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General Synod is the national assembly of the Church of England. It shapes and approves laws that affect the whole of the Church of England. It agrees new forms of worship, debates matters of national and international importance, and approves the annual budget for the work of the Church at national level.

In Autumn 2026, elections took place for new General Synod members. Those elected will serve for five years. Members are a mixture of bishops, clergy and lay people. Almost anyone who attends church regularly is likely to be eligible to stand as a lay member.

The Diocese of Durham is represented at the Church of England’s General Synod by four ‘Proctors in Convocation’ or members of the House of Clergy and four Members of the House of Laity. Votes were counted in October 2026 and the successful candidates, who will represent the Diocese in the forthcoming five-year term of General Synod, are as follows:

House of Clergy

Simon McMurtary

Simon McMurtary

Link to address

Mark Miller

Mark Miller

Link to address

Donna Robinson

Donna Robinson

Link to address

Matthew Tarling

Matthew Tarling

Link to address

House of Laity

Hanna Lucas

Hanna Lucas

Link to address

Richard Scothon

Richard Scothon

Link to address

Helen Smith

Helen Smith

Link to address

Guy Wingate

Guy Wingate

Link to address

The formal results certificates, count narratives and count tables can be found below: