General Synod Election Candidates 2026

For General Synod
Christine
Batchford
about me.
I have lived and worked in Rotherham for 8 years, with the previous 25 years spent in
different parts of Sheffield.
As a young adult I worked with Jackie Pullinger in Hong Kong, amongst Chinese drug
addicts. As well as meeting my husband Phil there, I developed a life-long call to show
the love of God to those who are excluded and marginalised.
I didn’t follow Phil down the route to ordination, but became a community builder in
both paid and unpaid roles in some of the most challenging areas of Sheffield.
Starting off in the old Norfolk Park (remember the tower blocks??) we worshiped in a
portacabin on the estate. Then followed Sharrow and Upperthorpe, where we raised
our children in a multi-cultural environment.
Now at Rotherham Minster I have set up a social supermarket at the church,
supporting those who are struggling to afford the basics.
The longer I go on my journey with Jesus, the more I am amazed by “how wide and
long and high and deep is the love of Christ” (Ephesians 3v18)
It is a love that blows my mind time after time and constantly surprises me seeing
God is at work in the most unexpected people and places.
I want to be in a church where everyone can flourish and contribute; we are all
made in God’s image with our gender, ethnicity, background, abilities, sexuality and
uniqueness being a gift.
Proposer: Kinder Kalsi - Attercliffe Denary
Seconder: David Castle - Rotherham Denary
Dear elector, I am writing to ask for your
vote in the election of a lay representative to
the General Synod.
Christine’s faith and passion are reflected in her ministry – both present and past -where she
gathers people together, builds community and seeks to empower others. I can’t think of a
better person to be on General Synod, than Christine – who brings these skills and a deep
wisdom founded in her prayer and life experience.
Captain Kinder Kalsi, Attercliffe Denary

What can I bring to Synod?
advocating for communities who are
underrepresented.
The worldwide family of God - Having a multi-cultural background (no, you
wouldn’t know it to look at me!) and having lived overseas, I love the blessings
that different nationalities bring to a community. I will promote and celebrate
the breadth of the anglican communion.
Growing the church poorer - Historically the church of England has had the
biggest welcome for the wealthiest and most educated. This is not Jesus’
way and He has given me a heart to live with and advocate for those who have
the least. At Rotherham Minster it has been a joy to see the way a church is
blessed when it is able to fully include those who have little. However, there
are still too many barriers to those from poorer backgrounds playing a full role
in the church, including as priests. I will seek to redress this balance.
breadth of experience.
I have experience of a wide range of worshiping contexts, styles and theologies
(from happy clappy to smells and bells) and have come to appreciate a church that
allows space for this difference. Becoming more like Jesus is our goal, not more like
each other. I have strongly held views, but will always seek to listen to and
understand different opinions and find common ground where possible.
who would be a vicar?!
Having been married to a member of the clergy for 25 years I
am aware of the immense pressures of ordained ministry. I also see the
teamwork that is possible in a mixed lay and ordained team. I will do all I can to
support clergy wellbeing and to empower the laity to play a full
part in church leadership.
I believe in a church for everyone, regardless of gender,
disability, ethnicity, socio-economic status, mental health
or sexuality. We are all made in God’s image, we are all
invited to the Lord’s table. I am fully supportive of women’s
ministry and equality for LGBT+ Christians, at all levels and
in all roles in the church
I hope you will give me your first preference vote,
with Cathy Rodes, another inclusive candidate, as
your second preference

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