ai,catholic,disability,ecumenical,equality,gender identity,generosity,inclusive,liturgy,mental health,neurodiversity,palestine,roman catholic,sexuality,walsingham,youth

ELECTION STATEMENT of Susan Shirt

I have worked as a physiotherapist in the NHS for 38 years, including neurological
rehabilitation, managing a stand alone rehab centre in Rotherham, supporting patients
with learning disabilities and Falls Lead in Sheffield Community Therapy Service.
I have an MSc in Health Care Practice. My dissertation was on what makes a team work
well.
Collaboration in the face of differences, stereotyping and assumptions of others is one of
my key motivating drivers.

During my final year of physio training, I was confirmed at Southwark Cathedral in 1985.
Instruction was given by the Hospital Chaplain- who was transformative for my faith.
I was guided by the mantra ‘if you are too busy for God then you are too busy!’ It was my
final year, but I found room for God- and I have done so ever since.
I volunteered with the YWCA in my youth - including representing the ‘Y’ at ecumenical
conferences in East Germany and Palestine.
I have a deep commitment to the Anglican Church- its breadth and depth is far reaching.
All my ecumenical encounters only serve to reinforce this.

I grew up in a Naval family. Church was often a consecrated Nissen hut. Here I learnt early
on that God can be worshipped anywhere.
I belong to an ecumenical walking pilgrimage to Walsingham during Holy Week- Pilgrim
Cross (formerly Student Cross). I have been actively involved with the liturgy planning for
this for over 20 years- both for adults and children.

I have been married to Dom for over 30 years. He is a Roman Catholic and I have learnt
so much from him and the RC church (but am still happy to be Anglican!).
We have 2 children-our daughter still lives with us and our 3 cats and dog. There is
neurodiversity in our family. I live with it and truly see how rich our world is because of it.

SUE SHIRT

House of Laity,

St Augustine’s Church,

Sheffield.

I feel called to serve on General Synod
because I am deeply rooted to the
Anglican Church.
I am committed to EQUALITY for
everyone, at all levels and roles within
the church, regardless of disability,
economic power, ethnicity, sex, gender
identity, learning disability, mental
health, neurodiversity or sexuality.

ELECTION STATEMENT of Susan Shirt

Why I would like the opportunity to serve on General Synod.

GRACE

It is the grace of
God that helps
me to see that
everything and
everyone is part
of his creation.

St Francis
teaches us that
everything is
sacred as it has
been held in the
Creator's
Hands.
It is not for me
to judge. Trying
to walk a mile
in another's
shoes would be
beyond most of
us.

I am bringing
my lifetime of
skills of
listening and
trying to
understand
what is being
said. And a
deeply held
respect for
others - by the
Grace of God.

HOPE

What gives me
hope for the
Anglican
Church is not
just the
diversity of
churches that
exist, but the
people who
worship within.

We walk
through many
parishes on our
100 mile
pilgrimage to
Walsingham
each year. Most
are not wealthy
and can be very
rural, but we
are welcomed
with such love
and joy and
generosity.

My spirit is
renewed each
year by this

are one church
-and we will
find innovative
ways to keep
going.
FAITH

I am a
practicing and
practising
Christian. It is a
wonderful
lifelong
adventure

I am slowly
getting better
at it!

My faith has
been influenced
by prayers that
have been
answered
directly.

Also by people
of faith and no
faith who I have
met along the
way.

I did not expect
to be
nominated for
General Synod,
but my faith in
God - and that
all shall be well
-is steadfast.

LOVE

Loving your
neighbour as you
love yourself, is a
very difficult
thing to do.

But my Anglican
faith has always
helped me to
understand more
clearly what this
truly means.

It is not about
exclusion,
judgement or
turning people
away.
It is about
welcoming those
who are different,
a bit irritating or
‘not like me’.

Christ's love is
inclusive, non-
judgemental and
does not turn
anyone away.

I would bring
what I have of
this Love, to
General Synod.

My contact details are: [email protected] Please contact me if you have any
questions or comments

ELECTION STATEMENT of Susan Shirt

Thank you so much for taking your time to read my statement. Please can I ask you for
your first preference vote, or failing that, your highest possible vote.
AI has not been used in the writing of this statement.