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Synodical procedure

Diocesan Synod

The statutory governing body of the Diocese is the Diocesan Synod which is elected with representation across the Diocese with broadly equal numbers of clergy and lay people meeting together in Diocesan Synod with the diocesan Synod with the diocesan bishop, the suffragan bishop and archdeacons.

Its role is to:

• consider matters affecting the Church of England in the Diocese;
• act as a forum for debate of Christian opinion on matters of religious or public interest;
• advise the Bishop where requested;
• deal with matters referred by General Synod; and
• provide for the financing of the Diocese.

Click here for more information, including Diocesan Synod members for the Triennium 

Deanery Synod

Deanery Synods have two houses, laity and clergy, and their role is to:

• respond to requests from General Synod;
• give effect to the decisions made by the Diocesan Synod;
• consider matters affecting the Church of England by drawing together the views of the parishes within the deanery;
• act as a channel of communication to express the views of parishes to Diocesan Synod and thence to General Synod;
• raise with Diocesan Synod such matters as it considers appropriate; and
• elect members of the deanery to the Diocesan Synod and in respect of the House of Laity elect lay members of the Diocese to General Synod.
  
  

The Bishop's Council (and Standing Committee of the Diocesan Synod)

Under the construction of the Diocesan Synod, Bishop's Council has the following functions:

• to plan the business of the Synod, to prepare the agenda for its sessions and to circulate to members information about matters for discussion;
• to initiate proposals for action by the Synod and to advise it on matters on policy which are placed before it;
• to advise the President, being the Diocesan Bishop, on any matters which they may refer to the Committee;
• subject to the directions of the Synod, to transact the business of the Synod when the Synod is not in session;
• to appoint members of committees or nominate individuals for election to committees, subject to the directions of the synod; and
• to carry out such functions as the Synod may delegate to it.