catholic,discipleship,lgbt,pcc,roman catholic

ELIZABETH HEDISON • HOUSE OF LAITY 2026 • DIOCESE OF ST ALBANS
ELIZABETH HEDISON
Standing for the House of Laity • 2026
DIOCESE OF ST ALBANS
ST ALBANS

A CHURCH WHERE
EVERYONE BELONGS
LIVED EXPERIENCE.
PRACTICAL SERVICE.
CONSTRUCTIVE CONTRIBUTION.
I want to bring my lived experience, professional skills and
experience of parish life to the debates and decisions of
General Synod.
“I will advocate for a Church that is open and welcoming to all, where every
person knows that they belong.”
A CHURCH WHERE EVERYONE BELONGS
I am grateful that the Church of England already has lay and clergy voices willing to speak up on LGBT issues. I believe
representation matters too. People should be able to see themselves reflected in the governance of their Church.
I will advocate for a Church that is open and welcoming to all, where every person knows that they belong.
Our Church is strengthened when more people feel able to become part of it. We enrich our own lives when we listen to one
another, hear each other’s stories and seek to understand experiences different from our own.
MY JOURNEY OF FAITH
My faith journey began in the Roman Catholic Church. As I came to understand my identity, however, I found that I was no
longer made to feel welcome.
That experience eventually brought me to St Paul’s in Bedford, where I found a church in which I was accepted, welcomed and
able to thrive.
After 15 years in Bedfordshire, St Paul’s has become my spiritual home. I am proud to play an active part in parish life through
the serving team, sound team and PCC.
As a transgender Christian, I have experienced first-hand the difference that genuine welcome can make. It has strengthened
my belief that the Church should be a place where everyone can know that they belong.
God is for everyone.
I want to bring that lived experience, alongside my professional skills and experience of parish life, to the debates and
decisions of General Synod.
Too often, difficult issues are discussed without fully understanding how the decisions being made affect real people. I want to
listen carefully, contribute constructively and speak up for those who can sometimes feel unheard or unseen.
I am enormously grateful to everyone who helped make the Church of England my home. I now want to help others find that
same sense of belonging and contribute to building a Church in which everyone knows there is a place for them.

ELIZABETH HEDISON • HOUSE OF LAITY 2026 • DIOCESE OF ST ALBANS

WHY I AM STANDING FOR GENERAL SYNOD
I am standing for General Synod because I believe meaningful change requires people to be willing to step forward and
play their part.
If I am not prepared to stand up for what I believe in, I cannot expect others to do so.
I would bring compassion, practical experience and an understanding of public service to Synod. I want to make a
positive and constructive contribution, listen to different perspectives and ensure that the real impact of the decisions
we make is never forgotten.
A TRANSGENDER CHRISTIAN’S STORY
From a young age, I questioned my identity and, for many years, felt that I had to hide it. Throughout that time, I remained
part of the Catholic Church.
Before an operation, I went to confession and was told that I was not close enough to God. Thankfully, I did not lose my
faith.
Instead, I reached out to Rev Anthony Davis at St Paul’s Church. Through St Paul’s, I found acceptance, dignity and a
spiritual home.
At a time when society can feel increasingly divided, I believe the Church has an important role in bringing people
together and supporting every member of our communities.
Nobody should ever be made to believe that there is no place for them in the Church.
God is for everyone, and we are all made in his image.
There has never been an openly transgender lay member of General Synod. It would be an enormous honour to be
elected as an openly transgender person representing St Albans, and to use that opportunity to contribute positively to
the life and work of the Church.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
SUPPORTING PUBLIC SERVICE
In my professional life, I work for an organisation that supports
local government councillors across the country, helping them
to serve their communities and get things done.
My role involves engaging with policy, navigating complex
issues and working closely with people carrying significant
responsibilities. I help councillors solve problems,
communicate effectively and deliver for the residents they
represent.
That experience has taught me the importance of listening
carefully, understanding different perspectives and helping
people reach good decisions while remaining focused on what
really matters.
These are the skills I would bring to General Synod.
SERVICE AND COMMITMENT
IN PARISH LIFE
My commitment to the Church is also rooted in practical
service.
At St Paul’s, I am a member of the serving team, sound team
and PCC, contributing both to worship and to the decision-
making life of the parish.
These roles have deepened my connection to St Paul’s and
strengthened my belief that practical service is an important
part of Christian discipleship.
For me, serving the Church is not simply about what we say. It
is about what we do for one another and the communities
around us.
I would be honoured to take that commitment to General Synod
and to represent the Diocese of St Albans in the House of Laity.
GET IN TOUCH
I’d love to hear from you
If you have questions about my campaign, want to share your
experience of the Church, or simply want to talk, please get in
touch.
07836 542760
Call, Text or WhatsApp