General Synod Election Candidates 2026

1. Experience of the Previous Quinquennium

As your representative, I actively engaged on the Synod floor—speaking directly in the Living in
Love and Faith debates to contend for orthodox doctrine, advocate for conscience
protections, and demand honesty about our differences. Whether proposing amendments or
leading worship, my priorities have been local ministry, clear governance, and proper support
for frontline clergy.

1. A Younger Representative

At 37, I represent the under-40 age bracket—a demographic that remains a distinct minority
among Synod clergy. As Synod works to grow younger and more diverse, it needs the active
voices of those who will be serving in parish ministry for decades to come. I offer both a
proven track record and a perspective that deeply understands modern ministry pressures,
young family life, and the urgent missional imperative to reach younger generations.

1. Diocesan & Local Impact

I have consistently connected national Synodical debates with the practical realities of
diocesan and parish life. Through my involvement with Bishop’s Council, Transformation
Strategy Working Groups, and Diocesan Synod, I ensure national decisions serve our local
contexts—from urban revitalisations to traditional parish ministry.
PTO
Rooted in Worcester Diocese
I have been part of the Diocese of Worcester for over 12 years as
a lay person, PCC member, Deanery Synod representative,
ordinand, curate, and now a parish priest. I currently serve as the
Minister of St Stephen’s, leading one of our diocesan ‘Renewals’
in the centre of Redditch. My family and I are deeply invested in
local community ministry: my wife, Jo, leads a local youth
outreach project called Lightbox, and we are raising our two
young daughters (both under 10) here in the diocese.
Professional Background & Theology
Prior Career: Raised in West Yorkshire, I worked as a Chartered Architectural Technologist
(and part-time fitness instructor!) before entering ordination training. This professional
background gives me a practical understanding of building management, project delivery,
and organizational governance.
Academic Research: During my curacy, I completed a Doctorate in church planting and the
biblical vision for Christian unity—a topic near to my heart as we navigate division across
our national Church.
Synod Experience & Personal Life
Having just completed my first 5-year term on General Synod, I know firsthand the weight and
joy of this responsibility. It has been a role that has moved me to tears at times and at other
times brought immense joy, but above all, it remains a profound honour to serve our parishes
at the national level. Outside of ministry, I enjoy going to the gym, reading, gaming, and
playing very average golf!
ABOUT ME
WHY TO VOTE FOR ME
FRASER
OATES
GENERAL SYNOD
ELECTION ADDRESS
Vicar & Renewal Leader, St Stephen’s Redditch
[email protected]

KEY PRIORITIES
MY COMMITMENT
Parish Support & Clergy Care
Resourcing the Front Line: Securing direct national funding for parish ministry, stipend
safety, and relieving administrative pressures on clergy.
Clergy & Vocations Crisis: Transitioning effectively to the new Clergy Conduct Measure
(CCM) to replace the CDM, alongside creating sustainable pathways for younger
stipendiary vocations and clergy wellbeing.
Safeguarding & Institutional Trust
Rebuilding Trust: Supporting independent oversight structures for safeguarding to ensure
transparent, accountable, and trauma-informed practice across all levels of the Church.
Governance Reform: Streamlining national structures so central operations exist to serve
local parish mission rather than draw resources away from it.
Unity & The Church of Tomorrow
Post-LLF: Navigating disagreement with pastoral grace, securing robust conscience
protections, and preserving structural unity across theological traditions.
Growing Younger & Pioneer Mission: Bridging parish traditions with pioneering missional
expressions to engage under-40 demographics and secure the Church's long-term future.
Net Zero 2030: Securing central grants so parishes can meet environmental targets
without placing an unmanageable financial strain on local congregations.
Accessibility & Engagement
I will actively listen to and represent all Worcester clergy, regardless of theological tradition.
Whether through Deanery Synods, passing conversations, or email, my door remains open to
hear from everyone.
Communication & Accountability
I will provide clear, accessible updates following General Synod sessions—summarizing key
debates, explaining how national decisions affect our local churches.
Independent Judgment
I will vote prayerfully and conscientiously on every motion—evaluating decisions not by
factional pressure, but by their practical, missional impact on frontline parishes and clergy
wellbeing, while upholding biblical faith and the unity of the church.

1. Theological Diversity

Of all the representatives elected in the previous quinquennium, I was a minority voice
contending to uphold the inherited, historic teaching of the Church in the LLF conversations.
As a passionate, “orthodox” charismatic evangelical, voting for me ensures a true breadth of
representation across our diocesan landscape, giving voice to a vital theological tradition
within Worcester.

1. Pioneer Ministry

I am currently leading a renewal in central Redditch. Operating on the front line of apostolic,
experimental ministry gives me real-time insights into shaping the Church for future
generations. Having leaders on General Synod who understand both traditional parish
structures and new, pioneering expressions of church is vital to ensuring national strategy
remains grounded in local missional reality.
WHY TO VOTE FOR ME (CONTINUED)
PLEASE CONSIDER GIVING ME YOUR FIRST-PREFERENCE VOTE

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