Young adults aged 18–25 are being invited to get involved in the life and decision-making of the Church of England, with three opportunities to have their voices heard at a national level.
Following a General Synod motion in 2025 affirming the importance of listening and responding to children and young people, the Church of England is developing new ways for young adults to participate in its governance.
Whether you are ready to stand for election, would like to experience General Synod without becoming an elected member, or simply want to find out more, there are several ways to get involved.
1. Stand for General Synod
Elections for new lay members of General Synod take place in autumn 2026. Those elected will serve a five-year term.
General Synod is the Church of England’s national assembly. Its members debate and make decisions about issues affecting the life, mission, and governance of the Church.
Standing for election gives young adults an opportunity to:
- represent their community and diocese at a national level;
- contribute to decision-making across the Church of England;
- build relationships with people from across the Church and wider Anglican Communion; and
- help ensure that young adult voices shape the Church’s future.
A simple How to Get Elected to General Synod guide has been produced to explain the process. You can also hear from young people about why representation at Synod matters.
Nominations opened on 14 August 2026 and close in September 2026.
2. Become a co-opted young adult member of General Synod
Five young adults have already joined General Synod as non-voting co-opted members. They take part in debates, meet Church leaders, connect with wider networks, and contribute their own perspectives to Synod’s work.
One current co-opted member said:
“Being co-opted onto General Synod has made me feel like young people’s voices are cared about. We are not being consulted on a specific issue or reduced into a statistic. Instead, we’ve been invited to understand the challenges facing the Church, listen to different perspectives, and contribute on our own terms.”
The Church of England is now looking to support another five young adults aged 18–25 to join General Synod for its November 2026, February 2027, and July 2027 meetings in York and London.
Deadline for expressions of interest: Friday 2 October 2026.
3. Join the General Synod Young Voices Network
If you are interested in Synod but aren’t sure that standing for election or becoming a co-opted member is for you, the General Synod Young Voices Network is a good place to begin.
The network brings together young adults from across the country and provides opportunities to:
- join regular online gatherings for fellowship and reflection;
- attend Synod fringe events and visits;
- connect with other young adults interested in the life of the Church; and
- help inform and support young people’s voices within General Synod.
You don’t need to be a Synod member to get involved.
Help us spread the word
We would love to see young adults from across the Diocese of York getting involved.
If you work with, worship alongside, or know someone aged 18–25 who might be interested, please share these opportunities with them.