Published on: 21/07/2026
Please note, this article offers highlights and general commentary of the meeting, with useful links and downloads. It is not a replacement for the minutes.
Diocesan Synod met on Saturday 18 July 2026 at St Peter’s Warmsworth Church Hall, Doncaster, beginning at 9:00am.
Members were warmly welcomed by the Bishop of Sheffield. Opening worship was led by the Revd Tom W Brown, Priest in Charge of All Saints, Denaby Main, setting a reflective tone for the morning. The meeting was chaired by Dr Jackie Butcher, and began with the promulgation of Amending Canon No 44.
Michaela Suckling presented an update on the Armed Forces Covenant, a promise by the nation ensuring that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, including the bereaved, are treated fairly. Synod heard what signing the Covenant would mean in practice, from recognising the contribution of serving personnel, reservists and veterans, to supporting military chaplaincy, marking Remembrance with care, and praying for the people and work of the Armed Forces.
Apologies were noted, and the minutes of the Synod meeting held on Saturday 7 March 2026 at St Peter’s Bentley were confirmed, with no matters arising.
Synod then enjoyed a spotlight on West Doncaster Deanery, with the Revd Tom W Brown sharing a good news story from All Saints, Denaby Main; an encouraging glimpse into the life and ministry of the local church community.
The Revd Anesia Cook led a Racial Justice update and launched the new e-learning module. Members heard about the ongoing work of the Racial Justice Team and were pointed to further resources on the diocesan website: Racial Justice : Our vision to bring about belonging for all in our Diocese
Synod then reconvened as the Diocesan Board of Finance, with Julia Newton taking the chair on behalf of Canon Ian Walker. Tony Gardiner, Director of Finance, presented the 2025 DBF Accounts, and members took note of the Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2025 together with the Reports of the Directors and Auditors. On behalf of the Finance Committee, Ms Newton also moved the appointment of Saffery LLP as Auditors to the Diocesan Board of Finance for the year ending 31 December 2026. Dr Jackie Butcher then retook the chair as Synod reconvened, ahead of a welcome coffee break.
Paul Sheridan, Common Fund Officer, and Katie Bell, Chief Executive and Diocesan Secretary, gave members an early opportunity to engage with and feed back on the Common Fund Project, an important piece of consultation for the diocese.
The Archdeacon of Sheffield and Rotherham gave an update on the safeguarding report and the ongoing INEQE audit, keeping safeguarding firmly at the heart of Synod’s business.
Matthew Rhodes, Clergy Chair, and Katie Bell, Chief Executive and Diocesan Secretary, presented the Bishop’s Council’s Report, summarising the proceedings of the Bishop’s Council since the last Synod meeting, with an opportunity for members to ask questions.
The outgoing Synod representatives then presented a brief report on the July Group of Sessions of General Synod, followed by an opportunity for questions. No Synod questions had been received in advance of the meeting.
At this point, Bishop Pete addressed Synod in his Presidential Address.
Bishop Pete started his address by saying:
“Friends, I want to speak to you this afternoon about Nigel Farage and Ann Widdecombe, about Sheffield as a City of Sanctuary and my latest book ‘Come for Refuge’. About the Orgreave Inquiry, about the letter of the Ephesians and the hope of the coming of the Kingdom of God. About the divisions in our nation and about the Union Flag. And I want to tell you about an experience I had on Remembrance Sunday last year.”
Watch the address in full below.
Following any other business, members were reminded that the next meeting of Diocesan Synod will be held on Saturday 21 November at St Andrew’s Psalter Lane.
The meeting concluded with closing worship, led by the Revd Timothy Hupfield, Priest in Charge of Warmsworth St Peter, Balby and Wadworth with Loversall.