New clergy and lay members are being elected to General Synod this year, and people across the diocese will be invited to stand as a candidate.
General Synod is the national assembly of the Church of England, shaping and approving laws that affect the whole of the Church of England.
It agrees 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.
In Autumn 2026, elections are happening for new General Synod members, who when elected will serve for five years.
Members are a mixture of bishops, clergy and lay people.
Almost anyone who attends church regularly is likely to be eligible to stand as a lay member and candidates don’t need to be a member of a PCC, Deanery Synod or Diocesan Synod.
The national church are looking for candidates who represent the whole range of people and churches in the Church of England, and will particularly welcome candidates whose background may currently be underrepresented.
The period for nominating candidates begins in August 2026, before closing in September when the voting period opens.
The results will be announced in October.
There is a supportive induction programme to help new members in their roles.
General Synod members will get the opportunity to represent the concerns of their communities and dioceses at a national level, as well as to have a say in national legislation that affects all parts of the Church of England.
Candidates will need to be able to show that they are someone who listens with an open mind, who is able to reflect prayerfully on issues, and who is able to confidently contribute to discussions.
They do not need any previous experience in making speeches, and it doesn’t matter if they do not know everything about how the Church operates or how General Synod works as people will help with this if you do get elected.
If elected, members are expected to attend each meeting of Synod for the next five years.
It is possible to attend all General Synod meetings either in person or online.
Each meeting lasts five days and there are usually two meetings per year, one in London and one in York.
More on the elections will be shared in the coming months, so please do check back, and please also be considering who could be nominated as a candidate.