13/08/2026
General Synod 2026 elections
Could you stand?
The Diocese of Southwark is encouraging clergy and lay people to consider standing in the General Synod 2026 elections. General Synod is the national assembly of the Church of England, responsible for shaping legislation, approving forms of worship, debating key issues and agreeing the national Church budget, amongst other things. Members serve a five-year term i.e. to 2031.
https://youtu.be/CWspnvrc270
We are keen to attract candidates who reflect the full diversity of the Church and we particularly welcome those from currently underrepresented backgrounds.
Why stand?
General Synod membership offers an opportunity to:
- Represent the concerns of your parish, community and diocese at a national level.
- Influence legislation affecting the Church of England.
- Contribute to debates on church, social and policy matters.
- Meet Anglicans from across the country and beyond.
- Develop new skills and play a key role in the future of the Church.
Key dates
14 August 2026 – Nominations open
7 September 2026 – Nominations close
21 September 2026 – Voting opens
19 October 2026 – Results announced
Who can stand?
Most regular lay Church of England worshippers aged 18 or over who are confirmed, on their parish’s electoral roll and have received Holy Communion at least three times in the past year will be eligible to stand as lay members.
Clergy are eligible to stand if they fit into one of the following categories: Archdeacons of the diocese; beneficed clergy in the diocese; clergy serving in Southwark Cathedral (other than the Dean of Southwark); clergy holding a licence bearing the seal of the Bishop of Southwark; clergy holding written permission to officiate in the Diocese of Southwark.
If you are interested in standing for election, please use this eligibility checker as a guide. Please note, this eligibility checker is only for laity wishing to stand. If you are unsure of your eligibility as a member of the clergy, please email: [email protected].
You will need to fill out the nomination form and have it signed by the people who are nominating you. If you are standing as a lay member, you need two people who are members of a Deanery Synod in the Diocese of Southwark to nominate you. If you are clergy, you need two other clergy who are members of a Deanery Synod in the Diocese of Southwark to nominate you.
Nominations open on 14 August and close on 7 September.
The nomination form will uploaded to the General Synod Election page on 14 August your Deanery Synod Representatives will also receive copies.
Commitment
General Synod normally meets twice a year for five days, with sessions held in London and York, and meetings can be attended in person or online. The role is voluntary and unpaid, although travel and accommodation expenses are covered.
Anyone interested in standing should use the eligibility checker (for laity) on the Church of England website. Nomination forms will be available from 14 August 2026 and should be submitted to [email protected] or by post to:
Trinity House
4 Chapel Court
Borough High Street
London, SE1 1H
and should reach the presiding officer not later than 5pm on Monday 7 September 2026.
For further information, visit the Diocese of Southwark General Synod Elections webpage or contact [email protected]
The General Synod is the legislative body of the Church of England....
