Are you interested in contributing to the future direction of our Diocese in Europe? 

The current three year term, or triennium, of the Diocese in Europe Diocesan Synod ended in July 2024. We will hold new elections later this year. Please consider putting your name forward for this important role. 

Representatives from both the House of Clergy and the House of Laity (everyone in the church who is not ordained) will be elected to ensure diverse perspectives and voices are represented. This is your chance to contribute to the governance and direction of our diocese, starting in November 2024. 

Watch the video to hear what current Diocesan Synod representatives say about their experience. 

Any questions about the elections should be sent to election@europe.anglican.org

Why stand for Diocesan Synod?

Being part of the Diocesan Synod means joining a group of trusted, energetic, and passionate individuals who bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to how our diocese is run.

Standing for Diocesan Synod is an opportunity to advocate for the concerns and aspirations of your community at a diocesan level. By participating in the Synod, you gain a voice in shaping diocesan legislation that impacts every corner of our diverse diocese.

Who can stand? 

The Diocesan Synod has three Houses: Bishop, Clergy and Laity (non-ordained people). 

Diocesan bishops are automatically members of Synod. 

Each archdeaconary is allocated a number of seats in the Houses of Clergy and Laity – the number of seats varies according to the size of each archdeaconary. 

Any member of clergy who holds ecclesiastical office in the diocese can stand in an election to the House of Clergy for the diocese. Clergy representatives (known as “Proctors”) are elected by their peers, i.e. other clergy in the diocese. Those holding permission to officiate (PTO) are not eligible to stand or to nominate. 

To be elected to the House of Laity, a person must be at least 18 years old and currently on the electoral roll of a chaplaincy in the Diocese in Europe.

Time commitment and expectations? 

Diocesan Synod usually meets once a year for three days in Cologne. There are also occasional meetings held online. 

Do I get paid? 

Expenses  including travel expenses are covered. Accommodation during the Synod in Cologne is provided.

How do I get nominated? 

Nomination papers will be sent to the electors, who are current serving members of Archdeaconry/Deanery Synods. 

For clergy and laity, you need two people from your archdeaconary to nominate you to stand for Synod; i.e. clergy will need two clergy people to nominate them, and lay candidates will require two members of a Deanery Synod in the diocese to nominate them. 

Who can vote? 

All clergy in the Diocese in Europe may vote for members of the House of Clergy in the diocese. 

Members of Deanery Synods may vote for lay members.

(the formal details of this are in the document called the 'citation' below)

What is the timetable for the elections?

Monday 22^nd July 2024 - Notice of election and Nomination forms sent to all qualified electors.  Notification that nominations are valid, or not, is sent to candidates without delay following receipt of nominations.

Thursday 5^th September 2024 by noon BST - Closing date for nominations 

Tuesday 10^th September 2024 - Issue of voting papers, where an election is required (as in of more people stand than there are places available) 

Monday 7^th October 2024 by noon BST - Closing date for return of voting papers

Tuesday 8^th October 2024 - Votes are counted

Not later than Friday 11^th October 2024 - Results will be published on the diocesan website

Friday 1^st November 2024 - Those elected begin their roles