On the 14th October 2021, three clergy and three laity from the Diocese of Coventry were elected to serve on General Synod from 2021 - 2026. The General Synod considers and approves legislation affecting the whole of the Church of England, formulates new forms of worship, debates matters of national and international importance, and approves the annual budget for the work of the Church at national level.
The new members of General Synod are:
The Revd Stella Bailey
"Having lived and worshipped in the diocese since I was a teenager, I am now the Vicar of St Nicholas Church Kenilworth. I believe deeply in our interconnectedness and collegial nature so have been involved in various structures and ministries across the diocese since ordination and currently hold the responsibility of Area Dean for Kenilworth and Chair of the DAC. I have a passion for mission and seeking ways to widen our circle to allow the grace of God to flow."
The Revd Jonathan Jee
"I am 58, married to Juliet with 5 adult children and 3 grandchildren (and a 4th on the way). I have been the vicar of St. Paul’s in Leamington for 21 years, which (on most days) I think is the best job in the Church of England! I am excited about the way the CofE is taking mission seriously, and releasing resources to reach new people in new places in new ways. I am looking forward to playing my part in those decisions, alongside doing whatever I can to help parish churches to grow healthily."
The Revd Kate Massey
"I have been a Vicar in Nuneaton deanery for almost 7 years, and Dean of Women’s Ministry for 6. During my curacy, I served at four very different churches in Coventry diocese: a civic church, a daughter church seeking new vision, a rural church in extended vacancy and a growing suburban church with church plant. My ministerial experience, as well as my own faith journey, mean that I have a deep love for the breadth of the Church of England."
Dr Rachel Atkinson
"I'm Rachel and I am a Lay Leader at St. Marks, Coventry. I am married to Phil, Vicar of St. Marks, and moved with him, and our two young children, nearly five years ago, to plant a new congregation into St. Marks. I am involved in almost every aspect of church life and leadership, including pastoral work, Alpha, connect groups, preaching, and strategic development. Also, I am Principal of St. Marks Academy, which, as well as training young lay leaders for St. Marks and our church plants, is the training provider for Coventry Diocese’s mission apprentice scheme. I am very grateful to be elected to General Synod; my heart, and life-long prayer, both for myself and for the Church, is to more closely reflect Jesus, who was full of both ‘grace and truth’ (John 1:14)."
Gill Frigerio
"I am Gill Frigerio and I am part of All Saint's Emscote in Warwick. I am involved in justice and peace work in my church and am a spiritual companion in the diocese, as well as helping to organise ongoing training for the spiritual companions network. I also work full time for the University of Warwick as an Associate Professor, training career development practitioners. This combination gives me a particular interest in how we as church help the whole people of God live out their calling across the whole of their lives. I have been involved in discernment work in the diocese too and am now on the advisory group for Setting God's People Free: work across the CofE to support this aim.
I stood for General Synod because I wanted to ensure there were candidates who were committed to full inclusion of all people in all roles and levels in the church. I was part of a national network of such candidates and am delighted that there was such support for inclusion from electors. I have loved meeting and connecting with others in the diocese who have the same priorities and hope to continue to bring people together. I am looking forward to working across synod to see how we can explore consensus and possible ways forward.
I have a busy life, with a husband and two teenagers, a house full of unread books and unknitted yarn and a season ticket for Sheffield United. But I will do my best to follow God's call to me and represent lay people of the diocese prayerfully and diligently."
Sam Margrave
"I've served for ten years as a General Synod member working to be a strong voice, fighting for Parish Resources, the Poor, and Growth; guided by Isaiah 1:17 “Learn todo right, seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause ofthe fatherless; plead the case of the widow”.
My focus over the next five years is to be a strong voice working to ensure we have representation from every corner of our community. I will deliver on the promises set out in my election address to end national waste, secure more Parish resources, and to Evangelise England.
I would love to hear from those in Coventry and Warwickshire who have a question they would like me to ask or an issue they would want to see raised. I am here to serve."
Please pray for each of the new members of the General Synod.