General Synod Election Candidates 2026

CANDIDATE FOR GENERAL SYNOD — Carlisle Diocese

Revd Madi Simpson

A hopeful, faithful voice for Cumbria

e: [email protected]
t: 07759 294349
w: www.ulverstonparishchurch.org

Nominated by Revd Andrew Norman
Seconded by Revd Shanthi Peiris

ABOUT ME
I am married to James, with three teenage children. I grew up in an Urban Priority Area in St Helens,
Merseyside, where my father was a vicar. My earliest memories of parish life include people asking for
money and food at the door, theft, noise and property damage. These years, the challenges, and the
difference Jesus made to people’s lives, were formative for me. I gave my life to Christ when I was about
7 years old.
At school I sang in the chapel choir, later joining the Rodolfus Choir and touring with the choir of St Martin
in the Fields. I attended New Wine through my teens and have reconnected with the New Wine network
since ordination. I remember praying hard for my friends at school, a few of whom came to faith. If labels
must be attached, I’d say I’m Charismatic Evangelical, but I’m Charismatic Evangelical at BCP as much
as I am elsewhere.
I love where God has placed me now. At Ulverston Parish Church we’ve celebrated eight adult baptisms
(two affirmations) so far this year. We pray for more. Evangelism remains the thread through my work as
a priest – spreading the gospel, reaching the lost and building up the church. Fueled by prayer, that
outward focus shapes everything we do; we think of ourselves as ‘a movement not a monument.’
Whether we’re gathered or scattered, at UPC and St John’s we want to point people to Jesus. In the past
three years our youth group has grown from single digits to over 20, led by excellent volunteers, and the
church has broadened – in age range, socio-economics, faith and pre-faith. When the Lord returns, we
want him to find our lamps burning.
As a lay person I have served as a Church Administrator, Churchwarden and Community Pastor, and
worked in Sales and Admin. I currently serve on school governors, Furness Growing Younger Ministry
Council and the Diocesan Deliverance Team, having previously served on Diocesan Synod. In London I
volunteered for a charity called ‘Grandma’s’, supporting a family affected by HIV/AIDS, and was an
active member of London Citizens, community organising in Hammersmith, particularly on issues
related to affordable housing. Things like housing, work, money, justice, are kingdom concerns.
In my spare time I enjoy films, music, travel, and exploring the great outdoors with the dog. James and I
are both involved in Ulverston community life. I play roller derby with the Furness Roller Derby League,
and read avidly for the league book club, which meets in Barrow. I also serve on the Heart of Ulverston
Awards Steering Group. One of my proudest moments was two years ago when UPC was nominated as a
finalist for ‘Community Group of the Year.’

WHY I AM STANDING FOR GENERAL SYNOD
My diverse church and life experiences serve me well as a parish priest, and I think could serve our
interests as a diocese and clergy well at General Synod. The Church of England faces enormous
challenges – of trust, finances, sustainability – but is also an enormous force for good. I am a beneficiary
of decisions made at Synod and want its decisions to bear even more fruit in the life of the Church and
nation. The Church of England’s heritage and mission are precious and vital and worth preserving. I
believe I can be a voice for our diocese, for the gospel, and for the breadth of churches and contexts that
we represent.
I am also standing because I love the Church of England. As fifth-generation Anglican clergy, I have deep
roots in our tradition and want to see it thrive. There is serious work to do. I long to see trust restored and
for the Church to recover its vocation as salt and light to our fractured society. I am committed to offering
my time, theological grounding, and practical experience to that renewal.
KEY PRIORITIES FOR THE NEXT SYNOD

1. Gospel Centred: The Church exists for its mission. Ensure that central Church decisions, resources,

and administrative support serve the gospel as a priority, in particular through frontline parish ministry, in
rural and market town contexts, empowering the whole Church for the re-evangelisation of the UK.

1. Faithful Governance & Financial Stewardship: Bringing rigorous, transparent oversight to national

Church finances and safeguarding, ensuring sustainable financial provision for mission.

1. Restoring Trust: Bishops and clergy upholding the faith and doctrine we’ve received, fostering a spirit

of mutual good will as we engage together with complex theological and social debates. Valuing a
breadth of style and tradition rooted in shared doctrine.
MY COMMITMENT TO ELECTORS
If elected, I pledge to:

1. Pray for the work of Synod, for our churches, and for God’s kingdom to come in Cumbria.
2. Read and prepare diligently for Synod sessions.
3. Play my part in this diocese, being accessible and responsive to clergy and laity, providing regular

updates after Synod.

1. Listen respectfully to diverse viewpoints and vote thoughtfully in the best interests of the Church and

local parishes.

Thank you for reading, and for your support,

PLEASE CONSIDER GIVING ME YOUR FIRST PREFERENCE VOTE (1)
Under Single Transferable Vote (STV), your 1st preference is essential.
Thank you for your consideration and prayers.

baptisms,bcp,charismatic,charismatic evangelical,doctrine,evangelical,evangelisation,evangelism,finances,gospel,housing,justice,mission,new wine,ordination,prayer,safeguarding,stewardship,tradition,youth,youth group