SYNODICAL GOVERNMENT an Introduction

THE SYNODICAL SYSTEM AND GENERAL SYNOD

The Synodical system of the Church of England is based on a partnership of bishops, clergy and laity. The synodical structure of government comprising General Synod, Diocesan Synod, Deanery Synod and Parochial Church Council (PCC) was established by the Synodical Government Measure 1969.

This is designed not only to foster collaborative leadership at all levels, but also to enable each level of church government to communicate with the others. A good example of this was the decision by the General Synod to set up a Working Party on the Diaconate. The process to put this in hand began with a discussion and resolution from one PCC in this Diocese, which was debated and agreed in turn by the Deanery Synod, the Diocesan Synod, and the General Synod.

The General Synod is the main legislative body of the Church of England and conducts debates on matters of religious or public interest and makes laws, subject to Parliament, governing the Church. The members of the Deanery Synods elect the General Synod representatives at a general election held every five years.

DIOCESAN SYNOD

The Diocesan Synod fulfils a similar function for the Diocese; the Bishop consults the Synod on matters of importance and general concern. The Synod comprises representatives elected by the Deaneries every three years. The Ely Synod is about 150 strong, with approximately equal numbers of clergy and laity.

The Synod considers business referred to it both from the General Synod and from PCCs and Deaneries; but much of its business derives from the National Institutions via the Bishop’s Council or from the Bishop or the Council itself.

In this Diocese the members of the Diocesan Synod are also the members of the Diocesan Board of Finance (DBF). The Bishop’s Council acts as the standing committee of the Synod, the Diocesan Mission and Pastoral Committee and the Board of Directors of the DBF. In this way matters of policy and finance are considered together. As the Board of Directors the members of the Bishop’s Council are responsible collectively for the financial business of the Diocese.

Part of the Synod agenda is specifically marked DBF business. Under this item the Synod considers financial matters such as the budget proposed for the following year, and comments upon reports of activities and the financial statement for the previous year.

Further information about the structure and practice of the Diocesan Synod may be obtained from the Diocesan Secretary.

DEANERY SYNODS

The Annual Parochial Church Meeting elects lay members to serve on the PCC and the Deanery Synod; Deanery Synod members elect those who will serve on the Diocesan Synod and the General Synod.

All licensed clergy serve on their PCCs and Deanery Synods, and they in turn elect some of their number to serve as their representatives on the Diocesan and General Synods. In addition, the Diocesan Bishop serves on the General Synod, as does one Archdeacon from the Diocese, chosen by the Archdeacons. Suffragan Bishops do not automatically serve, but elect some of their number to do so, as do the Cathedral Deans. The University of Cambridge also elects one member.

This is a simplified summary of the synodical structure. For more detailed descriptions about the role and composition of synods, see:

• Synodical Government Measure 1969
• Church Representation Rules
• An ABC for the PCC – John Pitchford

It should be noted that the Deanery Chapter meeting lies outside the Synodical system. It provides an opportunity for fellowship and the transmission of information between Parishes, Deaneries and the Diocese. Traditionally the Chapter was a meeting solely for clergy, but increasingly Chapters are being opened to others who offer ministry in the parishes, notably LLMs.

DEANERIES AND ARCHDEACONRIES

Each Deanery has its own Rural Dean and Lay Chairperson. The functions of these officers are described in papers B3 and B4. The Deaneries themselves are grouped into Archdeaconries, and the role of Archdeacons is described in paper B5.

THE ROLE OF THE DEANERY

There is frequently a tension between the legal responsibilities of the Deanery and its more pastoral functions. Some members become frustrated if there is a substantial amount of legislation to discuss, while others believe it to be the whole raison d’être of the Synod. Both legal and pastoral functions are extremely important.

Major items of legislation proposed by the General Synod are customarily sent to Deanery Synods for discussion. This is essential in order to keep proposed legislation in tune with the views of members of the Church of England across the country. The General Synod takes seriously the overall opinions so expressed.

In the Diocese of Ely the Deanery Synod also has a major role in the apportionment of the Ministry Share, taking responsibility for deciding how much of the overall Deanery Share should be borne by each individual parish. This policy has been adopted by the Diocesan Synod on the understanding that Deanery Synods will be able to be more nuanced in apportionment than the central Diocesan Synod.

It is also the case that the Deanery Synod should be playing a major role in fostering a sense of cohesion between the parishes of the Deanery. This will be done in a variety of ways, and Lay Chairs and Rural Deans are always in touch with each other about best practice in this area.

Good practice in Deaneries in this Diocese has included:

• Mission programmes
• Deanery acts of worship, including ‘Songs of Praise’
• Churchwardens’ meetings, usually with a visiting speaker
• A Deanery Directory
• Clergy and Reader ‘exchange of pulpit’ days
• A Deanery newsletter
• An analysis of Deanery skills and resources
• A Deanery audit
• The clustering of parishes within a Deanery for mutual support
• Deanery workshops, perhaps on liturgy or music
• A Deanery day conference or weekend, perhaps with the Bishop
• Deanery retreats or spirituality days
• Pastoral training courses (on bereavement, visiting and so on)
• Deanery fundraising events
• Deanery family afternoon or sports day
• Theatrical productions and concerts