Being a General Synod Representative

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 Queen) 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.

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.

There are three places for clergy and three for laity.