
the renewed assisted dying bill currently passing through parliament, to which the church has a critical
role in proclaiming the sanctity of human life. The General Synod has a role to play in speaking clearly
into these national debates.
Conclusion
Thank you for taking the time to read this Election Address. I would be honoured if you would consider
giving me your vote and to be your representative at General Synod. Please do contact me if you would
like a further conversation and I would be grateful if you could give me your vote.
Contact Details
The Venerable David Gerrard
Email:
[email protected]
Tel:
07902 756852

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