The General Synod decides on key issues in the life of the national Church of England, ranging from legislative and policy decisions to more routine matters.
The Synod is given power by Parliament to pass ‘Measures’ which, on approval by Parliament, become part of the law of the land. General Synod also has a strong interest in current affairs and social issues.
General Synod Elections 2026-2031
Four new clergy and four new lay members are being elected to General Synod this year – and you are invited to stand as a candidate. Stand for Synod
Full details, including timetable for election are available on the Church of England website: Elections to Synod
Key Dates
- nominations close – 07 September 2026
- voting opens – 21 September 2026
- hustings for lay elections – 05 October 2026, 7pm online
- hustings for clergy elections – 06 October 2026, 7pm online
- voting closes – 13 October 2026 (12 October for postal votes)
- results declared by 19 October 2026
Documents
Structure
General Synod is elected every five years by a system of proportional representation. It is made up of three Houses: Bishops, Clergy and Laity with a maximum total number of members of 467. The House of Bishops includes all diocesan bishops plus seven suffragan (or assistant) bishops. In addition to clergy elected from the dioceses, the House of Clergy also includes cathedral deans, a representative of prison chaplains and clergy employed in the universities. The House of Laity is composed chiefly of lay people elected from the dioceses. General Synod meets two or three times a year in London or York.