Elections for new General Synod members in 2026

General Synod is the national assembly of the Church of England. It shapes and approves laws that affect the whole of the Church of England. It agrees new forms of worship, debates matters of national and international importance, and approves the annual budget for the work of the Church at national level.

In Autumn 2026, elections are happening for new General Synod members. Those elected will serve for five years. Members are a mixture of bishops, clergy and lay people. 

Key Dates:

Joining General Synod is a fantastic opportunity to represent the concerns of your community and your diocese at a national level. Almost anyone who attends church regularly is likely to be eligible to stand for election as a lay member. There is a supportive induction programme to help new members in their roles.

We are looking for candidates who represent the whole range of people and churches in the Church of England. We particularly welcome candidates whose background may currently be underrepresented.

If you are interested in standing for election, please use the eligibility checker linked below. You will need to fill out the diocese's 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 currently members of the House of Laity on your Deanery Synod to nominate you. If you are clergy, you need two other clergy to nominate you.

Nominations open on 14 August and close on 7 September. Deanery Synod Reps will be sent the invitations to nominate on 14 August.

Check eligibilty and further information