New clergy and lay members are being elected to General Synod this year – and you are invited to stand as a candidate
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.
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.
Lichfield Diocese has twelve places – five clergy, and seven lay people.
Almost anyone who attends church regularly is likely to be eligible to stand as a lay member. You don’t need to be a member of a PCC, Deanery Synod or Diocesan Synod.
We are looking for candidates who represent the whole range of people and churches across the diocese. We particularly welcome candidates whose background may currently be underrepresented.
There is a supportive induction programme to help new members in their roles.
Next steps
For further information including a video about General Synod and what it does, and an eligibility checker for lay people please see the Church of England website page.
If you have any questions please email the synod administrator.
If you don’t wish to stand but know someone who you think should consider standing, please pass this information on to them. This document from the National Society may also be helpful as an encouragement to asking young people to stand.
Key dates
- 14 August - Nominations open
- 7 September - Nominations close
- 21 September - Voting opens
- 13 October - Voting closes
- 14-16 October - Counting takes place
How the election process works
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Eligibility: Check if you can stand via the online eligibility checker or contact synod administrator if you have any queries.
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Nominations:
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As electors, members of Deanery Synods will be sent a nomination form by email or post on Friday 14 August. Follow the instructions on the form to submit the nomination.
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If you are not a member of a Deanery Synod and wish to stand for election, contact the synod administrator for a nomination form. A form will also be available to download on this page.
If you are standing as a lay member, you will need two people who are members of a Deanery Synod to nominate you. If you are clergy, you will need two other clergy to nominate you. All candidates must complete a nomination form giving the details of two qualified nominators.
After you have submitted your nomination, the Diocesan Presiding Officer will need to confirm your eligibility and declare your nomination valid.
Nominations open on 14 August and close on 7 September
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Statements: All candidates are invited to provide an election address which will be on the online voting portal, posted to electors not on email, and posted on this page. Addresses are an opportunity to set out why you want to be elected and what you could bring to the role. We'll provide guidance on how to format your statement.
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Voting: The lay Deanery Synod members in your diocese vote for lay candidates, and the clergy in your diocese vote for clergy candidates. The voting period is 21 September to 13 October.
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Results: If elected, you would come to General Synod for the first time at its meeting in London this November.
Find out more
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Find out more, check eligibility and read the full FAQs on the Church of England Stand for Synod website page.
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Watch this short explainer video: What is the General Synod?
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Have questions? Email our synod administrator.