12/07/2026
General Synod continued its summer sessions in York with a full day of debate and decision-making.
The day began with worship, before members turned to Private Members motion from the Rev Dr Christopher Landau looking at the work of the Digital Communications team of the National Church Institutions. Synod welcomed the work of the digital team and heard updates on the work being done to refresh digital output, including the launch of the new Church of England website in the autumn. During the course of the debate a motion for next business was moved and carried, which resulted in the main motion lapsing.
Synod then moved to legislative business, debating a report from the Legislative Committee following its engagement with the Ecclesiastical Committee of Parliament on the National Church Governance Measure, which has now been withdrawn. The importance of reform to the existing structures of the National Institutions was reaffirmed, with suggestions given for how changes can be made without requiring legislation.
The Legal Officers (Annual Fees) Order 2026 was agreed, with Synod hearing how valuable locally based legal advice is to every parish across the country. The Ecclesiastical Judges fees for proceedings in ecclesiastical courts was also approved.
The morning finished with a second session of questions on a wide range of subjects.
In the afternoon, Synod approved the Clergy Conduct Rules that will provide the procedural framework for dealing with complaint under the new Clergy Conduct Measure, with members welcoming the new triage system for complaints. A number of amendments brought by Synod members were debated which can be found in the order paper.
- Amendment 509 was lost following a counted vote by Houses
- House of Bishops 2 for 17 against 4 abstentions
- House of Clergy 47 for 70 against 4 abstentions
- House of Laity 49 for 85 against 4 abstentions
- Amendment 510 was withdrawn.
- Amendments 511- 519 were carried by a show of hands
- Amendment 520 was carried by a show of hands.
Members also approved amendments to the House of Laity and House of Clergy election rules for the General Synod elections to be held in the Autumn.
Finally, Synod heard a presentation on promoting unity in our nation. They heard from Pete Adams on responding to the rise of the Christian right in the last twenty years. The Bishop of Southampton Rhiannon King spoke on the recent unrest in Southampton following the murder of Henry Nowak. The Bishop of Bradford spoke on behalf of the Bishop of Leeds Arun Aroura on responding to riots outside asylum hotels in Leeds last year.
Turning to discussions in small groups members were encouraged to share their own stories and experiences of division. Churches were recognised as a space for those who feel voiceless and a means of challenging prejudices by enabling those from different backgrounds to meet one another.
Evening worship brought the day to a close.