The meetings of Truro Diocesan Synod usually take place in the chamber of Cornwall Council.

People who have never before been involved with the running of their local churches or the diocese have been asked to consider standing for a place on the Truro Diocesan Synod.

The Rt Revd Dr Chris Goldsmith, Bishop of St Germans, has said he hopes to see a mix of new members and veterans among those  elected to the diocesan synod, as the three-yearly elections take place.

Nomination papers out

Nomination papers go out this week and people have until the end of the month to submit theirs.

Lay people who would like to consider standing on the diocesan synod do not need to be members of a PCC or deanery synod. They simply need to be at least 16 years of age, on the electoral roll of their parish within the Diocese of Truro, and someone who has taken communion in an Anglican church* at least three times in the year before the election.

Each deanery synod is entitled to a fixed number of lay and clergy representatives on the synod. If more people are nominated for positions than there are places, then an election is triggered in the deanery. If there is an election, the members of the deanery synod get to vote.

Synod is essential ingredient

Encouraging people to consider standing, Bishop Chris said: “A well-functioning diocesan synod is an essential ingredient as we seek to Discover God’s Kingdom and Grow the Church. Diocesan synod has significant influence to shape our collective spiritual direction and practical priorities.

“Every three years there is an opportunity for us to refresh the participation in this important body and we hope that our new synod will be blessed with members who possess a wide range of skills and experiences in all aspects of life and Christian discipleship. I hope that we will have a mix of veteran and new members in both the House of Laity and the House of Clergy.

Welcome fresh faces to diocesan synod

“I would like to think that when the synod next meets in September, we will be welcoming some fresh faces and people who have not so far been involved in this aspect of our common life. You don’t have to be an expert – although some of you will be – but you do have to care about our shared life as a family of churches across Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly and two parishes in Devon.

“Of course, the issues we face are not always straightforward. There are sometimes challenges and frustrations, but there is also the privilege of seeing more of what God is doing across our diocese and the reward of knowing that you are contributing to the present and the future of the Anglican Church.

“Could this be what God is calling you to?”

Being a member involves attending the synod’s three meetings per year, and also preparation for these.

If this is something that might be of interest to you, further information is available here.

*The official definition refers to an ‘actual communicant’ according to rule 54 in the Church Representation Rules, and is ‘a person who has received communion according to the use of the Church of England or of a Church in communion with the Church of England at least three times’ during the year preceding their election or appointment.

For the full Church Representation Rules relating to the membership of diocesan synods, click here.