anglo-catholic,archbishop,baptism,broad church,catholic,clergy wellbeing,generosity,inclusive,inclusive church,liberal,living in love and faith,pcc,sacramental,safeguarding,tradition

Alison Tomkins – St Matthew’s Wimbledon, Merton
Deanery

Nominated by:

Helen Ainsworth, General Synod 2021-2026, Tandridge
Deanery Synod

Catherine Gilonis, St Matthew’s Wimbledon, Merton Deanery
Synod

I am standing for election to the General Synod because I would like to contribute to
ensuring the Church of England remains a broad church where everyone is welcome,
especially its non-members.

I believe church is a ‘space cleared by God through Jesus in which people may become what
God made them to be.’ (former Archbishop Rowan Williams).

I value the opportunity to work together in General Synod with Christians of very different
views and traditions, to discern a way forward on complex issues and recognise that
something far more powerful unites us than divides us, namely the love of God for each one
of us.

Why me?
• Churchwarden of St Matthew’s Wimbledon (www.stmatthewswimbledon.org) an
Inclusive church in the liberal Anglo Catholic tradition.
• Member of the congregation for 28 years, singing in the choir and leading discussion
groups; previous roles including treasurer and secretary of the DCC.
• I led our church's Living in Love and Faith group and co-ordinated our video response
to the consultation in 2022.
• My faith, church community and sacramental worship are central to my life.

• Member of the PCC for the Parish of Wimbledon. As safeguarding co-ordinator I
worked with the Parish Safeguarding Officers to ensure the safeguarding of children
and vulnerable adults is a core consideration in everything we do.
• Merton Deanery Synod for a 6 year term and valued the opportunity to share our
faith and responses to the challenges of parish life in south west London.

• Senior Manager at the Bank of England, regulating banks, building societies and
credit unions. I will bring my practical governance and financial experience to
Synod discussions. I will be human and humble in engaging in open and constructive
dialogue where all voices are heard respectfully.
• I work part-time and my children have (almost!) left home so I can devote the time
and energy needed.
• My inspirations include art history, cathedral architecture, choral singing, canal
boating and walking.

General Synod Priorities

National Governance and safeguarding - I will draw on my professional experience to
contribute to governance reforms. In particular, I appreciate the value of diversity of
background and thought in supporting effective decision-making. I am passionate about
ensuring that the approach to safeguarding is straightforward, accountable and consistent,
where Parish Safeguarding Officers and clergy can rely on timely support and expertise.

Funding arrangements - I will use my financial background to contribute to the debate on
future funding, looking at questions of sustainability, ministry capacity and effectiveness of
current funding approaches. To steward our existing resources wisely for current and future
generations, aware we are ‘here forever’, but balancing that with the radical decisions
needed now to support the parish system, promote growth and maintain and update our
buildings. To promote generosity and sacrificial giving from the living church.

Clergy wellbeing - I declare an interest here as the wife of a retired parish priest! To be bold
in maintaining and financially supporting clergy, mindful of the centrality of the parish
system in supporting all and providing a radical welcome to the most vulnerable in our
society.

Inclusion - To approach future debates in the spirit of Archbishop Cottrell’s words –
‘because of our baptism, we already belong to each other. The task therefore, may not be to
unravel the twisted knots of the unity we don’t have, but to reveal the unity we do have.
And build on it and do something new.’

“I enthusiastically endorse Alison’s nomination to General Synod. Combining
exceptional governance expertise with deep compassion and a longstanding
commitment to the Church at grassroots level, she brings the confidence, judgement
and attention to detail needed to scrutinise complex issues thoughtfully and
rigorously.” Helen Ainsworth, GS 2021-2026

“I wholeheartedly support Alison as a candidate for General Synod. She has been a
diligent, prayerful member of our leadership team. As warden, Alison has been very
supportive of me and my ministry, brings a cool head, and a reconciliatory approach
where different views are held in discussions. This, and her governance experience at
work, means Alison has a wealth of experience to offer Synod, which she would offer
calmly, patiently, and with compassion.” Fr Alastair Newman, St Matthew’s
Wimbledon

Voting is open from 21 September to 13 October.

Please get in touch at [email protected] to say hello and tell me what your
priorities are for General Synod.