The Diocesan Synod

What is the Diocesan Synod and how is it elected?

  • The Diocesan Synod is a representative body for CofE churches in the Diocese, to which each geographical Deanery area is entitled to send a number of lay and clergy representatives. 
  • Members of Diocesan Synod are elected every three years. Members of Deanery Synods form the electorate but you do not need to be a member of Deanery Synod to stand for election to Diocesan Synod.
  • We urge you to consider putting yourself forward and encourage others to consider standing.

Why should I consider standing for election?

  • Diocesan Synods will sometimes be asked to vote on important policies affecting the whole Diocese. For example, some Diocesan Synods are being asked to give approval in principle to schemes that will cut clergy numbers and amalgamate parishes into much larger units. Diocesan Synods are often also asked to vote on Diocesan budgets. As a member of Diocesan Synod, you will be able to have your say by asking questions, speaking and voting and you may be able to influence the future of your local churches.
  • Save the Parish supporters in some Dioceses are planning to bring forward a resolution on changing the financing of the church, in the hope that this will make its way to General Synod—but that can’t happen unless there are enough people on Deanery and Diocesan Synods pressing for and voting for real change.
  • There are often too few candidates for the number of places, especially in the House of Laity—so you have an excellent chance of being elected.

What would my responsibilities be?

  • Diocesan Synods normally meet around three to four times a year, sometimes in person and sometimes remotely (e.g. via Zoom), depending on the policy of the Diocese in question. (It won’t matter if you sometimes have to miss all or part of a meeting.)
  • As a member of Diocesan Synod, you will automatically become an ex officio member of your Deanery Synod and of your parish church’s PCC (if you are not already a member). 
  • You will have the opportunity to stand for election to other bodies, including the Bishop’s Council, that will give you even more influence – although there will be no expectation on you to put yourself forward for additional roles unless you wish to do so.

Who is eligible to stand for election, and how do I get nominated?

  • Laity: Any lay person who is on the Electoral Roll of a Parish church can stand for election to the House of Laity of the Diocesan Synod.
  • Clergy: Any member of the House of Clergy of their Deanery Synod can stand for election to the House of Clergy of the Diocesan Synod.

Nomination Process

You will need to find two Deanery Synod members (from within your own Deanery) to propose and second you. Laity must be nominated by laity and clergy by clergy. Your own parish should have representatives on the Deanery Synod, so try asking them first—your incumbent, Churchwarden or PCC Secretary should know who they are. You could also try approaching neighbouring parishes and ask if their Deanery Synod reps could contact you as you are looking for someone to propose and second you for Diocesan Synod. (GDPR rules mean that it won’t be possible for Deanery Synod members’ contact details to be passed on to you without their permission—but you can ask for them to get in touch with you.)

  • In some Dioceses, Deanery Synod members will automatically be sent the relevant nomination forms with instructions on how to nominate someone. They may already have had the Notice and/or the nomination form, or they will be receiving them shortly. (If you are not yourself a Deanery Synod member, your proposer and seconder should have the form.) 
  • Otherwise, you will need to contact the Returning Officer for your Deanery and request a copy of the nomination form and the instructions for candidates. If your proposer and seconder do not know who this is, contact your Rural (Area) Dean or your Diocese and ask who has been appointed as the Returning Officer for your Deanery and request a copy of the Nomination Form and the instructions for candidates. (Your incumbent will know who the Rural Dean is and how to contact him or her.)
  • When you complete the nomination form, you will be invited to provide a short election statement, outlining why you are standing for election. Keep this as positive as possible, whilst stressing that the best interests of the parishes are your top priority. (Some dioceses only ask for an election address if there is a contested election.) 

Save the Parish is very happy to look at and advise on supporters’ election statements before they are submitted. Please email help@savetheparish.com if you would like to take up this opportunity.