doctrine,evangelism,mission,next generation,outreach,stipendiary,tradition,traditional,youth

GENERAL SYNOD ELECTION ADDRESS: MELISSA CHERRY

CANDIDATE FOR THE HOUSE OF LAITY (DIOCESE OF TRURO)

Proposer: Jenny Tippett Truro (Powder Deanery)

Seconder: Kay Robinson Truro (Powder Deanery)

Who am I?

lam Melissa, married to Paul with a wonderful, large family including several grandchildren. My
greatest passion is to share the love of Jesus with others. Outside of my ministry and work, | enjoy
reading, theatre, cinema, visiting historical sites and spending quality time with family and friends. |
am involved at St. John’s Church in Truro.

My Experience

A teacher by profession, | have worked across the educational landscape from primary to secondary,
including selective grammar, private and state schools. Most recently from 2022 to 2024 | taught in
a multi -ethnic school in Ladbroke Grove, London. Serving students from underprivileged
backgrounds gave me a profound understanding of the complex struggles people face today. As an
educator who continues to teach online, | bring strong communication skills and an understanding
of how to engage people in digital spaces. This professional background, combined with decades of
church involvement running Alpha groups and children’s work, equips me to advocate for practical,
compassionate church policies.

What does my faith mean to me?

Brought up in the Church of England, my faith has been the guiding anchor of my life. This personal
foundation fuels my deep passion for passing on a vibrant, healthy church to the next generation.
Having lived and worked across the country including London and the South East, before relocating
to Cornwall, | understand both urban ministry and our unique local context here in the Powder
Deanery.

Why the General Synod

| am standing for the General Synod to
bring a deeply rooted faith, decades of
parish experience and a broad national
perspective to our church governance.

Honouring Tradition: | value the
traditional teachings of our church.

Extending Grace: | believe passionately
that every single person regardless of their
background, marital status, gender or
race, is deeply important to God.

Our mission must be to reach out to all
with Christian love, hospitality and hope.
| would be honoured to represent you.

If elected, | will champion:

Theological Breadth and Collaboration: Supporting the
Diocese’s Plan to let diverse church traditions flourish
together fruitfully. While | hold firmly to traditional
Anglican doctrine, | advocate for a generous church
where all traditions can coexist with mutual respect
and integrity.

Youth, Families and Education: Using my teaching
expertise to advocate for robust children’s ministries
and stronger church — school links.

Frontline Outreach: Prioritising national and diocesan
resources for parish level mission, especially supporting
local lay leadership and evangelism. Our local parishes
are vital. Currently these frontline ministries are under
threat with resources being pulled away from
communities and clergy under intense pressure. We
must redirect national funding back to where it matters most — supporting local stipendiary ministry
and caring for all in ministry so they can in turn give out to their communities.

Protecting Our Heritage
| will strive to ensure that national decisions prioritize people, resource local mission and protect

our historic parish system.
To help me champion our local parishes and keep the church alive at the heart of every community,
please cast your first preference (Number 1) vote for Melissa Cherry. If you have already committed

your first vote, a high subsequent preference would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for reading and please get in touch if you have any questions.

Email [email protected]

Melissa Jane Cherry: 07979 642514