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.

What is the General Synod and what does it do?

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:

14 July 2026	Deadline for qualifying as an elector (for most members) is 06:00h on day of dissolution of Synod
14 July 2026	Synod dissolved and election period begins
27 July 2026	Register of electors sent by Diocesan Electoral Registration Officer to the Presiding Officer by this date
14 August 2026	Invitations to nominate issued
7 September 2026	Nominations close
21 September 2026	Invitations to vote issued on this date
12 October 2026	Deadline for postal votes
13 October 2026	Online voting period ends
14-16 October 2026	Counting takes place
19 October 2026	All results declared

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.