The Bishop of Lincoln’s responses to questions at Diocesan Synod (September 2025)

Questions raised during Diocesan Synod

Question regarding women’s ministry (raised by Jess Bellshaw)

Last Synod, when asked about the current WATCH campaign to repeal the Five Guiding Principles, Bishop Stephen offered assurances of continued support and pastoral provision for those within the diocese who are unable to accept the ministry of women. Joyfully, since then, the Church of Wales has elected the first female Archbishop. 

I’d like to ask please, what assurances can the Bishop offer the women who minister in this Diocese, that he will continue to uphold, value, support and champion the ministry of women; not only in the wider Anglican Communion but specifically within the senior leadership of this diocese?

The Bishop’s answer

To be a bishop is to be a public person – the words we speak, the sermons we write, the way we vote on matters of life and faith within both Church and nation – these are usually a matter of public record.

Throughout that very public ministry, as a parish priest, a DDO, an Archdeacon and a Bishop, I have always strived to ‘uphold, value, support and champion the ministry of women’ – both lay and ordained. I will continue to strive for this.

I have also strived for a Church which is big enough to hold together, even where it is messy and painful, Christians who deeply disagree with one another, yet remain united by their love for Jesus. I will continue to strive for this.

As Bishop of Ely, it was my honour and privilege to be able to appoint and share episcopal leadership with Bishop Dagmar Winter – the first female suffragan bishop in that Diocese.

Since coming to Lincoln, it has been a joy to work alongside a diverse group of senior leaders who are women, in different spheres of diocesan life – among our Archdeacons and Assistant Archdeacons, our Rural Deans and Parish Priests; among our Lay Co Leads, Lay Chairs and Lay Ministers, and among our staff at Edward King House.

I am particularly grateful to Canon Liz Brown, who was appointed last year as Dean of Women’s Ministry in the Diocese – a role which seeks to enable the flourishing of women in licensed ministry through representation and advocacy. Liz brings this voice to senior leadership as a member of our Bishop’s Staff and Operations Group.

The national body which represents Deans of Women’s Ministry declared that, under my leadership, the Diocese of Ely had become the diocese with the most women in senior incumbencies and with the most generous policies for maternity leave and for continuing formation of those taking such leave, and sought to be vigilant against bullying and misogynistic behaviour.

Finally, let me also say that I have been deeply encouraged by the number and rich diversity of candidates in the ongoing search for the next Bishop of Grimsby and Archdeacon of Stow and Lindsey, in terms of theology, experience, ethnicity and gender.

I invite you to pray, as I do, both for these candidates as they seek to follow God’s call, and for panel members who carry the responsibility of discernment at this crucial stage in the life of our Diocese.

Question regarding Quiet Revival (raised by Ben Topham)

We have seen in the Christian press and national news that the so called ‘Quiet Revival’ continues to get a little louder. Young adults in their 20s are turning up, often unexpectedly, and seeking a relationship with Jesus.

This is happening across many streams of the church within Great Britain. Has the Bishop heard of similar patterns across the diocese or beyond? And how might we intentionally nurture discipleship among this age group?

The Bishop’s answer

If you believe in the caricature of the British ‘stiff upper lip’ then it naturally follows that any revival in the United Kingdom would of course be ‘quiet’ rather than ‘exuberant’!

Earlier this year, the Bible Society released their report on the Quiet Revival, drawing on YouGov data which suggests a transformation in the churchgoing landscape of our nation, with rising church attendance and deeper spiritual engagement among younger generations.

You may have read the exploration of these themes in the Church Times over the summer, hearing from different ends of the church spectrum. I have indeed heard from colleagues and churches, both locally and nationally, who are seeing younger generations wanting to explore their faith. I would of course want to cite St George’s own excellent work with young people, alongside a new and flourishing Young Adults Group at the Cathedral, an engaging Ministry Experience Scheme for 18-30s, and indeed the recent Diocesan Pilgrimage to Taizé during the summer – all encouraging examples!

I am not convinced that a formal answer like this at Synod will do justice to Ben’s question of how we nurture such interest and growth. Nor do I believe that this question is for me to answer alone, but one for all of us to explore together.

You will know that a key priority for the Church of England is to become a Church which is younger and more diverse. You will hear later on in our meeting that one of the emerging themes from the work of our strategy lever groups is about deepening our work with those groups and generations whom we are failing to reach – including young people.

For my part, I am encouraged to hear about revival, quiet or otherwise. I am delighted to hear the testimony of people of all ages, who, with hearts on fire for Jesus, are choosing to follow where he calls.

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