General Synod Election Candidates 2026

Self Nomination to the Church of England General Synod
Fiona Murray
I am a retired civil servant, divorced with two grown up children and 2
grandsons.
I have been on the electoral roll of St Edward the Confessor Church,
Dringhouses, York, since 2010.
Church engagement: Member of the Church Choir, PCC, HR committee,
co-ordinator of Pret a Manger surplus food distribution, Volunteer for
Children’s Holiday Club, Eco Church Group and Deanery Synod.
Address 69, Goodwood Grove, Dringhouses, York YO24 1ER
Email [email protected]
Tel 07816042007
Rev Richard Carew, can vouch for my attendance and participation in
Communion.

I have three main interests in the church and I hope that I could have
some influence on the Church of England in these areas.
Safe Guarding
 The C of E has come under a lot of criticism over the way it has
handled a variety safe guarding issues and it’s reluctance to
approve any outside scrutiny. I’d like to see this reviewed and
encourage more transparency. Being more transparent will gain
trust.
Community Outreach
 This is something that the Deanery Synod are investigating under
their current “No one left behind” project tackling poverty. At St
Edwards I am the co-ordinator for the distribution of surplus food
from Pret a Manger, which not only benefits those who are in need
but also provides an opportunity for people to come together
weekly and in the winter for some to shelter from the cold.

 I’m also preparing to take a lead in “Friday Lunches” in the new
year. This is a twice monthly event, where 2 course lunches are
provided at a minimal cost of £7, to whoever in the community
wishes to come. Currently are main cliental are elderly, people
many of whom live alone and this is the only opportunity they have
to eat in company. It also offers a time for socialising. It is open to
all and often some of the non-church groups who meet at St Eds
join in. It is open to everyone and we would like to encourage more
to join us.
 Loneliness is an issue that affects the whole country and we need
to be more inclusive of people of all faiths and none.
 The other day I witnessed a rough sleeper coming into the St
Edward’s community hall, a regular I believe, he has a dog, and
that seemed to be the only thing people were interested in and
commented on, they asked his name, “Atlas” but nobody, asked
who he was or what his name is. Was this out of embarrassment
or not caring, or because people are more interested in animals
than humans? A very British trait, which we need to be aware of.

Environment

 I am a member of the Eco Church Group. St Edwards has recently
been awarded a Bronze medal for our progress in making us an
eco-friendly church. Prior to my retirement I also was member of
my Agency’s Climate and Environment Action Group. I have a
keen interest in conserving energy, recycling anything that can be
sustainably recycled and saving water. It is very important to me
and I want to encourage more people everywhere to be more
climate conscious. It is very difficult and expensive. I t involves
personal sacrifice, but that isn’t a reason not to persist. It is
important for the C of E to take this matter seriously, and I would
like to be a part of that.
 The Pret a Manger distribution of food has the advantage that it
also prevents food waste.

eco church,elderly,electoral roll,environment,inclusive,loneliness,outreach,pcc,poverty,retirement,transparency