The Revd Claire McArthur, Rector of Stoke St Michael’s, Coventry, has joined the House of Clergy of the General Synod following the recent departure of the Revd Stella Bailey who is soon to take up her appointment of Archdeacon of the Gwent Valleys in the Diocese of Monmouth.
Claire was one of the nine clergy candidates who ran in the General Synod elections last autumn. The General Synod rules stipulate that if a vacancy occurs within two years of the election, the votes from the election can be recounted using the Single Transferable Vote system to determine the candidate to fill the vacancy. Following a recount of last October’s vote, Claire has been appointed.
Commenting on her appointment Claire says:
“I am delighted to take up the clergy vacancy on General Synod, I wish Stella well as she takes up her new role in Wales. I love ministering within the diversity of the Church of England, but I am aware that there needs to be an honest conversation held at the national level if we are to remain relevant to the communities that we serve. I am passionate about protecting parish ministry and am still in awe and excited that everyone is part of a parish, our national church should be for everyone, regardless of gender, age, disability, tradition, race, socio-economic status or sexuality. I believe that we are all made in God’s image and are accepted and loved. We should welcome all. I hope that I will represent my colleagues effectively.”
Please pray for Claire as she takes on this new role.