Presidential Address
The Archbishop invited Synod to learn from the wisdom of the ant: patient, purposeful, collaborative, and attentive to the created world. Drawing on Proverbs 6.6, he reflected that scripture often teaches us through nature, and that the Church has much to learn from patterns of interdependence, shared effort, and mutual care. He connected this to Living Christ’s Story, reminding Synod that we belong to one another through baptism and are called to honour every gift within the Body of Christ.
Looking ahead to the diocesan conference and upcoming ordinations, the Archbishop encouraged prayer for those called to particular ministries, lay and ordained, while affirming that ministry belongs to the whole people of God.
Read the full presidential address on our news pages at Archbishop’s Presidential Address to York Diocesan Synod, 20 June 2026.
Living Christ’s Story and Future Investment
A major focus was the developing Strategic Mission and Ministry Investment Board (SMMIB) bid for national funding. The Bishop of Selby encouraged Synod to see this not simply as a programme, but as part of our shared calling to be Christ’s body together in one place.
Synod heard that the bid is being shaped around several areas of diocesan life. These include leadership development for clergy and lay leaders, children and youth ministry, church planting, parish support, and use of church buildings. There was a clear emphasis on different contexts needing different approaches.
Church planting was described as moving from being largely opportunistic to becoming more intentional, strategic, and prayerful. This includes learning from across the diocese and beyond, with particular attention to Hull, Middlesbrough, rural ministry, and wider work connected with Faith in the North.
Finances and Stewardship
Synod received the Annual Report and Statement of Accounts for the year ended 31st December 2025 and a financial update for 2026. The headline message was that the financial position remains challenging, with a £2.1 million projected deficit.
Members heard that many diocesan reserves are tied up in buildings, endowments, or restricted funds and cannot be used to meet day-to-day costs. The diocese continues to face a significant structural deficit, and work is ongoing to bring income and expenditure closer together.
The Local Income Communities (LiNC) Fund was highlighted, with thanks expressed for the way it supports churches serving communities where financial resources are limited. However, it was recognised that one of the best ways to support parishes is through Free Will Offer. Parishes are asked to submit their pledges by September 2026.
Net Zero Carbon Action Plan
Kate Cameron, Deputy Diocesan Secretary, presented the Diocesan Net Zero Carbon Action Plan as part of discipleship, stewardship, and care for God’s creation.
Kate acknowledged that net zero work can feel like another pressure for parishes, especially where buildings are costly and complex. The proposed approach is therefore centred on people, not projects, aiming to meet churches where they are and offer practical support.
Members raised helpful questions about clergy housing, heating, costs, grant access, eco church engagement, individual responsibility and the language used around decarbonisation. There was strong encouragement to communicate this work in ways that build confidence rather than fear.
Safeguarding, Education, and Mission
Members received the standing safeguarding report and the 2025 annual safeguarding report. Thanks were expressed to the diocesan safeguarding team, parish safeguarding officers, and clergy for their work.
The report noted continued implementation of recommendations from the INEQE review, further development of training, and more than 5,000 people completing some form of safeguarding training in 2025.
Synod also received the annual report from the Diocesan Board of Education. Thanks were given to school leaders, governors, staff, and the diocesan education team. Current areas of work include environmental sustainability, artificial intelligence, and equality, diversity, inclusion and justice (EDIJ).
The Mission and Pastoral Committee report highlighted the careful, often unseen work of supporting parishes through change. This included significant reorganisation in Mowbray Deanery and the difficult closure of Yapham St Martin’s due to major structural issues. Synod heard that the community there still wishes to continue worshipping and will be supported through a time of loss and transition.
Good News: Hull Trinity Burial Ground
Diocesan Advisory Committee Secretary Catherine Copp shared an update on the Hull Trinity Burial Ground. The site has been affected by a major road improvement scheme, with extensive archaeological, pastoral, and memorial work taking place over several years.
Synod heard about the careful consultation around exhumation, reburial, heritage, biodiversity and public memory. Around 9,500 full sets of remains were exhumed and studied (the largest exhumation of bodies in the north of England), helping tell part of Hull’s story as an ocean city.
The renewed burial ground will remain a place of memorial, with retained headstones, planting, and displays detailing the history of the site. A rededication service is planned for 3 July 2026.
Deanery Synod Standing Orders
Synod agreed an amendment to Deanery Synod Standing Orders so that, where there is a vacancy in the role of Deanery Synod Secretary, an Area Dean can carry out the necessary functions or appoint others to assist. This is intended to help deaneries continue to function properly, particularly around election processes.
Looking Ahead
The Bishop of Whitby gave a brief update on the forthcoming diocesan conference, the first for some time, with 460 people expected to take part over three days. Members were encouraged to book seminar places promptly once details are circulated at the end of the month.
The Archbishop referred to the Church of England’s apology for historical adoption practices, acknowledging the deep harm experienced by many mothers and children. He also thanked the Ven Andy Broom for his service as Archdeacon of the East Riding, as this was his final Diocesan Synod meeting in that role.
Next meeting: Saturday 2h November 2026
