Diocesan Synod


This page contains an explanation of what the Coventry Diocesan Synod is and some resources for Synod members.

What is the Coventry Diocesan Synod?

The Diocesan Synod is the 'parliament' of the Diocese, with over 100 members drawn from all eleven deaneries. It normally meets three times each year, for a mixture of worship, prayer, presentations, debates and discussion.

Aims

The Diocesan Synod works to fulfil the Diocesan Mission Purpose by:

  • Testing and approving the strategy and direction of the Diocese to ensure that all parts of the Diocese are supported and enabled to achieve the Mission Purpose
  • Bringing people together from across the Diocese to share ideas and experience
  • Representing the people and churches of the Diocese on subjects affecting Diocesan life

What does the Diocesan Synod do?

Diocesan Synods were created by the Synodical Government Measure 1969. They have the following functions:

  • To consider matters concerning the Church of England, and to make provision for such matters in the Diocese
  • To consider and express opinion on any matter of religious or public interest
  • To advise the Bishop when consulted by him
  • To consider matters referred to it by the General Synod
  • To consider and approve the annual budget of the Diocesan Board of Finance and to receive and adopt its annual Report and Accounts.

Coventry Diocesan Board of Finance Ltd.

The members of Diocesan Synod are also the members of the Coventry Diocesan Board of Finance Ltd. for company law purposes.  Each member has a personal liability limited to £1 under their guarantee as company members in the event of its being wound up. 

Resources for members

Background information

For an introduction to the Diocesan Synod please see the Induction Booklet, which was prepared for the induction of a new Diocesan Synod in 2018.

The formal rules which govern the Diocesan Synod are its Standing Orders.

Proxies

Members of Synod cannot nominate proxies to attend and vote in their place, apart from for General Meetings of the Coventry Diocesan Board of Finance. Please use this form to nominate proxies for those meetings.