General Synod Election Candidates 2026

Please vote for Dr Mark Pickering for 2026 General Synod
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As a medical doctor (a GP) I’m experienced in boiling down
complex situations to key issues and presenting these clearly to a
range of people, as well as communicating sensitively in high-stress
environments.
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I work in prisons and secure mental health units, which gives me
experience of safeguarding, the criminal justice system, mental
health, and chaplaincy in complex environments.
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As the CEO of the Christian Medical Fellowship, I have an understanding of charity law
and the vital place of workplace ministry so that all Christians can impact their
workplaces and communities. I’m interested in organisational health and am a highly
relational leader, with excellent collaborative skills on complex, divisive issues.
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I’m an experienced media speaker on complex bioethical issues eg assisted suicide.
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Working in the diversity of the NHS, I am passionate about building good relationships
across ethnic groups, fostering understanding and appreciating the challenges that
racism and cultural misunderstandings bring.
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I have a long and significant interest in Islam and Judaism, which has helped me
understand other faiths, communicating Christian truth sensitively and contextually,
whilst also working together on issues of common interest.
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I’m a passionate advocate around autism and neurodiversity, promoting
understanding and inclusion, and the particular contributions this can often bring.
Varied Church Experience
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A member of St John’s Blackheath for many years in the 2000s and 2020s, previously
chairing the Missionary Committee. Also helped set up and support a team ministry
plant to a new urban area.
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Ten years in Yorkshire, in a rural multi-village benefice, part of a Bishop’s Mission
Order, with a complicated interregnum. I was also our village Parish Council chair,
focussing on community engagement, planning applications etc.
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As a student I spent time in a large London city church, as well as non-Anglican
experience in an urban estate (URC) and an FIEC church in Yorkshire.
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I’m fascinated by church history and different traditions – I enjoy engaging with
Catholicism and Orthodoxy to appreciate different Christian traditions.
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I love working in complicated organisations and helping to unravel knotty problems in
committees. I have a long history of collaborative working in organisational
partnerships, both in the UK and internationally through roles in the International
Christian Medical & Dental Association.
I can also communicate briefly and concisely, which is why I’ll keep this to one side of A4! I’d
be delighted to answer any questions you may have – [email protected] and 07962
236 161. I would really appreciate a high preference vote and am praying for wisdom for you as
you choose between many good candidates!
Nominators – Olaitan Fatoye (Plumstead Deanery) and Ruth Mwangangi (Charlton Deanery)

assisted suicide,benefice,chaplaincy,criminal justice,interregnum,islam,justice,mental health,mission,neurodiversity,other faiths,prisons,racism,safeguarding,stress,urc