General Synod

• General Synod Papers Includes papers regarding Canon Law Standing Committee, Synodical Government & Ecclesiastical Fees & General Synod reports c1970-c1996. Unlisted papers relating to committees & functions of the General Synod. [PROV/GSP]

The 1919 Church of England Assembly (Powers) Act established the National Assembly of the Church of England, which could pass measures regarding the government and administration of the church without the sanction of an Act of Parliament. The convocations of Canterbury and York transferred their functions and authority to the National Church Assembly. After the Synodical Government Measure of 1969 this Church Assembly was reconstituted and became the General Synod of the Church of England (1970).

The Archbishops of Canterbury and York are joint Presidents of the General Synod. The General Synod is divided into three houses: House of Bishops (the Convocations of York & Canterbury), House of Clergy and House of Laity. There is a close relationship between the General Synod and Convocation. Within the General Synod, membership of the House of Bishops and the House of Clergy are effectively the joint membership of the upper and lower houses of the two Convocations. The members of the House of Laity are elected members. The General Synod meets in London or York at least twice each year.