General Synod Election Candidates 2026

About Me
I’m married to Jamie, we have two grown-up children and a Golden Retriever called
Belle. Before ordination, I worked as a Secondary Science Teacher for seventeen years.
I grew up going to our village church where I worked my way through Sunday School, the
choir and the youth group, but left it and my faith behind when I left home. Some years
later, the birth of my daughter prompted me to return to church where I was welcomed,
included and encouraged. Before too long, I was leading a youth group, running Alpha
courses and serving on the PCC. I was ordained in 2017 and served my curacy in the
West Worcester Rural team before starting my current role as the Vicar of Holy Trinity in
North Malvern and St James’ in West Malvern. I serve on the Malvern and Upton
Deanery Leadership Team and I am the Dean of Women’s Ministry for the Diocese of
Worcester.
Outside of work, I love spending time with my family, wild swimming, being up in the
mountains, crocheting and I’m a Franciscan Tertiary Novice.
What do I bring to Synod?
I am an innovative and strategic thinker, able to balance long-term vision with practical
realities. I am committed to the mission of the Church and work collaboratively with lay
and clergy representatives to achieve this common goal. I evaluate proposals
thoughtfully and contribute constructively to reasoned decision-making. I work with
pastoral sensitivity ensuring that everyone feels heard and their views valued.
Thank you for reading this. I would love to
represent you at General Synod.
Please consider giving me your first vote
and giving high priority to Claire Lording
and Adam Hadley. Thank you.
Clergy Voters
Proposed by Revd Gail Rogers - Vicar of St
Laurence Church, Alvechurch and St
Leonard's Church, Beoley.
Seconded by Revd Gary Crellin - Area
Dean of Malvern and Upton.
Nominated by
Becky Elliott
for General Synod
for General Synod
for General Synod
I am standing for General Synod because I
I am standing for General Synod because I
believe that it is God’s desire for all to
believe that it is God’s desire for all to
flourish - be it individuals, relationships,
flourish - be it individuals, relationships,
communities or the world we live in. For
communities or the world we live in. For
me, this must be at the heart of everything
me, this must be at the heart of everything
the Church of England does and the
the Church of England does and the
decisions it makes.
decisions it makes.
I am standing for General Synod because I
believe that it is God’s desire for all to
flourish - be it individuals, relationships,
communities or the world we live in. For
me, this must be at the heart of everything
the Church of England does and the
decisions it makes.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
[email protected]

Climate Justice
When I was 18, I went to University to study Ecology because I wanted to save the rainforests. I
haven’t managed it yet, but at a time when climate change has had profound consequences for
people in our Diocese, as well as all over the world, the church must do all it can to reduce its
carbon footprint and use its resources and influence others to do the same.
Local Church
For me, the Church of England is the local church. It’s where the community can gather to
worship, and it’s the place from which that community can be served and the love of Jesus
shared. The local church is under considerable pressure with challenges ranging from
declining and ageing congregations to issues with buildings and governance structures. I want
to be part of a synod that values the riches of the traditions we have inherited but also looks
to the future with curiosity and innovation.

As the Vice-Chair of Churches Together in Malvern, I’m excited about what can happen when
the Body of Christ, with all its differences, works together to build the Kingdom of God, and I
am keen to bring this experience of ecumenical collaboration to Synod.
Clergy Wellbeing
Part of my Dean of Women’s Ministry role is to be on the Bishop’s Staff Team, the Diocesan
Wellbeing Group, and the Ministry and Missionary Team. It is critical for the Ministry and
Mission of the Church that the wellbeing of clergy is taken seriously. Whether clergy be
stipendiary or self-supporting, there needs to be sustainable patterns of ministry and
structures in place that enable them to live well. I want to use my experiences to speak into
the issues that affect clergy at Synod, from stipends, pensions and housing to training and
structural reform.
I am committed to equality for everyone at all levels and roles within the church, regardless of
disability, economic power, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, learning disability, mental health,
neurodiversity or sexuality. As Dean of Women's Ministry, I am privileged to support, represent
and advocate for ordained women across the Diocese.
Having witnessed the Church cause profound hurt to a member of my family, I am also a
passionate LGBTQ+ ally. I long for the Church to be a place where everyone is welcomed and
valued as they are and can fully belong without fear of exclusion or discrimination.
As someone who is Neurodivergent, I am committed to helping create a Church that is
accessible for disabled and neurodivergent people. This includes encouraging the
development of practical ways to improve the accessibility of our church buildings, worship
and community life.
These experiences have shaped my vision for how I will vote on General Synod. I want to help
build a Church in which everyone knows they belong, where women are supported in ministry,
LGBTQ+ people are fully welcomed and valued, and disabled and neurodivergent people can
participate in every aspect of church life. I will use my voice to advocate for a Church that is
more inclusive, more accessible and more reflective of God's love for all people.
Inclusion
What’s Important to Me?
What’s Important to Me?
What’s Important to Me?

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