missional,pcc,safeguarding,scripture,youth,youth ministry

ELECTION ADDRESS —GENERAL SYNOD HOUSE OF LAITY 2026

Sandra Brunt

ST KEA PARISH, TRURO - POWDER DEANERY

m: +44 7957 638775

Proposer: Jonny Alford - Lay Chair, Powder Deanery
Seconder: Sian Goddard - Powder Deanery

Who I Am

My name is Sandra Brunt. | am married to David, and together we have two grown-up sons. | was
born and brought up in the Highlands of Scotland, a place that shaped my early years, before a 35-
year career in the NHS took me across both Scotland and England, living and working in a number of

different communities along the way.

| now live in Cornwall, where | enjoy swimming and gardening in my spare time — simple pleasures
that give me space to rest and reflect. It was as a teenager, long before my nursing career or my
years of church service began, that | first gave my life to Christ, and that early decision has remained

the constant thread running through everything | have done since.

My Experience

For many years, | served in a variety of roles within the Church of England as a volunteer,
including youth ministry, women's ministry, church warden, and PCC (Parochial Church

Council) member.

| trained as a nurse and midwife, and later worked as a senior lecturer in midwifery, holding a
Master's degree in Health & Nursing studies. My final role was in the education and

supervision of midwives in Berkshire and West London.

After retiring from the NHS, | completed a short ministry training course in Oxford and went
on to lead a community Bible study for several years — teaching and studying Scripture with

a diverse group of 50-60 women in a small group setting.

“Together, this experience of pastoral leadership, teaching Scripture, and professional education
and supervision has given me both a grounding in church governance at parish level and the skills
to engage thoughtfully in the discussions, teaching, and decision-making that General Synod
requires”

Why Stand for General Synod

| have spent my whole adult life growing in faith and serving within the Church of England — as a
volunteer, a teacher of Scripture, and a leader in parish life. That lifetime of service has convinced
me of one thing above all: the Church of England must remain a place where people of every age
and background can hear about Jesus, and can grow in their love and knowledge of Him. This is
what has shaped my desire to stand for General Synod.

| want to help our church become somewhere that people of all backgrounds don't just attend, but
genuinely feel welcomed and loved. My years leading Bible study with a wide range of women
taught me how much it matters for people to be truly seen and heard within the church — and |
believe that welcome has to be intentional, not assumed.

That conviction is rooted in something deeper: | believe every person is created in God's image, and
carries equal dignity as a bearer of that image. This should shape how the church treats everyone —
regardless of age, background, or circumstance — and it's a principle | would carry into every
discussion and decision at Synod.

Lifelong learning from the bible through pastoral teaching is one way | have been able by God’s
grace to know more about God and about myself through the many joys and sorrows of life.

My career as a midwife and senior lecturer gave me a front-row view of people’s lives at some of
their most vulnerable and formative moments. That experience, alongside my involvement in parish
ministry, has left me with a lasting passion: | want to see individuals and families flourish amid the
real pressures and challenges of modern life, and | want the Church of England to be a place that
actively supports that flourishing for everyone who walks through its doors.

“Standing for General Synod is how | want to put this experience to work for the

wider church.”

My Commitment to You

Prayerful Participative

In my service, seeking God's guidance throughout. Fully engaged in discussions and decisions within my
sphere.

Missional Faithful

In the way decisions are approached and made. Holding and safeguarding the truth of Scripture in all

areas of life.