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Synodical Government

Just as the Church of England has the General Synod, its 'national parliament', so its dioceses need a form of local government.

The Diocesan Synod usually meets three times a year and has three houses, bishops, clergy and laity. They discuss diocesan business and local concerns, as well as sending forward motions for the General Synod to debate.

In return, they debate important issues passed to them by General Synod, which often wants the views of the dioceses before voting on major legislation.

Similarly, each deanery has its own synod. All the clergy belong to it, while the lay members are elected by the people in the parishes. As well as discussing local and national issues, they can send motions to the diocesan synod.

Members of deanery synods vote to elect their diocesan synod every three years and the General Synod every five. This way, every member of the Church has a role in electing the General Synod.

In each parish there is a parochial church council which is concerned with the work and worship of the local Church. Members are elected by each congregation. Anyone who is baptised in the Church of England, aged 16 or over and resident in a parish (or who attends a particular church) may be a member of the Electoral Roll and play their part in the work of the local Church.

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