Could you be part of Deanery Synod?

Elections for lay members of Deanery Synod are coming up at Annual Parochial Church Meetings this year. This could be a great opportunity to step into a role that helps shape the future of the Church bin your own parish and beyond.

Deaneries bring together parishes across an area, and while they differ widely in size and character, they play a key role in how our worshipping communities relate to one another, and with the wider life of the diocese.

The Deanery Synod is where representatives from across the deanery come together for prayerful discussion, thoughtful discernment, and decision-making about mission and ministry. These meetings take place around three or four times a year. It’s a place to raise questions, share ideas, and support motions that might go forward to Diocesan Synod.

Serving on Deanery Synod is also an important part of Church governance. Lay members of Deanery Synod form the electorate for Diocesan and General Synod. This is significant this year, as General Synod elections will take place in late summer 2026. The people elected to Deanery Synod will therefore have a direct role in choosing those who represent the House of Laity at national level.

Deaneries are looking for people that genuinely reflect the mission and ministry of their local parishes and the diverse communities they serve. If you’re willing to work with others in prayer and discernment, think beyond your own parish, and engage respectfully with different points of view, this is a good role for you.

As Deanery Synods take on an increasingly important role, particularly in relation to Deanery Strategic Pathways, there’s capacity for creative and transformational conversations. We need people to stand who are excited about the future direction of the local Church. We are especially keen to encourage people to stand who may not normally consider themselves for synod roles, and who care deeply about the future of the Church. Synods are strongest when they reflect a wide range of voices, experiences and perspectives.

All licensed clergy in the deanery are automatically members of Deanery Synod. Lay members are elected every three years at the APCM, which will be held in your parish before 31 May 2026. APCMs are open to all members of the parish electoral roll. The number of lay representatives elected from each parish depends on the size of the parish.

If elected, representatives will take up office on 1 July 2026 and serve for a three-year term.

If you’re interesting in standing, speak to your PCC Secretary who will be able to explain the next steps.