The General Synod is the national assembly of the Church of
England. It came into being in 1970 under the Synodical Government
Measure 1969, replacing an earlier body known as the Church
Assembly. It has powers in the following areas:
Legislation by Measure
To pass Measures which, if approved by resolution of each House
of Parliament, receive Royal Assent and thereby become part of the
law of England.
Legislation by Canon
To legislate by Canon, subject to Royal Licence and Assent.
Relations with other Churches
To regulate the Church of England's relations with other
churches and to make provisions for matters relating to worship and
doctrine. It can make provision by Act of Synod, regulation or
other instrument in cases where legislation by or under a Measure
or Canon is not necessary.
Liturgy
and Doctrinal Assent
To approve, amend, continue or discontinue liturgies and make
provision for any matter (except the publication of banns of
marriage) to which rubrics of the Book of Common Prayer relate and
to ensure that the forms of service contained in the Book of Common Prayer continue to
be available for use in the Church of England. The Synod also
decides the form in which ministers and officers of the Church of
England are required to assent to the doctrine of the Church of
England (the Declaration of Assent).
Deliberation
To consider any other matters of religious or public
interest.
Finance
To approve (or reject) the central Church budget each year.