accountability,faith communities,gospel,mission,outreach,safeguarding,transparency,witness

Catherine Sands – The Diocese of Southwark
General Synod - Election Address for the post
Dear Members,
I am seeking election to the General Synod because I believe the Church of England has a vital
role to play in supporting individuals, families and communities in a rapidly changing world. At a
time when many people are searching for hope, purpose and belonging, the Church must
continue to be a visible expression of faith, compassion and service.
My Christian faith has shaped both my personal life and my professional career. For almost forty
years I have worked within the National Health Service, serving communities across London and
supporting people during some of the most challenging moments of their lives. As a senior nurse
in a paediatric emergency department, I cared for children and families experiencing trauma,
serious illness and bereavement. These experiences taught me the importance of compassion,
dignity and hope in times of uncertainty.
I now lead Emergency Preparedness, Resilience and Response, working with healthcare
organisations, local authorities, emergency services and voluntary agencies to ensure essential
services continue during major incidents and periods of crisis. Alongside this, I have spent the last
five years leading NHS mortuary services, supporting bereaved families and ensuring that every
deceased person is treated with dignity, respect and care. This responsibility has given me a
profound appreciation of the importance of pastoral support, ethical leadership and service to
people at some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
Alongside this role, I have spent the last five years leading NHS mortuary services. This
responsibility has brought me into close contact with bereaved families, faith communities and
people from a wide range of cultural backgrounds at some of the most difficult times in their
lives. Ensuring that every deceased person is treated with dignity and respect, while supporting
their loved ones with compassion and sensitivity, has reinforced my understanding of the
importance of pastoral care, human dignity and service to others. These experiences have
deepened both my faith and my appreciation of the Church's ministry to those who are grieving,
vulnerable or seeking hope.
Throughout my career I have held responsibilities for leadership, governance, safeguarding,
ethical decision-making and public service. I have learnt the importance of listening carefully,
building consensus and working with people who hold differing views while remaining focused
on shared values and common purpose.
The Church, like the NHS, serves people from every background and circumstance. I believe we
are strongest when we combine faith with practical action, offering spiritual guidance,
compassion and community support to those who need it most.
If elected to General Synod, I will seek to:
•
Represent the views of our deanery faithfully and effectively.
•
Promote a Church that is welcoming, compassionate and rooted in the Gospel.

Catherine Sands – The Diocese of Southwark
•
Support clergy and lay leaders as they respond to increasing pressures on ministry and
parish life.
•
Champion transparency, accountability and good governance.
•
Encourage mission and outreach that enables people of all generations to encounter the
love of Christ.
•
Work for the flourishing of churches serving diverse communities across England.
I am committed to approaching Synod with an open mind, a listening ear and a determination to
contribute positively to the future life and witness of the Church. My experience of supporting
people through major incidents, bereavement and recovery has taught me the importance of
resilience, compassion and hope. These are qualities I would seek to bring to the work of General
Synod.
It would be a privilege to serve both our deanery and the wider Church in this capacity, and I
respectfully ask for your support and prayers