The Deanery Synod consists of the clergy and representatives of all the parishes in the deanery. It forms part of the synodical structure of the Church of England below the Diocesan Synod which is below the General Synod. It provides a channel of communication between parishes and the Diocesan Synod and brings together the views and experiences of the parishes within the deanery. It normally meets three times a year.
The number of representatives elected by each parish depends on the number on the church electoral roll. We have three representatives. Elections take place every three years and the next are due in 2023. Deanery Synod Representatives are also automatically members of the PCC. The General Synod is due for election in 2026 and it is the Deanery Synod Representatives who vote for the candidates from the laity in this diocese.
Deanery Synod Representatives are also automatically members of the PCC. The main function of the PCC is “co-operation with the Vicar in promoting in the parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical.” It has responsibility for the financial affairs of the church and for the care and maintenance of the church and churchyard. As the PCC is a charity all the members of the PCC are trustees and have the relevant legal duties and responsibilities.
Qualification and nomination for election
A candidate for Deanery Synod Representative must be:
- baptised,
- on the church electoral roll and, unless aged under 18 at the date of the election, has been on the roll for at least the preceding six months,
- an actual communicant (i.e. has received Communion according to the use of the Church of England or a Church in communion with it at least three times during the preceding 12 months and is confirmed or ready and desirous of being confirmed),
- at least 16 years old,
- not disqualified from being a charity trustee,
- not included on a barred list,
- not convicted of certain offences, and
- not disqualified from being a member of a PCC.