General Synod election 2026

The following candidates have been elected to General Synod from Bath and Wells

Clergy
• The Revd Helen Drever
• The Revd Roger Driver
• The Revd Richard Miles
• The Revd Joanna Stobart

Lay
• Christina Baron
• James Cary
• Mike Hodson
• Alison Horsey
• Sarah Packman

Candidates and election addresses

Click on the candidate’s name to download their election address.

Key dates

• 16-18 November: New members take part in November 2026 Synod.  

The election process was run by Civica Election Services using an online portal; those who wish could use a paper-based system. Voting took place using the single transferable vote (STV) system.  

What is General Synod?

General Synod is the Church of England’s national assembly, bringing together bishops, clergy and laity from across the country to make decisions about the Church’s life and work. It approves legislation, shapes national policy, authorises new forms of worship and agrees the annual budget. Members are a mixture of bishops, clergy and lay people.

This video explains all about General Synod and how it works. More information about the role of General Synod is available on the Church of England’s website.

In the Diocese of Bath and Wells we have 4 members of clergy and 5 members of laity. General Synod members represent the whole range of people and churches in the Church of England.

What does a General Synod member do?

• They represent the concerns of their community and their diocese at a national level.
• Members speak in debates, propose and vote on motions, serve on committees and review legislation.
• They have a say in national legislation that affects all parts of the Church of England.
• Can raise issues and contribute to debates on social and policy matters.
• Are involved in the national governance of the Church.

Who can stand as a lay member of the General Synod?

Almost anyone who attends a Church of England church regularly is eligible to stand as a candidate for the General Synod. You do not need to be a member of your deanery synod or diocesan synod to stand as a candidate. You need to be aged 18 or over, confirmed, on the electoral roll and have taken communion at least three times in the past year. The Church of England website has a quick eligibility checker as well as more in-depth information about eligibility to stand.

Who to contact

or Peter Evans, email: presiding.Officer@bathwells.anglican.org, telephone: 01749 685108 

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