General Synod Election Candidates 2026

Election Address
The Reverend Laura Bushell Hawke
Oversight Minister, Diocese of Truro

Introduction

lam standing for election to the House of Clergy because |
care about the life and health of our church. My ministry
across five parishes has shown me how national decisions
shape everyday parish life. | want to bring a calm and
thoughtful voice to those conversations.

My work is rooted in a lifelong passion for learning about good leadership. | try to help
communities flourish and support clergy and volunteers so they can serve with
confidence. | believe the House of Clergy needs voices shaped by real experience of
those of us currently on the ground in the parish. Voices that understand the pressures
clergy face and the hope that good leadership can bring.

My Approach to Serving

Christ centred discernment

At the heart of my ministry is a commitment to Christ, prayer and a quest for wisdom. |
want to make decisions that honour Christ and build up the church. My observation is
that national conversations need that grounding, a steady presence that keeps our
shared calling at the centre.

Ethical leadership

| believe clarity and honesty matter. My background in volunteer leadership and my
formation through Windsor Leadership and the Incumbents Leadership Programme
have shaped a leadership style that is reflective and practical. | pay attention to the
human impact of governance and I try to act with integrity, even when it is inconvenient.

Good governance as faithful stewardship

Healthy governance supports clergy and strengthens parishes. In my oversight ministry |
work to build systems that help people and encourage collaboration. | want to bring this
experience to national structures so decisions are made with care and a clear
understanding of how they affect local ministry.

Supporting local ministry

National decisions must help clergy and communities in the parish. My work across
town and village parishes has shown me the realities of rural ministry and the pressures
on volunteers in all our church communities. Rural ministry often means long
distances, small teams, and a great deal of quiet faithfulness. | want to make sure these
realities are understood and valued. In the town we face different challenges. The teams
may not be as big as we imagine they should be and the sense of local community may
not include the church in the way we hope. Clergy wellbeing matters to me, | have seen
how tiredness and isolation can build up quietly. Both rural and town settings need care
and attention and both need national decisions that support clergy and volunteers who
are doing their best in very different contexts.

A calm presence

| bring steadiness shaped by real experience in complex contexts. Like all clergy, | have
had to manage situations where communication has broken down and expectations
have been tangled. | have learned the value of listening well and helping people move
forward without anxiety, while not shying away from the difficult conversations.

Experience | Bring
¢ Oversight ministry across a multi parish benefice which gives me a clear
understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing clergy and
congregations in this Diocese
¢ My vocation was discerned in the Diocese of Truro, where | trained for
ordination, served my curacy and began my first incumbency. This diocese has
shaped my ministry from the very beginning
¢ Governance experience in the Church, Education and Charitable sectors
¢ Formation through Windsor Leadership and the Incumbents Leadership
Programme which has equipped me with leadership skills that help me serve
well at a national level
¢ Volunteer leadership background including over a decade as a Commissioned
Officer in the RAF Air Cadets which shaped my approach to supporting teams
and volunteers
¢ Service on the Vacancy in See Committee which has given me insight into
national processes and episcopal oversight, including being part of the Crown
Nomination Commission and the Bishop’s Advisory Panel

These experiences have taught me the importance of prayer, clarity, compassion and
integrity. | will bring these qualities to the House of Clergy.

What | Hope to Contribute
If elected | will:
e Offer a steady Christ centred voice in national discernment in the belief we are
called to love God and love one another
e Advocate for healthy governance that supports clergy wellbeing and parish
flourishing
e Bring live parish experience to conversations that shape national policy
e Work collaboratively and listen carefully across all levels of our shared life
e Serve with humility and a commitment to the flourishing of clergy parishes and
communities across our diocese

Conclusion

| would be honoured to represent the Diocese of Truro in the House of Clergy. | offer a
calm and pastoral presence shaped by lived experience and thoughtful leadership
formation. Very simply, | love Jesus, the church and its people and | want to serve them
all well.

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