General Synod Election Candidates 2026

GENERAL SYNOD : HOUSE of CLERGY. 2026.
ANDREW HOWARD
Nominated by Rev. Sarah Maughan and
Canon Christopher Barley.
I am 62 years old and was born in Derby. Before ordination I worked in hotel and catering
management, which was a great opportunity to work in a busy commercial environment and to
meet lots of different people. During this time I completed a part time degree in theology at the
University of Manchester.
I trained for the priesthood at the College of the Resurrection, Mirfield, with some postgraduate
work at the University of Leeds. I was ordained in 1997.
I enjoy music of all kinds. Music has always been an important part of my journey of faith and
spirituality. I have played the keyboard from an early age, and more recently have been learning
to play the recorder, with the hope of taking a diploma this year. I am also passionate about art,
reading and cooking and delight in the company of Hugo, a lovely labrador I look after from time
to time.
Within the Diocese, I have been the Vicar of Saint Wilfrid’s, Cantley since 2013, and Saint
Hugh’s, New Cantley from 2024. I have been a co-Area Dean of Doncaster and a member of the
Diocesan Synod. I also have the privilege of being a national advisor for the Bishop’s Advisory
Panel. I am proud to be able to contribute as much as I can to the life and witness of our
Diocese. I came to Sheffield from the Diocese of York and served as a member of the General
Synod for five years during that time. I have contributed to debates relating to the inner city (I
lived in Moss Side, Manchester, during the riots), end of life care, and chaplaincy (I was the
chaplain at the University of Teesside for eight years), and neuro-diversity, to name but a few.
I would look forward to contributing to current debates in Synod.
I hold to an orthodox understanding of marriage, but I believe we must at all times be gracious
and respect the views of those we might disagree with whilst holding firmly to our own integrity.
Above all we need to listen carefully to one another.

I have deep concerns about the review of the sacrament of confession. The importance of this
sacrament cannot be stressed enough, as it provides a means for believers to receive
forgiveness and to be reconciled with God and the Church. It is a healing sacrament which I feel
is under attack by the current discussions.

I am most keen that the Church of England continues to attach as much importance as possible
to the issues of safeguarding at all levels. This is vital. I am deeply committed to this and hope
that the Church of England gets the new arrangements right.

As a traditional catholic in the Church of England, I have always believed in the pastoral ministry
of the priest to all people, and I am concerned that in some places this traditional approach is
under threat, and I support the work of the ‘Save the Parish’ project

I’d be happy to answer any questions you may have:
(01302) 285316
07740932758
[email protected]
Thank you.

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