Nomination forms are now available for a casual vacancy for a lay role on General Synod.

The nomination period closes on September 18, 2025. If more than one candidate comes forward, elections will start on October 2, 2025.

To be elected to the House of Laity, a person must have received Communion according to the use of the Church of England, or a Church in communion with it, at least three times in the previous 12 months; be at least 18 years old; and must have their name on the parish roll in the diocese.

About General Synod

General Synod is the legislative body of the Church of England and is made up of representatives (clergy and laity) from all dioceses across the country, including six from Cornwall.

It considers and approves legislative measures (then signed off by the King) which apply nationally. It agrees the national budget for the Church of England. It also, and importantly, considers and debates a wide range of public and social issues from the perspective of a faith organisation.

General Synod usually meets twice a year for five days each in London and York. Membership lasts for five years. As this is a casual vacancy, the person will only hold the role until July 2026, when new full elections will be held.

A General Synod member attends General Synod as a representative of the diocese and is expected to feed into General Synod on our behalf, and feed back to the diocese from General Synod.

To be a General Synod member you need to be nominated and meet certain eligibility criteria but you don’t need to be on diocesan or deanery synod. It is a voluntary role with expenses paid.

For more information click here: Being a General Synod Representative

Download a nominations form here

For more information, email April Bullard.