Governance and Synods

The Diocese has a number of bodies and councils that give us structure, accountability and good governance.

These bodies meet regularly throughout the year and run alongside other key events and activities within the Diocese. 

Find out more about all our key bodies and councils below.
 

Diocesan Synod

The Diocesan Synod is the main policy-making body of the Diocese and the forum for the discussion of issues important in diocesan life.
It is an elected body that debates matters referred from deaneries, PCCs and from individual Synod members.

It also debates motions relating to national church affairs. In this way, we contribute to General Synod - the national policy-making parliament of the Church of England. General Synod, General Synod - the national policy-making parliament of the Church of England.

How it works

Meetings are held three times a year. This helps to provide a system of democratic representation and accountability.

Synod is made up of three 'houses' or groups – bishops, clergy and laity (non-ordained members of the church). Elections to be a member of Diocesan Synod take place every 3 years.

  • The current Chair of the House of Clergy is the Rev Canon Jeremy Blunden, Rector of St George, Beckenham
  • The current Chair of the House of Laity is Mrs Sarah Poole, Christ Church, Beckenham

All members of the Synod are also members of the Diocesan Board of Finance, which is responsible for the custody and management of diocesan finances.
 

General Synod 

The General Synod is the national assembly of the Church of England. 

The General Synod considers and approves legislation affecting the whole of the Church of England, formulates 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.

The General Synod is made up of three houses: House of Bishops, House of Clergy, House of Laity.

Alongside the Diocesan Bishop, each diocese is able to elect four representatives to sit within the House of Clergy and the House of Laity.
 

 

Other committees and councils
 

Bishop's Council and Standing Committee
Diocesan Board of Finance 
Diocesan Advisory Committee for the Care of Churches (DAC)
Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory Panel (DSAP)
Diocesan Board of Patronage
Vacancy in See Committee
Diocesan Registry

 


Key Contacts

Matthew Girt

Diocesan Secretary 

Get in touch

 
Suzanne Rogers

Pastoral and Synodical Administrator

Get in touch
 

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