General Synod Election Candidates 2026

Rev’d Chris Kilgour
Candidate for General Synod
PHOTO HERE
Vicar of Northaw and Cuffley (since 2017)
Rural Dean of Cheshunt (since 2023)
Member of St Albans Diocesan Synod (since 2023)
Member of St Albans Diocesan Board of Finance (since 2024)
chris@norcuff.com
07446 516945
I am offering myself to serve you, the Diocese of St Albans, and the wider Church of
England, as a member of General Synod. I am standing because I want to see the mission
and ministry of the church properly supported and resourced at the parish level.
I have been in ordained ministry since 2013, first as a curate in Rochester Diocese and for
the last nine years as vicar of Northaw and Cuffley. I offer experience of parish ministry
and some of the challenges and joys that it brings. I also bring experience of the wider
diocese as Rural Dean and elected member of both Diocesan Synod and Diocesan Board
of Finance.
As a member of Diocesan Synod and the Board of Finance, I have not been afraid to ask
questions, challenge assumptions, and work constructively for the benefit of clergy and
parishes in our diocese. I would continue to do this as a member of General Synod.
About me
I am married to Anna, and we have five children and two grandchildren. Before
ordination I worked as a software developer in Sheffield and York. I am a school
governor, a trustee of Church Society, and of two local village charities.
I enjoy exploring technology, and playing board games (I will happily talk to you about
my recent sabbatical project, which was kickstarted from the club I’m a part of).
I grew up in a Christian household, and some of my earliest memories are of attending a
Church of England church. I am a convinced Anglican; I see the value and benefit of the
parish system and want to see it strengthened and secured for the future.

If elected to General Synod
If elected, I would represent all of the clergy in the Diocese of St Albans as faithfully as I
can. In seeking to support and resource the mission and ministry of the church, four
areas particularly stand out for me:
Evangelism, discipleship and training
General Synod should pay attention to where churches are making and growing
disciples, learn from them, and ensure that national structures help rather than hinder
that mission. This includes properly equipping and training clergy and lay people for
ministry.
Finance and parish ministry
The parish system gives the Church of England a Christian presence and responsibility in
every community. The parish system is worth preserving; its funding needs a genuinely
long-term settlement; and national resources exist to enable front-line ministry rather
than becoming an end in themselves.
Human sexuality and marriage
The LLF and PLF processes and the debates of the last quinquennium have created hurt
and division across our church. This cannot continue for another five years. I am
committed to both the Church of England's historic doctrine of marriage and the growth
and flourishing of all members of the church. I would work across the range of views to
find a clear, faithful and lasting way forward, treating everyone with grace, dignity and
pastoral care.
Clergy well-being
In the 13 years since I was ordained, the demands placed on clergy have increased
dramatically, and I am concerned that this is becoming unsustainable without better
support in place. Questions around the adequacy of stipends, the future of pensions,
and the provision and maintenance of clergy housing can all add considerably to the
pressures clergy face. While much has been done recently, I think more could, and
should, be done to support clergy, whether stipendiary, non-stipendiary, or retired.
Finally
As you prayerfully consider how to cast your vote, I would be grateful if you would give
me your first-preference vote (or, if not, your second- or even third-preference vote
would be appreciated!). If you have questions or concerns, please contact me directly: I
would be glad to hear from you.
Nominated by:
The Rev’d Helen Bryan (Team Rector, Cheshunt Team Ministry, Cheshunt Deanery)
The Rev’d Chris Burrows (Curate, Christ Church Bushmead, Luton Deanery)

church society,clergy housing,diocesan board,disciples,discipleship,doctrine,evangelism,finance,housing,human sexuality,llf,marriage,mission,non stipendiary,ordination,plf,sabbatical,sexuality,stipendiary