Synods in the Church of England

Synodical governance was set up to give the Church of England authority to govern its own laws through a special arrangement with Parliament. There are three tiers of Synods of the Church of England:

General Synod

General Synod consists of bishops, clergy and laity who meet three times a year to make decisions on the doctrine and practice of the Church of England and to make ecclesiastical law. As well as matters of worship and discipline, it also addresses wider concerns, both national and international. Elected members serve for five years.

Diocesan Synod

The Diocesan Synod for the Diocese of Gloucester considers matters sent to it from General Synod and from deaneries. It formulates diocesan policy advice, debates important local and national issues and advises the Bishop as appropriate. Members also agree proposals for the annual budget and approves or disapproves them; and receives the Annual Report and Accounts of the DBF. Elected members serve for three years.

The Gloucester Diocesan Synod is held three times a year usually in February, July and November and has roughly 130 elected members.

Deanery Synods

Each deanery has its own synod which reflects on issues of concern to the local church and community. Matters can be sent to Deanery Synods from PCCs or Diocesan or General Synods. Resolutions passed by a Deanery Synod can be sent for discussion at higher levels. Elected members serve for three years and are the voters in elections for Diocesan and General Synods.

What does Diocesan Synod do?

Diocesan Synod considers matters referred from General Synod and Deanery Synods, and from individual Diocesan Synod members. It agrees diocesan policy on a wide range of issues, assists the Bishops and their staff to support and oversee the vision and work of the Diocese, approves the budget, and debates important local and national issues affecting the Church. Members of the Diocesan Synod are also members of the Gloucester Diocesan Board of Finance (GDBF), the legal charity and company that manages the affairs of the Diocese.

Considers matters concerning the Church of England and makes provision for these matters in relation to the diocese.

Considers and expresses an opinion on matters of religious or public interest and on any matters referred to it by General Synod.

Offers advice to the bishop on matters they may wish to consult on.
Considers and expresses their opinion on any matters referred to them by the General Synod and, in particular, to approve or disapprove provisions referred to them by General Synod.