General Synod Election Candidates 2026

Tim Bull

Proposed by:
Claire Harald, Rural Dean of Ampthill and Shefford Deanery
Seconded by:
Darren Collins, Rural Dean of Welwyn Hatfield Deanery
Personal email:
[email protected]

Why Vote for Me?
I have served as a member of General Synod for St Albans
Diocese since 2015. I don’t seek re-election as a matter of
habit, status or politics – I seek it because I think I have
important things to contribute, and because I believe I can
genuinely represent the people and parishes of our diocese.
My different roles have given me the privilege of getting to
know most of our diocesan clergy. As DDO, my aspiration is
to treat everyone – from whatever tradition or background
– with equity and impartiality. Hopefully, you’ve discovered
that I’m reliable, trustworthy and fair-minded. If we’ve not
yet spoken, then I look forward to getting to know you.
I’ve been blessed to lead worship and preach in around 150
different churches across the diocese – rural and urban,
large and small, traditional and pioneering. This breadth of
contact has given me an appreciation of the joys, struggles
and glorious variety of local ministry. I will be pleased to
carry that experience into the Synod chamber.
Alongside my regular work, I have been involved in a variety
of unusual projects from AI to disability. What has shaped
me, I think, is a consistent instinct to step toward things that
are genuinely interesting, not yet done, and worth
attempting – without always knowing in advance whether
they’ll succeed. In doing this, I’ve seen God’s faithfulness.
I am not a politician, and I am not interested in becoming
one. What I offer is a combination of theological depth,
technical expertise, pastoral experience, and a willingness
to listen carefully before offering my considered opinion.
C.V.
Maths degree
from Oxford.
Theology degree from
Cambridge.
PhD in computer
science from Durham.
PhD in theology and
genetics from Kings
College London.
Seven years as a
software engineer.
Lecturer at
Durham University.
Twenty-seven years
in ordained ministry.
Ten years as
a parish priest.
Thirteen years as
St Albans Director of
Ministry, then DDO.
Residentiary Canon at
St Albans Cathedral.
Chair of Enabling
Leaders for disabled
and neurodivergent
clergy and laity.
Founder member
of the AI Christian
Partnership.
Member of the C of E
Mission and Public
Affairs Council.
Married to Julie
with two grown-up
daughters.

My Agenda, Values and Interests
Gospel — The world-changing good news of Jesus Christ
At the heart of my life, work and ministry is the firm belief that Jesus Christ is good
news for today’s world. Through his life, death and resurrection we find love, joy,
freedom, peace and the hope of eternal life. This conviction shapes the way I approach
each issue that comes before Synod, as I ask: How does this proclaim the Gospel?
Mission — Structures that serve the work of God
While I recognise the need for change and fresh initiatives, the Church’s mission must
be built on the bedrock of parish ministry. People’s lives are touched, communities are
changed, and churches grow through the faithful witness of local churches. During my
time as a parish priest, I saw first-hand how patient presence produces things you
couldn’t have planned: a congregation that grew by seventy percent, a children’s and
youth ministry that expanded six-fold, and a community that began to believe in itself.
Welcome — A Church for everyone where all ministries are valued
I don’t just support an inclusive Church in theory, I have helped build it in practice. It
has been a privilege to lead Enabling Leaders – the Church’s national development
programme for disabled and neurodivergent clergy and laity. Watching what it unlocks
in participants has been one of the great joys of my ministry. I am committed to equality
for everyone – at all levels and in all roles within the Church – regardless of ethnicity,
gender identity, disability, neurodiversity or mental health. On the matter of sexuality I
have supported an inclusive view – not as a divisive issue, but because I believe that the
God of Love wants to bless us all through mutual, committed, loving relationships.
Wellbeing — Clergy flourishing as essential
While the wellbeing of all people is important, I believe clergy need particular support.
Personal experience has taught me that the pressures that we face are often challenging,
and the role can be lonely and isolated. It’s because I recognised these demands that I
set up the diocesan Clergy Wellbeing Forum some years ago. At General Synod, I will
continue to speak up for clergy welfare especially in the areas of stipends, pensions and
working arrangements.
Technology — A wise response to the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Technology – especially AI – is changing the world in ways that would have seemed
impossible until recently. This is raising questions about work, education, medicine,
creativity, our human nature as people made in God’s image, and more. While AI has
been addressed by the Pope and Archbishop of Canterbury, it has not been tackled by
General Synod. As a founder of the AI Christian Partnership, and a member of the
Mission and Public Affairs Council, I would seek to spearhead debate in this vital area.
I would be glad of your first place vote, and gladder still of a conversation.
You can contact me at: [email protected]

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