Last updated 14th August 2026

General Synod Elections 2026

Standing for Election to the General Synod.

New members of the General Synod are being elected this year, and you are invited to put yourself forward.

The General Synod is the Church of England's national governing body. It makes decisions that affect the whole Church, including approving new laws, agreeing forms of worship, discussing important national and international issues, and setting the Church's national budget.

The nominations stage of the elections process is now open. Those elected will serve for five years. Members include bishops, clergy, and lay people.

Being a member of the General Synod is a great opportunity to represent your church, community, and diocese at a national level. Most people who regularly attend a Church of England church are likely to be eligible to stand as a lay member.

Further information can be found on the Church of England website here.

We want candidates from a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and church traditions. We especially encourage people from groups that are currently underrepresented to consider standing.

If you would like to stand, please read the relevant “Qualifications of Candidates” document below to check if you are eligible.

Deanery Synod will have received instructions on how to nominate themselves. However, if you are not a Deanery Synod member and wish to stand, you will need to complete a nomination form (attached below). Lay candidates must be nominated by two lay Deanery Synod members and clergy candidates must be nominated by two clergy Deanery Synod members or an archdeacon.

The nomination period opens on 14 August and closes at 5pm on 7 September. Nominations received after 5pm on 7 September will not be considered.

You are also invited to submit an election address along with your nomination. Guidance on how to do this is attached below.

For further information regarding nominations please contact: presiding.officer@blackburn.anglican.org 

House of Clergy Nomination Form

House of Laity Nomination Form

Election Address Guidelines

Qualifications of Lay Candidates

Qualifications of Proctoral Candidates

Meetings of the General Synod

Blackburn General Synod Members Expenses Policy

General Synod Elections Timetable

Method of Voting in Elections to the General Synod