Published on: 09/03/2026
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 7 March 2026 at St Peter’s, High Street, Bentley, Doncaster, beginning at 9.00am.
Members were warmly welcomed by the Bishop of Sheffield. Opening worship was led by the Revd Dave Berry, Vicar of Bentley St Peter, setting a reflective and prayerful tone for the morning. The meeting was chaired by the Revd Canon Matthew Rhodes.
First, the Synod heard an inspiring presentation from the Revd Stephen Edmonds (Associate Archdeacon) and the Revd Canon Adam Priestley (Senior Minister of St Vincent’s Mission Doncaster), sharing the diocese’s vision for Christian presence and mission in Doncaster city centre. The presentation offered insight into how the church might serve and engage with a growing urban community.
The Bishop of Doncaster led a helpful introductory item for members on how to navigate Synod; a practical and welcoming session particularly valuable for newer members, giving an accessible overview of how the body works and how members can participate effectively. It caused lots of laughs and light moments as a mock debate (formal Standing Orders were suspended) was held on whether the chocolate digestive should form the standard for hospitality in churches, with an amendment tabled that it should be the custard cream instead!
Tony Gardiner, Finance Director, provided Synod with an update on the diocese’s financial position, giving members an overview of current figures and key considerations for the year ahead.
The Bishop’s Chaplain, Canon Harry Steele, provided an update on the safeguarding report and the ongoing INEQE audit process. The update focussed on the recent appointment of a new Safeguarding Trainer, and on the deadline for the surveys for the audit process. Members were invited to receive the update and ask questions.
The Revd Hannah Hupfield, Associate Archdeacon, offered Synod a window into the life and ministry of two deaneries: Adwick-le-Street and Snaith and Hatfield. This segment gave members an encouraging glimpse into the local church communities, their contexts, challenges, and the ways in which God is at work in those areas.
Synod received a report on the diocese’s Net Zero journey, including encouraging good news stories from across the diocese of churches taking practical steps to care for creation. This report, given via video from the Diocesan Net Zero Programme Manager, can viewed below.
The Revd Canon Amanda Barraclough presented a summary of the February Group of Sessions of General Synod, giving Diocesan Synod members an overview of the national church’s recent business. Members had the opportunity to put questions to the General Synod representatives.
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.
At this point, Bishop Pete addressed Synod in his Presidential Address. The focus of the address was on his chairing of the Inquiry into the ‘Battle of Orgreave’. He said:
“The pursuit of truth is always pleasing to God”.
His address can be watched in full below.
Following the address Bishop Pete led Synod in a time of reflection and prayer for the Diocese of Guildford following the death of their Bishop, Andrew Watson.
The meeting concluded with closing worship, led by the Archdeacon of Sheffield and Rotherham, which also included a time of prayer for those serving in the Armed Forces, followed by the commissioning of the Anti-Harassment Advisers and Link Officers. This was an important moment marking the diocese’s ongoing commitment to dignity, safety, and respect for all.
The next meeting of Diocesan Synod will be held on Saturday 18 July at St Peter’s Warmsworth.