General Synod Election Candidates 2026

It has been an honour to serve in General Synod over the past
quinquennium; contributing to its life and work, speaking into
debates, planning Synod’s worship, and leading its choir. I hope
you will give me your support to continue that service.
I am passionate about the Church of England and the rich,
diverse tapestry of ministry and tradition that makes us who
we are. My faith is rooted in inclusion, justice, and hope, and I
believe passionately in a Church that is a place of community
and belonging, where the whole people of God can flourish.
Alongside my work in General Synod, I worship at York Minster,
where I serve on the Community Committee and the worship and
liturgical team, and sing as part of its musical life. Across the
Diocese of York, my role as Discipleship Adviser gives me the
privilege of working with churches and deaneries in many
different contexts, geographical settings, and traditions. I would
bring those stories, encounters, and experiences with me to
Synod, seeking to speak clearly and kindly about the everyday
faith of the whole people of God.
He has told you, O mortal, what is good, and what does the Lord require of you
but to do justice and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God?
Micah 6.8
SAMMI TOOZE
CONTACT
About Me
Nominator:
Daniel Brookes
(Lay Chair of
Diocesan Synod)
Seconder:
Canon Ros Brewer
(Lay Dean of
Scarborough)
I’d love to hear from
you! Get in touch
with me by email:
[email protected]
During this quinquennium, I have also served
on the Church of England’s Liturgical
Commission, contributing to new resources,
planning for the revision of the Calendar, and
leading its work on liturgical formation. This
has included steering the We Believe project,
resourcing the Church’s marking of the 1700th
anniversary of the Nicene Creed. As a writer
for the Church of England’s Everyday Faith
app, I have also helped to encourage and
equip people in their faith through series on
music in the Bible, saints, and pilgrimage, and
I was honoured to write the Church of
England’s Christmas reflections in 2024.
Sammi is wholly
committed and brings
a range of experience
from her work within
discipleship and her
contribution to the
Liturgical Commission.
She is articulate and
always speaks with
care for others.

Liz Hassall,
Archdeacon of York

Stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.
1 Corinthians 16.13-14
Listening to parishes, chaplaincies, and
local communities, and ensuring that
their wisdom and experience shape the
Church’s life.
Supporting mission that grows from
particular people and places, rather
than relying on one-size-fits-all
solutions.
Encouraging imagination, courage,
experimentation, beauty, and creativity.
I bring creativity, imagination, experience, and a
genuine hope for the future of God’s Church. I would
value the opportunity to continue serving as a strong,
collaborative, and compassionate voice for justice,
inclusion, and the flourishing of all.
I live on the outskirts of York and enjoy singing, pottery,
tending my garden, playing with my godchildren,
listening to audiobooks, and learning new crafts. I
would be honoured to have your support, and first
preference vote.
My heart for the Church
Inclusion
Working for a Church where people of
every identity and background are fully
included, affirmed and able to flourish.
Celebrating diversity and ensuring that
the Church better reflects the people
and communities it serves.
Challenging discrimination and
inequality, making space for every
person to belong, participate and lead.
Everyday Faith
Championing faith in the places where
life actually happens: homes,
workplaces, schools, communities, and
online.
Equipping the whole people of God to
recognise, share, and live their faith
every day of the week.
Listening to stories of what God is doing
in people’s lives and communities.
Grassroots parish mission
Justice
Addressing the climate crisis and our
responsibility to care for God’s creation.
Imagining and working for a world that
is more generous, equal, and
compassionate, and being prepared to
change ourselves as part of that work.
Believing that faith should not simply
comfort the comfortable, but help us
become agents of hope, courage, and
transformation.

deaneries,discipleship,discrimination,inequality,justice,liturgical,mission,tradition