General Synod Election Candidates 2026

CALUM ZUCKERT
PROPOSER
The Ven Bridget Shepherd
Archdeacon of Wandsworth
I am standing for Election to General Synod to represent the voices of clergy and I
would be grateful for your vote. I am passionate about the Church of England and
pray for a renewed energy in the church committed to know and nurture the people
in our care. Young people, in particular, have too often been seen as tomorrow’s
church and therefore tomorrow’s problem; I am convinced that today’s church needs
to be close to the ones whom Jesus called to be close to him.
This is an exciting season for the Church, where growth is – in some areas –
becoming embedded. It is my hope that the Church becomes increasingly relevant
and a place where new and returning Christians find a home. The parish is the
centre of the church’s mission, being best placed to know our local communities,
and should be supported with resources and clergy who are enabled to minister
well.
I look forward to a time when the Church of England will spend more time talking
about Christ’s mission to the world and less talking to and about ourselves. We need
to achieve a more inclusive and satisfactory conclusion to the LLF project, be clear
in support of the local church, and regain confidence in being the church for all. We
also must redouble our efforts to become a truly safe church, where safeguarding is
not an afterthought or inconvenience, but rooted in our mission. With these
priorities, I feel confident that these are exciting and transformative days in our
Church life.
I hope that I can count on your vote, and I am very willing to answer any questions.
I believe in the parish as the bedrock for
the church’s mission, and the local point of
connection with the love of God and
neighbour. I long to see a Church of
England where everyone is welcomed and
has a place.
SECONDER
The Revd Dr Charlie Baczyk-Bell
Associate Priest
St John the Divine Kennington
Why am I standing for election?

About me
Church Interests
Outside of Ministry
Priorities for the next Synod

• Rector of Barnes Team Ministry, representing a range of church traditions
• Previously Minor Canon Youth Chaplain at St Albans Cathedral
• Served in a SSM curacy in North London
• Previously a Vocations Advisor and Assistant Director of Ordinands
• Background as a professional choral conductor
• Specialist in educating young voices
• Trained for Ministry at Westcott House and St Mellitus College
• Engaging young people and their families in the church
• Building relationships across church communities
• Church music and liturgy
• Growing the church sustainably
• Developing vocations and supporting those in formation for ministry

-Husband and Stepdad of 2
-Keen cook
-Occasional choral conducting work
-Private Pilot License holder
-Supporting parishes with increasing costs and demands
-Developing recruitment to well-resourced ministry posts
-Encouraging a growth in vocations to ordination
-Becoming a more inclusive and representative church
25, Glebe Road, London. SW13 0DZ | [email protected]

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