New clergy and lay members will be elected to General Synod this autumn, and people across the Diocese of York are invited to consider standing.
General Synod is the national assembly of the Church of England. It helps shape the life of the Church by making decisions that affect parishes, chaplaincies, schools, and communities across the country. It agrees new forms of worship, considers matters of national and international importance, approves Church legislation, and agrees the annual budget for national Church work.
Those elected in 2026 will serve for five years. General Synod includes bishops, clergy, and lay people.
You may be eligible to stand as a lay member if you attend church regularly. You do not need to be a member of a PCC, deanery synod, or diocesan synod.
We are keen to encourage candidates who reflect the full breadth of people, places, and churches across the Diocese of York and the wider Church of England. We particularly welcome interest from people whose voices and experiences may currently be underrepresented.
New members are supported through an induction programme, so you do not need to know everything about General Synod before standing.
Why consider standing?
Standing for General Synod is an opportunity to:
- represent the concerns, hopes, and experiences of your community and diocese at national level
- have a say in decisions that affect the whole Church of England
- contribute to debates on social, policy, and public issues
- meet Anglicans from across the country and the wider Communion
- play a part in helping the Church live Christ’s story today, in and for the world
For many people, serving on Synod is challenging, interesting, and rewarding.
What does a General Synod member do?
General Synod members take part in debates, propose and vote on motions, serve on committees, and review legislation.
Members bring their own experience, faith, and perspective to the work of the Church. You do not need previous experience in public speaking or formal Church governance.
You will need to be someone who listens well, reflects prayerfully, and is willing to contribute thoughtfully to discussions.
What is the commitment?
If elected, you would be expected to attend each meeting of General Synod for the next five years.
General Synod usually meets twice a year, once in London and once in York. Each meeting lasts up to five days. It is possible to attend meetings either in person or online.
In your first year, you would also attend an additional three-day meeting in London.
Is the role paid?
The role is voluntary and unpaid. Travel and accommodation expenses are covered.
How do I find out more?
Use the Church of England’s Stand for Synod eligibility checker as a guide or find answers to frequently asked questions at Elections to Synod | The Church of England.
You can then contact Kirsty McCullough at kirsty.mccullough@yorkdiocese.org to find out more and confirm your eligibility.
If you do not wish to stand but know someone who may be a good candidate, please share this information with them.
Election process and key dates
1. Check your eligibility
Use the eligibility checker or contact kirsty.mccullough@yorkdiocese.org at the Diocese of York to confirm whether you are eligible to stand.
2. Nominations
Nominations open on 14 August 2026 and close on 7 September 2026.
Lay candidates need two people who are members of a deanery synod to nominate them. Clergy candidates need two other clergy to nominate them.
The diocesan office will provide a nomination form. This must be completed and signed by the people nominating you.
3. Statements and hustings
Candidates will be asked to write an election statement. You may also be asked to record a video or give a short talk at a hustings event.
A hustings is a chance for voters to hear from candidates about why they are standing and what they would bring to the role.
4. Voting
Voting runs from 21 September to 13 October 2026.
Lay members of deanery synods in the Diocese of York vote for lay candidates. Clergy in the Diocese of York vote for clergy candidates.
5. Results
Those elected will attend General Synod for the first time at its meeting in London in November 2026.
