General Synod is the legislative body of the Church of England. Together with the Westminster Parliament, it is the only body in the land which is entitled to make national law for England.

Legislative Measures passed by the Church of England are signed off by the King as Head of State. In addition to legislation, the General Synod also agrees the national Budget for the Church of England and debates a wide range of public and social issues from the perspective of a faith organisation.

New clergy and lay members are being elected to General Synod in Autumn 2026. Those elected will serve for five years. Members are a mixture of bishops, clergy and lay people. 

Nominations for these elections have now closed. The following people are standing in our lay and clergy elections:

Lay candidates:

Click on the names of each candidate to read the addresses they have prepared:

• Noah Chamberlain
• Philip (Pip) Collins White
• Rebecca Hunt
• Ian Johnston
• David King
• Vanda Leary
• Emma Lyddon
• Steven Smart
• Debbie Sutton
• Beryl Woodward

Clergy candidates

Click on the names of each candidate to read the addresses they have prepared:

• Jennifer Camirand
• Clare Challis
• Paul Chamberlain
• Alexander Coakley-Youngs
• Andrew Hargreaves
• Coleen Jackson
• Bob White

The voting period is September 22-October 14, and those who are voting are all Deanery Synod members. They will be able to vote online, via a link sent to them by Civica, which is running these elections on behalf of the Church of England. The results of these elections will be announced on this web page on October 19.

In our diocese, Bishop Jonathan and the Diocesan Secretary meet with the General Synod representatives before each Synod to review the agenda and give them an opportunity to discuss these items. General Synod representatives are also expected to attend  Bishop's Council meetings as observers, to ensure they are closely aware of activity within the diocese.

Key dates for General Synod elections

• 10-14 July: July Synod took place, after which General Synod was formally dissolved. 
• 14 July: ‘Qualifying date” is expected to be 14 July – people who match the criteria on this date can go through the diocesan nominations process. From 14 July to 14 August, dioceses will also be checking with deanery synods that the list of electors is correct.
• 14 August: Nominations open.
• 7 September: Nominations close.
• 21 September to 13 October: Voting period (postal vote closes 12 October).
• 19 October: All results declared.
• 16-18 November: New members take part in November 2026 Synod.