The Diocese of Newcastle has an elected membership of laity and clergy who sit on the national Church of England's General Synod along with the Bishop of Newcastle who is required to attend.
Stand for Synod 2026
In Autumn 2026, elections are happening 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 Newcastle is represented at the Church of England's General Synod by three 'Proctors in Convocation' or members of the House of Clergy and three Members of the House of Laity. In the 2026 General Synod elections the nomination period closed on 7 September 2026. Candidates standing for election, including their addresses and hustings videos can be found here.
Current General Synod members
The current members of General Synod can be found below:
Clergy:
The Revd Canon Ian Flintoft
The Revd Robert Lawrence
The Revd Claire Robson
Laity:
Mr Robin Brimms
Mrs Nic Denyer
Canon Izzy McDonald-Booth