General Synod

General Synod is the national assembly of the Church of England. Decisions that are taken at General Synod shape the life, worship, financial health, ministry, and mission of our church. Representatives of the whole Church of England – dioceses, cathedrals, religious communities, universities, armed forces, bishops, clergy and lay people - usually meet three times a year to debate and decide the future direction of the church. Decisions affect the life of every parish – for example, the ordination of women to the priesthood and as bishops; and the recent commitment for the church to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2030 in response to the Climate Emergency.

House of Clergy (4 places)

House of Laity (5 places)

Here General Synod representative, Matt Orr shares his experience as a new member when attending his first General Synod. You can find his latest video on the February 2023 General Synod meeting on YouTube.

Download reports from other representatives below.