General Synod is the Church’s national assembly, bringing together bishops, clergy and laity from across the country to make decisions about the Church’s life and work. It approves legislation, shapes national policy, authorises new forms of worship and agrees the annual budget.
The Diocese of Salisbury is represented by 10 people at General Synod, four clergy and six laity, who are each elected for five years. The Church of England’s General Synod was dissolved on Tuesday 14 July 2026, formally ending the term of its current membership and elections to form the Synod for the next five years were held in each diocese in October 2026.
Elected members to the General Synod from the Diocese of Salisbury
The below candidates were confirmed as elected on Friday 16 October 2026. The results sheets and election results for both clergy and laity can be viewed by selecting the below links:
Results-X0779_33-Proctors in Convocation_WC (Word)
Results-X0779_33-Proctors in Convocation_WC (Excel)
Results-X0779_33-House of Laity_WC (Word)
Results-X0779_33-House of Laity_WC (Excel)
Click on the name of each representative for their election address.
| CLERGY | |||
| Elected | Nominator 1 | Nominator 2 | Husting questions and answers |
| The Revd Canon Philip Bromiley | Jake Eggertsen | Kelvin Inglis | Responses |
| The Revd Lesley Marie Jones | Helen Bailey | David Reed | Responses |
| The Revd Gerard (Gerry) James Lynch | Rebecca Mary Roberts | Roger Roy Powell | Responses Video response |
| The Revd Charles (Charlie) Thomson | Jenny Nelson | Mike Tufnell | Responses |
| LAITY | |||
| Elected | Nominator 1 | Nominator 2 | |
| Jonathan Baird | Helen Jean James | Clarissa Alexandra Reilly | Responses |
| Andrew Farley | Philippa Bracegirdle | Nicholas John Saint | Responses |
| Richard Oliver Robert Iliffe | Colin Wilkins | Janice Hetherington | Responses |
| Jane Krammer | Richard Ogilvie Meriott Chitty | Susan Margaret Jones | Responses |
| Fiona Norris | David Morgan | Jane Hazell | Responses Video response |
| Jason Wyles | Alison Duyvesteyn | Daphne Hayward | Responses |
What do General Synod members do?
General Synod members represent the views and experiences of their dioceses while contributing their own perspectives to national decision-making. They take part in debates, scrutinise legislation, vote on motions and serve on committees that help shape the Church of England’s work.
Members also play an important role by keeping in touch with their dioceses, sharing updates on the work of the General Synod and listening to the views of those they represent.
Over the past five years, General Synod has considered and made decisions on a wide range of issues, including:
- Strengthening the Church’s safeguarding structures
- Agreeing milestones towards the Church’s Net Zero Carbon ambition
- Improving clergy pension benefits
- Reforming the clergy discipline and complaints process
- Introducing Prayers of Love and Faith, enabling clergy to offer prayers of blessing for same-sex couples within regular services
- Updating the Church’s approach to ethical investment and financial stewardship
Serving on General Synod offers the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the life of the Church of England. Members:
- Represent our diocese in national decision-making
- Help shape legislation and policy affecting the whole Church
- Contribute to debates on issues facing the Church and wider society
- Take part in the Church’s national governance and gain insight into how it operates
- Connect with bishops, clergy and lay members from across England and the wider Anglican Communion
- Be part of an experience that is both rewarding and challenging
More information about General Synod and how it works is available on the Church of England’s website, and you can also watch this short video:
