anglican communion,ecumenical,lgbt,llf,tei,teis,transparency,universities,young people

The Rev’d Dr
Mark Smith

Standing for re-election

Dean & Fellow, Clare College, Cambridge

Lecturer, Faculty of Divinity, Cambridge
It’s been a privilege to serve as one of your Universities and TEIs reps on General Synod from 2021 to 2026,
and I’m delighted to be standing for re-election for the new quinquennium.

Over the last five years on General Synod, I’ve worked hard to ensure that rich theology (not anecdote or
political expediency, not mere pragmatism, not bureaucratic fiat) is closer to the centre of our decision-making.
Unless the Church’s self-reflection is being continually renewed by the vision of her crucified and risen Lord,
and the Church’s identity rests in God’s faithfulness, not our cleverness, we will be in danger of going astray.

On LLF, I’ve argued that until the depth of our different theological convictions is taken seriously, the process
will continue to cause deep harm, especially to LGBT people (you can watch my full speech to Synod here).
I’ve spoken up for the rights of parishes and patrons, as the Ministry and Pastoral Measure undergoes revision.
I’ve been committed to serious, doctrinally-informed ecumenical engagement, serving on the Council for
Christian Unity, and on the Anglican Communion’s new dialogue group with the Assyrian Church of the East.
I’ve advised on the Church of England’s resources for 2025’s Nicaea commemorations, and been part of the
Revision Committee for the Festival of Creation in Christ and Commemoration of the 21 Martyrs of Libya.

Throughout the quinquennium, I’ve been actively liaising with TEI staff, stakeholders and students, as we
have worked through a major review of the sector. This has been informed by my role as a current trustee of
Ridley Hall, Cambridge, and Wycliffe Hall, Oxford, and by my passion for seeing renewed and revitalised
TEIs, which train, form and teach men and women for contemporary ministry. Essential to this future
landscape must be a flourishing academy, with University departments of Theology that are well-resourced
and diverse, and that irrigate the Church’s wider life. As a member of the Divinity Faculty in Cambridge, I’m
keenly aware of the pressures, challenges and opportunities facing Theology & Religious Studies departments,
and, if re-elected, I will continue, clearly and boldly, to speak up on their behalf.

I’ve been really encouraged by much of what I’ve experienced of Synod life, as people profoundly committed
to the good of the Church have given their giftings, wisdom and time to committees, strategy, and discussion.
However, I’ve also been troubled by the tenor of many of our debates, and by the worrying deficit of trust,
transparency and goodwill that has so often become apparent. I want to see Synod’s next five years
characterised by a new spirit of decency and kindness, where surprising friendships are forged across divides,
and where we discover how good and pleasant it is to dwell together in unity.

Beyond Synod, I continue to serve as the Dean of Clare College, Cambridge, combining priestly ministry with
lecturing, supervising and researching in patristics at the Faculty. An energetic Chapel life engaging with
students helps me to understand first-hand the questions that young people have about the Church, as well as
their deep yearning for truth, beauty and meaning that only God can satisfy. Meanwhile, my work in patristics
never feels abstract, but always surprisingly contemporary – see here for my recent Oxford keynote on Nicaea.

I’m conscious that there is so much more to say! Please do drop me a line ([email protected]) if you would
like to discuss anything further, or share your own thoughts on how Synod can best support our constituency.
I very much hope that you will be able to give me a first or high-preference vote in the forthcoming elections.