Diocesan Synod

Diocesan Synod

Diocesan Synod plays a central role in shaping the life, mission and governance of the diocese. It brings together lay and ordained representatives from across our churches to pray, discern, debate and decide matters affecting the whole diocesan community.

Synod members help to:

• set diocesan strategy and policy

• hold the work of the diocese to account

• contribute to national Church of England conversations

• support the flourishing of churches, ministers and communities

Diocesan Synod usually meets twice a year, in March and November, with an occasional additional meeting in June. Members serve for a three-year term, after which they may choose to stand for re-election.

Membership and Houses of Synod

Diocesan Synod is made up of elected, nominated and ex officio members, both lay and ordained, and is organised into three Houses:

House of Bishops

• The Bishop of Chester

• The Bishop of Birkenhead

• The Bishop of Stockport

House of Clergy

• Comprises elected clergy

• Chair: Tina Upton; Vice Chair: Lyndon Bannon

House of Laity

• Comprises elected lay (non-clergy) members

• Chair: Julie Withers; Vice Chair: John Mason

Standing Orders and Governing Documents

(Attached files as on current webpage)

Synod Committees and Groups

Much of the detailed work of Diocesan Synod is carried out through its committees and associated working groups. These bodies provide governance, oversight, advice and delivery across key areas of diocesan life, and report either directly or indirectly to Synod and Bishop’s Council.

Following a recent review of Terms of Reference, the work of these committees has been clarified and refreshed, with safeguarding, strategy, diversity and representation embedded across all areas of work.

Governance, oversight and core business

• Bishop’s Council and Standing Committee – senior oversight of diocesan governance, finance and strategy between meetings of Synod

• Central Services Committee – oversight of diocesan systems, services and operational support

• Deanery Synods – local synodical bodies connecting parish, deanery and diocesan life

Mission, ministry and formation

• Ministry Committee – oversight of vocations, training, authorisation and support for lay and ordained ministry

• Outreach Committee – mission, evangelism and engagement with local and global partners

• Foxhill Management Group – governance of Foxhill as a diocesan resource for formation, wellbeing and hospitality

Safeguarding, care and wellbeing

• Clergy Wellbeing Group – a working group committed to promoting and advocating for the work of Clergy Wellbeing across the diocese

• Diocesan Spirituality Group  - a working group promoting aspects of the spiritual life of the diocese, with a particular focus on resourcing the ministry of Spiritual Accompaniment.

Buildings, land and legal responsibilities

• Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC) – advice on church buildings, alterations and heritage

• Houses and Glebe Committee – oversight of clergy housing and diocesan land

• Closed Church Uses Committee – care and future use of closed church buildings

• Vacancy-in-See Committee – statutory responsibilities during a vacancy in the See

• Diocesan Board of Patronage – oversight of patronage responsibilities

Finance and parish support

• Parish Share Committee – oversight of parish share policy and distribution

• Parish Share Appeals Committee – support for parishes in financial difficulty

Education and wider partnerships

• Diocesan Board of Education – oversight of diocesan schools and education strategy

• Partners in World Mission / ABC Link / Melanesia Link – international partnerships and companionship links

Getting involved

Diocesan Synod and its committees depend on the prayer, wisdom and participation of people from across the diocese. This is shared work, and a meaningful way to contribute to the mission and future of our churches.

We are particularly keen to encourage involvement from people who may not previously have seen themselves reflected in synodical life, including those from under-represented groups, and those bringing a wide range of experience, backgrounds and theological perspectives.

To find out more about Diocesan Synod, its committees, or how you might get involved, please contact the Diocesan Secretary, Jane Pleace: ds@chester.anglican.org

Standing Orders and Governing Documents