Sarah Maxfield-Phillips is 19 years old, a member
of Great Malvern Priory and a student at Dyson
Perrins CE Academy 6th Form, studying for her
A-levels. She is a parish rep on Deanery Synod
and a member of both the diocesan Youth Council
and one of the diocesan reps on the Church of
England’s national Youth Council. The national
Youth Council has three representatives on General
Synod and Sarah has been voted as one of these.
Sarah said: “Last year I went to General Synod as an observer and was really fascinated
by it. It was interesting to see how the governing level of the Church of England works.
I think it’s really important to have representation from younger people on Synod. Our
generation is not particularly present in the Church, we need to give our voice and
opinion on what’s happening as the decisions being made now will have an impact on
us in the future.”
General Synod is the body which considers and approves legislation affecting the
whole of the Church, formulates new forms of worship, debates matters of national &
international importance and approves the annual budget for the work of the Church. It
meets in February in London, July in York and occasionally in November.
Sarah continued: “I’m looking forward to having the chance to speak as one of the
voices of the Youth Council – representing the young people of the whole of the Church
of England. It’ll be a really good and thought provoking experience. I’ll need to get used
to how it all works, but then I think I’ll really enjoy it and hopefully be able to make a
positive contribution!”
Please pray for Sarah as she takes on this new role.
Kingswinford Deanery – Rural Dean: David Hoskin; Lay Chair: Helen Jones
Diocese of Mexico: Bishop Carlos Touche-Porter
Diocese of Lund (Sweden): Bishop Johan Tyrberg
Diocese of Cashel, Ossory and Ferns (Ireland): Bishop Michael Burrows
Diocese of Ely: Bishop Stephen Conway with Bishop David Thomson (Huntington)
