The nomination period for this year’s elections to General Synod has closed. Dioceses are now required to post candidates’ election addresses on their websites before sending out voting papers. Some of these have already appeared, and the remainder should be available by the end of the week. I am compiling a list of links to all the addresses, which you can find here. I will update this during the coming week. So far as I am aware there is no similar requirement for the special constituencies.
I am also compiling a list of the members of the new synod here.
Additions and corrections to either list can be emailed to me here.
A quick look at some of the usual suspects indicates they are rather coy about what they think re. same sex marriages!
Let’s hope a higher percentage of the electorate actually vote this time
As a candidate in one of the dioceses, I took both of these comments on board in being explicit whether or not I would vote to revise canon B30 (I wouldn’t) and in encouraging people to vote whether or not they voted for me. Prayers for all those standing and for all those voting.
I wish candidates would offer more manifesto and less autobiography. I have absolutely no interest in what football team they support, the breeds of their children or the ages of their pets. A disproportionate number of the lay candidates seem to be either doctors or lawyers which might be useful if anybody suffers a heart attack or incurs a parking ticket at Synod but which doesn’t say much for diversity. Is a glossy statement with photographs a sign of resourcefulness or self-importance? Does an unadorned typed sheet indicate amateurishness or a desire to focus on what is important Having said… Read more »
I think some autobiography is possibly more necessary for lay candidates who are probably far less likely to be known to their electors than clergy. It can also serve to allow voters to make a more informed choice when candidates provide details of their church roles, any ministry specialisms and posts held. Remember they are, or at any rate should be, representatives not delegates. So you are not so much voting for a specific set of policy pledges, but rather on their general approach, skill set and possibly character. It is fair though to expect candidates to be reasonably clear… Read more »
Clergy retire at 70. I wonder how many lay candidates are over 70?
My understanding is that retired clergy can stand if they have PTO. If memory serves David Banting continued on GS after retiring from St Peter Harold Wood.
Like yourselves I cannot find the Sheffield addresses on the diocesan website, only those for 2015! I have pointed this out to the Diocesan Secretary and await a response. I wonder what is being kept from us?