The Ven Dr of Barking 11 Bridgefields Close Hornchurch RM11 1GQ Tel: 01708 474951 Email: a.barking@.anglican.org

Proposed by: The Ven Seconded by: The Revd Canon Martin Wood

Who am I?

 A for twenty years, eighteen of those in parochial ministry  Born in the ancient Syrian Christian community in , ; grew up and trained for in Church of South India, served as a parish priest in Calcutta () for six years before moving to the in 2001.  Began my career as an academic, specializing in Political philosophy and then in theology and Biblical Interpretation  Combine the best of my evangelical upbringing and training with a radical sacramental theology within a Benedictine framework of spirituality.

What experience do I have that is relevant to General Synod?  A member of the General Synod, representing Rochester Diocese from 2010 to 2013 (until I moved to Chelmsford)  A member of the Synod of Church of North India (1996-2001) and CNI Trust (1998- 2001) and CNI Theological Commission (1999-2001)  A member of Bishop’s Council, Calcutta (1998-2001); Bishop’s Council Rochester (2007-2013); various diocesan committees in both the dioceses  Diocesan Urban Officer for Rochester (2008-2013)  An Archdeacon since 2013 with diverse functions in strategic leadership, pastoral care to the clergy, public worship and preaching in diverse liturgical contexts, and legal and administrative tasks.  Nationally, a member of the Urban Affairs Group (2013 -) and Methodist and Anglican Panel for Mission and Unity (2012 -)  Internationally, a Trustee of Us. - formerly USPG (2008-2013); a facilitator for the Indaba dialogue in the Anglican Communion (2009-10); a consultant/facilitator for various theological projects of the Church of North India (1995 -), Mar Thoma Syrian Church (1998 -) and the Church of Denmark (2010 -).

What do I offer?  A global, missional and biblical perspective on current issues in debate. I am proud of our strong tradition of internal debate and collective decision-making across a range of issues that enables us to discern God’s guidance in a changing world.  A sense of humour and a prayerful pragmatic approach to areas of conflict and division; a confidence that disagreements could be a route to maturity and growth.  A commitment to play my part in enabling the to flourish in all its diversity as an inclusive church with an honourable place for those with whom I may theologically disagree  Love for God and God’s people, and a commitment to enable human flourishing Having come from the provinces of the Anglican Communion where church growth is normal, the decline in membership of the Church of England is a concern for me. My vision is for a Church of England consisting of resilient disciples confident to share the Gospel in both words and deeds, engaging with local communities and living out an incarnational theology.

I thank those who have encouraged me to stand for elections this time, particularly some of the current members of the General Synod who are not standing for election this time. I will let them conclude this election address:

“Having known John for over ten years now, I never fail to be impressed by the depth of his knowledge and wisdom on the whole spectrum of Church life. I particularly admire John's commitment to issues of social justice, and his strong ecumenical relationships and experience. I saw for myself that he was very well regarded on General Synod, and know that he would do our Diocese proud. Please make him your first preference." (The Revd Canon Steven Saxby)

“I am delighted to be seconding Archdeacon John. We first met when I was a new-boy on General Synod in 2010. His wisdom on how to be an effective member was invaluable. Thereafter we found that we had much in common, from our inclusive catholic theology to our concern that people should flourish in the C of E, whether or not we agreed with their theology. When John moved from Rochester to be one of our new , he left Synod. I would very much like to see him back, this time for us. Do make him your first preference” (The Revd Canon Martin Wood)