New clergy and lay members have been elected to General Synod.
General Synod helps to shape the life of the Church of England. Those elected will represent the concerns and experiences of our churches and communities, contribute to important national decisions, and help the Church live Christ’s story today, in and for the world.
The Diocese of York is represented on the national Church of England’s General Synod by six Members of the House of Laity and six Members of the House of Clergy (Proctors in Convocation).
General Synod Election Results 2026
Thank you to all those who put themselves forward to stand for General Synod. The following people have been elected – click on their names to view their election statements.
House of Clergy
Verified Election Results
Clergy – Elected Candidates' Details
PDF / 202 KB
Clergy – Election Results (word)
.docx / 16 KB
Clergy – Election Results (spreadsheet)
xlsx / 12 KB
Laity – Elected Candidates' Details
PDF / 469 KB
Laity – Election Results (word)
.docx / 17 KB
Laity – Election Results (spreadsheet)
xlsx / 13 KB
What is General Synod?
General Synod is the national assembly of the Church of England. Its members include bishops, other clergy, and lay people.
It considers and approves legislation affecting the Church of England, agrees new forms of worship, debates matters of national and international importance, and approves the annual budget for the Church’s national work.
Members speak and vote from their own viewpoints while remaining connected with their dioceses. They also report back on important discussions, decisions, and developments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do General Synod members do?
Members take part in debates, propose and vote on motions, consider legislation, ask questions, and may serve on committees or other Church bodies.
They prepare for meetings by reading papers and considering the issues being discussed. Members also keep in touch with their dioceses and report back on important discussions and decisions.
What subjects does General Synod consider?
General Synod considers Church legislation, worship, mission, ministry, safeguarding, finance, and matters of public concern.
Recent business has included changes to the Church’s safeguarding structures, progress towards Net Zero Carbon, clergy pensions, clergy discipline and complaints, parochial fees, sustainable church flowers, prayer for persecuted Christians, Prayers of Love and Faith, and the ethical investment and stewardship of Church funds.
They prepare for meetings by reading papers and considering the issues being discussed. Members also keep in touch with their dioceses and report back on important discussions and decisions.
Who chooses the members?
General Synod has three Houses: Bishops, Clergy, and Laity.
Diocesan bishops are members of the House of Bishops, alongside elected suffragan bishops and certain other members.
Lay members of deanery synods vote for the lay representatives of their diocese. Clergy vote for their diocese’s clergy representatives. Separate arrangements apply to constituencies including universities and theological education institutions, religious communities, cathedral deans, and the Armed Forces.
Do members represent an official diocesan position?
Members speak and vote from their own viewpoints. They are expected to listen to the people and communities they represent, keep in touch with the diocese, and report back on significant discussions and decisions.
General Synod brings together people with a wide range of theological perspectives, church traditions, experiences, and opinions.
What happens now the results have been announced?
Successful candidates will receive information about induction and their first meeting. The new General Synod will meet in London from 16 to 18 November 2026.
The Diocese of York will publish the names of its elected members following the declaration of the results.
Thank you to our outgoing members of General Synod
The following Members were elected in 2021 by Members of Deanery Synods across the diocese.
- Canon Linda Ali
- Dr Neill Burgess
- Lucy Gorman
- Dr Nick Land
- Dr Tim Scott
- Sammi Tooze
- The Revd Jackie Doyle-Brett
- The Revd Adam Gaunt
- The Venerable Liz Hassall
- The Revd Jake Madin
- The Revd Dr Christian Selvaratnam
- The Revd Steve Wilcox
Diocesan Synod
‘Synod’ is a Greek word meaning “coming together and finding a way”.
Archbishop’s Council
The members of Diocesan Synod elect from among themselves those who, with the Bishops and Archdeacons, form the Archbishop’s Council.
Deanery Synods
A Deanery Synod serves a deanery, or local group of parishes.