General Synod Election Candidates 2026

Julie Burrows - General Synod Election 2026 Address​ ​

House of Laity, Diocese of Carlisle

Candidate: Julie Burrows​

Parish of St James Burton, Kendal Deanery
Proposed by Jayne Anson, Holy Trinity, Holme
Seconded by Rob Cook, St Michael, Stanwix
​
About me
Converted to Christ through a CofE minister, more than 40 years in a
variety of Anglican churches: St Aldates, Oxford as a student; St
Jerome’s, Ardwick, Manchester as a Careforce volunteer; then All
Saints in Crowborough, Sussex where I married my husband
(Graham). In small and large, city and rural, CofE churches in London, Cambridge, Bucks, and E
Sussex, working with all ages and backgrounds, and for the last 13 years in Carlisle diocese, in the
Burton & Holme Mission Community, Graham’s first incumbency.

Such a variety of parish experience, together with legal and financial professional competence, stands
me in good stead to make a contribution to the central General Synod. I’m also tuned in to the next
generation of Anglicans - our 3 adult children (23, 25, 26) are all variously serving as church warden,
church musicians (choral, organ, bass and brass), small group leading, youth work and evangelism.
They are adept at identifying core issues.

Why am I standing?
I care about many of the challenges we currently face as a Church and believe I can contribute to its
mission, health, governance and future. Since I moved from full-time work 2 years ago, I have been
active in various CofE roles:
●​ Instigating a motion, currently at Diocesan level, calling on the central church to address the
problem that while congregational giving can meet local ministry and routine building
maintenance costs, we cannot meet the rapidly-increasing cost of repairs, so fearing the closure
of many church buildings and the associated loss of good work in our communities, we call on
the synods, the bishops and other national leaders to do all in their power to ensure that money
is available to enable congregations to maintain parish churches, keeping them dry and safe to
use. If elected to General Synod that is a cause I would continue to plead.
●​ Part of the initial steering group across the traditions working for the return of clergy pensions to
a more appropriate rate, which achieved viral support and considerable success in General Synod
in summer 2025.
●​ Elected to serve Bishop Rob on Bishop’s Council in Carlisle diocese, alongside Deanery and
Diocesan Synods.
●​ Joining ‘Save the Parish’ shortly after it launched, sharing their belief that the
parish system, properly resourced, remains the right way for the Church of
England to be embedded in every community in this country. with well-trained
clergy providing regular worship, pastoral care, sacraments and service.
●​ And of course, being an active and outward-looking member of my local congregations exercising
hospitality and playing my part in the PCC and church rotas.

Please vote for ‘Julie Burrows’ for General Synod. Thank you.

Julie Burrows - General Synod Election 2026 Address​ ​

House of Laity, Diocese of Carlisle

Why the Church of England?
I firmly believe that dedicated ministry at parish level is the lifeblood of the Church of England enabling
the church to fulfil its God-given mission in this country, in city, town and
village. We must continue to be a place where all can be welcomed, where we all
encounter Jesus Christ and all are challenged to live for Him, wherever he has
placed us.

The breadth and depth of the Church of England should be celebrated: the 39
Articles on which it is founded; the Book of Common Prayer and more recent
liturgies; our history and heritage marked by the zeal and courage of men such
as Cranmer and Latimer, as well as its landmark buildings heralding the gospel
in every parish in the country.

As an evangelical I value the teaching of those historic beliefs enabling men,
women and children in every parish to hear the good news of Jesus in all its glory, and be shepherded in
accordance with it.

What can I bring to General Synod?
●​ As a senior Government solicitor, law-maker and policy adviser for over 16 years, big and
controversial issues do not faze me.
In one role I had responsibility for advising the
Attorney-General on the Measures passed by General Synod, so I understand this aspect of
Synod’s work very well.
●​ As a trained lawyer, I am experienced in absorbing large amounts of paperwork and identifying
the key issues. More recently my work has been operational and financial, in the sector of
Christian and charitable education and governance. I have an eye for detail and I’m not afraid to
ask difficult questions
●​ I enjoy team work and would expect to work closely alongside the others elected as well as the
Diocesan structures. I am a completer/finisher which has always been an asset to my colleagues.
●​ Prayerful support from my family and congregations.

Other current part-time roles
●​ Trustee, Tree of Life, Carlisle - a new charity reaching out to those in need in Carlisle with the
love of Christ through Food, Lifeskills, Shelter, Healthcare and Relief branches.
●​ Finance Director, Selden College, in Oxford, a Christian Higher Education college offering
undergraduate-level liberal arts education.
●​ Company Secretary, Capernwray Missionary Fellowship of Torchbearers (Bible School and
Holidays at Capernwray Hall, N Lancs).
●​ Business Manager and Clerk, Burton Morewood Church of England Primary School Academy
& Nursery - finance, HR and governance roles.

It would be a privilege to spend the next 5 years contributing to the mission, health, governance and
future of our beloved national Church of England, on your and the Diocese’s behalf, should you so
choose. I invite you to give Julie Burrows your first or a high preference vote.

Contact:
Email: [email protected]
Mobile: 07981 651653
Please vote for ‘Julie Burrows’ for General Synod. Thank you.

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