General Synod Election Candidates 2026

GENERAL SYNOD ELECTIONS 2026 - HOUSE OF CLERGY CANDIDATE:
REVD CANON CLAIRE ANN LORDING

Proposed by The Venerable Mark Badger Archdeacon of Worcester
Seconded by The Revd Andrew Sillis Vicar St Thomas’ Stourbridge and Area Dean Greater Dudley Deanery

I am standing for re-election to General Synod because I feel called to bring my experience as a parish priest
into the heart of the decision-making processes of the Church of England. In every debate and conversation
I would continue to ensure that the Diocese of Worcester is represented and be actively involved in the life
and work of Synod. I would remain committed to reporting back to the diocese and the local church on the
work of Synod.

Who am I?

I have served in the Diocese of Worcester since 2015 as Vicar of
Pershore with Pinvin, Wick and Birlingham. From 2018-2024 I was Chair
of the House of Clergy. This has enabled me to be involved in Diocesan
Synod, Bishop’s Council, the Transformation agenda, and, the Vacancy
in See Committee ensuring a deep understanding of what makes our
diocese what it is. I was made an Honorary Canon of Worcester
Cathedral in 2022. In 2025 I was elected as a Diocesan Member of the
Crown Nominations Commission which nominated Bishop Hugh.

From 1999-2015 I worked in the Diocese of Hereford serving my curacy
in Ledbury Team Ministry, later moving to Tenbury Team Ministry as a
Team Vicar and then Team Rector. I was also Rural Dean of Ludlow for
four and a half years.

My Contribution to General Synod

I was elected to General Synod in 2021 and stood because I felt passionately that I could actively contribute
to the issues the Church was wrestling with and didn’t want to sit on the sidelines. I wanted to ensure that
the Diocese of Worcester’s ethos and culture would be able to permeate the conversations and discussion
taking place centrally. I contributed to the following debates:

Everyday Faith: I spoke about the work of Faith at Work in Worcestershire and the value of Workplace
Chaplaincy.

The Contribution of Faith to the Rehabilitation of Offenders: this was our diocesan motion, and I spoke
about the importance of the Welcome Directory and the depth of welcome we are called to share with prison
leavers.

Safeguarding: I spoke about the Safeguarding Dashboard and how it helps parishes engage better with
safeguarding.

Crown Nominations Commission: I spoke about making some of the standing orders more flexible so that
parish priests have greater freedom to contribute to the work of the CNC.

In 2022 I was elected by Synod as a Central Member of the Crown Nominations Commission. I have been
involved in the nomination process of numerous diocesan bishops and the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Issues for General Synod

Vision and Strategy. I am excited to be part of “A Church for the whole nation which is Jesus Christ centred,
and shaped by, the five marks of mission. A church that is simpler, humbler, bolder.” I want to be able to
share how our diocesan transformation agenda is trying to make this vision a reality. How by being
committed to making the very best use of all of our resources, our people and ministers, their gifts and
talents, our buildings and physical resources, God’s Kingdom can grow and everyone, of all ages, and all
parishes, can flourish. I want to be part of the conversation that continues the work of the last Synod to
make this true for the wider Church.

Inclusion. The last five years on Synod have been challenging but there have been some small steps towards
better inclusion for all people. The Living in Love & Faith and Prayers of Love and Faith journey has enabled
there to be hope that the LGBTQIA+ community can be more valued and affirmed. But there is still much to
do, and I want to be part of the discussion that enables all people, of every sexuality, to share in marriage in
the Church and to share fully in lay and ordained ministry.

I am deeply committed to full inclusion for all and sign up to the Inclusive Synod statement: “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.”

Environment. As a parish priest with churches engaged with Eco Church, I am passionate about the Church
of England’s commitment to be carbon net zero by 2030. This commitment needs to be embraced at every
level of church from the parish to the Church Commissioners with words and action on the climate crisis we
are living through. I would want Synod to continue to press for the right use of our resources, including land
and finances, for the preservation and renewal of God’s creation.

Safeguarding. The need for the Church to be survivor- and victim-focused is non-negotiable for me. We fail
as a Church when we do not do everything we can to repent of past mistakes and keep people safe today. I
am committed to supporting the Church’s excellent safeguarding teams, whilst ensuring that safeguarding
is properly independent of Church structures.

Finance. The Church needs to put its money where its vision and strategy is so that the values of God’s
Kingdom can be clearly seen. Discussions about budgets and funding are vitally important if all may have life,
and have it abundantly. Getting finances right means committing to parish ministry, enabling redress to
those who have suffered church abuse, letting Project Spire do its work and so much more. I long for a
financially generous, responsive Church committed to a social gospel that speaks of new life in Jesus.

These areas of our common life can cause strong feelings on all sides. I am seeking re-election to General
Synod so that I can add my voice to a conversation about what matters most to us. I believe everyone must
be able to work together respectfully with those who hold a different opinion, knowing that if we listen well
the Church will be in a much better and stronger place.

Thank you for reading my statement and do contact me if you have any further questions at
[email protected] or on 01386 300053.

Please do give me your first-choice vote. I would also appreciate it if you could give a high priority vote to
Becky Elliott and Adam Hadley. Votes must be in by 13 October 2026.

abuse,archbishop,archbishop of canterbury,chaplaincy,church commissioners,crown nominations,crown nominations commission,curacy,disability,eco church,environment,equality,finance,finances,five marks of mission,gender identity,gospel,inclusive,lgbtqia,marriage,mental health,mission,net zero,neurodiversity,prayers of love and faith,project spire,redress,safeguarding,sexuality,vacancy