Do you want to become a voice at the heart of the diocese? Why not stand for Diocesan Synod?

The Diocesan Synod is a democratically elected body which has an important role in deciding the strategic direction of a diocese. This summer the Synod will have elections to determine who will serve on it for the next three years. We know that God calls people to various ministries in His Church – is God calling you to this one?

What does the word Synod mean?

The word ‘Synod’ comes from the Greek language and means ‘the way together’. In Truro we very much want to embody that root meaning of the word by being a collection of different church traditions, so that together we can Discover God’s Kingdom and Grow the Church in the Diocese of Truro.

What would it involve?

In terms of time, you would need to commit to a maximum of three Saturday meetings a year, normally from 9am to 3pm.

What happens at a Synod meeting?
There are normally two or three major topics for the Synod to discuss. We want to involve you in developing a more interactive way for Synod members to engage with the big topics. Diocesan Synod is also asked by the General Synod to express a view on national issues from time to time.

How else can I serve?
The Synod feeds into various management committees in the diocese and members are encouraged to offer themselves to these where they are able to. So if you have a passion for education, finance matters or on matters relating to land and property for instance, you may be interested in serving on the Diocesan Board of Education, or on the Glebe or Property management committees. There are many opportunities for you to explore.

Interested in taking this further?
You can talk to Esther Pollard, Diocesan Secretary at Church House if you want to find out more information by emailing esther.pollard@truro.anglican.org or calling 01872 360034.

Alternatively you can speak to the current Chairs of the Houses of Clergy and Laity:
Revd Canon Alan Bashforth E. alanbashforth@trurocathedral.org.uk.
Canon Sheri Sturgess E. sheri.sturgess@gmail.com.

Key Information about the election

Who can stand?
Clergy: Any licensed clerk in Holy Orders who is a member of the Deanery Synod or who is working or residing in the Deanery, provided that he or she shall not stand for election in any other deanery and they are not disqualified from being a charity trustee under section 72(1) of the Charities Act 1993.
Laity: Any lay person who is an actual communicant member of the Church of England of 16 years or upwards and whose name is entered on the Church Electoral Roll of any parish in the deanery, provided they are not disqualified from being a charity trustee under section 72(1) of the Charities Act 1993.

Who can nominate and second Candidates?
Members of the House of Clergy of the Deanery synod (other than co-opted members).
Members of the House of Laity of the Deanery synod (other than co-opted members).

What is the timetable for the election?
Nomination forms will be will be issued by the Presiding Officer, Mrs Esther Pollard, and mailed from Church House direct to the electorate.
Nominations must be received by the Deanery Presiding Officer by 28 May 2018.
Where an election is necessary, voting papers will be mailed to the electorate on 11 June 2018.
Voting papers must be returned to the Deanery Presiding Officer by 25 June 2018.
All Candidates will be notified of the results of the election by July 2018 and the new members of Synod will take office from this date for a term of three years.