Skip to content

Diocesan Synod

‘Synod’ is a Greek word meaning “coming together and finding a way”.

What is Diocesan Synod? 

The Diocese of York is led by the Archbishop of York acting with the advice and, where necessary, the consent of the Diocesan Synod.

The York Diocesan Synod is the representative governing body of the Diocese, and the members of Synod are automatically the company members of the Diocesan Board of Finance. Through Diocesan Synod, members of the Church of England in York work together to take forward the mission and ministry of the Church. In it, Bishops, priests and lay people meet together to discuss the issues facing the Church and to make decisions about our common future.

Each Deanery elects members of their clergy and laity to serve on Diocesan Synod. Other members of Diocesan Synod include the Dean of York Minster, the suffragan bishops, the archdeacons, and those clergy and laity elected by the Diocese to represent us on the General Synod of the Church of England.

The members of Diocesan Synod elect the Archbishop’s Council and also the members of other important diocesan bodies such as the Vacancy in See committee.

The Synod also has a role in representing the views of the York Diocese to the wider national Church, particularly when invited to do so by the General Synod or Archbishops’ Council.

Could you stand for Diocesan Synod in 2024?



Reports of most recent meetings 

13th July 2024, Diocesan Synod Report

“Rest and Delight in Jesus” – Archbishop’s Presidential Address, Living Christ’s Story – Report on Multiply, Environment Policy, Financial Update including the Annual Report and Accounts, Annual Reports from Boards and Committees, General Synod members’ report

Click to download printable version

16th March 2024, Diocesan Synod Report

Archbishop’s Presidential Address, Living Christ’s Story, Finance, General Synod reports, Living in Love & Faith, farewell to Shirley Davies.

Click to download

29th January 2024, Diocesan Synod Report

Extraordinary (additional) meeting to consider the future Episcopal Ministry in the Sees of Selby and Whitby.

Click to download

18th November 2023, Diocesan Synod Report

Archbishop’s Presidential Address, Living Christ’s Story, Hearing the Voice of Young People, diocesan financial update and 2024 budget, reports from General Synod.

Click to download

1st July 2023, Diocesan Synod Report

‘In praise of the local church’ – Archbishop’s Presidential Address, Living Christ’s Story, national and diocesan financial matters, annual reports for 2022 and more. 

Click to download

22nd April 2023, Diocesan Synod Report

‘If things are of God, nothing will be able to stop them.’ – Presidential Address, Living Christ’s Story, Children & Youth and more.

Click to download

26th November 2022, Diocesan Synod Report

Archbishop’s Presidential Address, Living Christ’s Story plan, 2023 budget, racial justice charter, environmental resources and more.

Click to download

2nd July 2022, Diocesan Synod Report

‘We have confidence…’ – Archbishop’s Presidential Address; Living Christ’s Story, annual reports and more.

Click to download