The Church of England’s General Synod gathered in York for a five-day summer group of sessions (11–15 July 2025), addressing a wide range of theological, pastoral, and administrative matters. Here is a summary of the discussions taking place each day and the major outcomes:
Friday, 11th July
After the formal opening and welcome, the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, gave the presidential address, calling for a return to the “deep waters” of faith - rooted in Jesus Christ, rich in tradition, and bold in hope.
Synod members discussed the report of the Business Committee.
They then heard an address from Brigadier Jaish Mahan, Deputy Commander of the Army’s 1st UK Division about the global situation and recounting his own experiences as a Christian in the military. He closed by urging the Church both to continue to pray for the Armed Forces and to consider how it might support the nation including in the event of a large scale conflict.
There was a detailed presentation and questions on the Church of England’s recently announced £1.6 billion three-year national spending plans.
Synod heard addresses from two of the Anglican Communion representatives - the Archbishop of Hong Kong, the Most Revd Andrew Chan, and Canon Dr Chuck Robertson, Senior Advisor to the Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church.
Synod members then spent an hour and a half on questions on a wide range of subjects.
Saturday, 12th July
General Synod continued its summer sessions in York with a full day of debate and decision-making.
The day began with worship, before members turned to a motion from the Diocese of Hereford calling for a redistribution of Church funds. An amendment from the Bishop of Sheffield was agreed, broadening the motion to focus on long-term funding strategy, clergy support, and giving Synod a greater role in shaping future financial decisions.
Synod then moved to legislative business, approving the final stages of the National Church Governance Measure - a significant step in reforming how the Church is governed nationally.
In the afternoon, Synod gave first consideration to legislation simplifying the licensing of Armed Forces chaplains, making it easier for them to serve with their units as they move around the country.
Members also approved the appointment of two new members to the Archbishops’ Council: Peter Doyle and Julie Jones, both to serve until 2030.
Following this, Synod returned to the Church’s national spending plans for 2026–2028. Members approved the financial package, which includes proposals to improve clergy pensions and support diocesan finances.
A private member’s motion seeking to restore clergy pensions to previous levels and provide compensation for those affected by past changes was passed by the Synod. This included an amendment from The Ven Adrian Youings (Bath & Wells) which welcomed the current pension proposals as a major step forward, while also calling for further restitution for retired clergy and a wide-ranging independent review into what a fair and dignified retirement should look like.
Finally, a private member’s motion brought by Dr Ros Clarke was debated, before a motion to move to next business meant the item does not go to a final vote.
Evening worship brought the day to a close.
Sunday, 13th July
General Synod started the day with Sunday Eucharist at York Minster, presided by Archbishop Stephen Cottrell, with a sermon delivered by the Most Revd Andrew Chan, Archbishop of Hong Kong.
In the afternoon, the members of Synod heard a presentation on the Festival of God the Creator and Commemoration of the twenty-one martyrs of Libya and completed the first stage of the liturgical process to introduce changes to the Church of England’s calendar.
Synod then heard an address from an Ecumenical Guest from the Church of Norway, the Rt Revd Jan Otto Myrseth, Bishop of Tunsberg.
Following the address, Synod carried further two motions as part of the process to introduce legislation simplifying the licensing of Armed Forces chaplains, making it easier for them to serve with their units as they move around the country.
As part of the presentation on the Church Growth and Revitalisation report, Synod saw a video highlighting the research and showcasing examples of growth in parishes across the Church of England, and heard from young people sharing stories from their respective contexts.
Synod took note of the Archbishop’s Council’s Audit and Risk Committee Annual Report.
Members then heard a presentation on the church initiative Thy Kingdom Come, focusing on renewing the call to prayer and evangelism and had opportunities to ask questions.
The day closed with evening worship.
Monday, 14th July
Synod opened on Monday with worship. Members then approved dates for the General Synod for the period 2027 to 2029.
Following a session that started and ended in silent reflection and prayer, members voted overwhelmingly to give final approval to a comprehensive Redress scheme for survivors of Church-related abuse.
The vote was: Bishops: 26 in favour, no votes against or abstentions; Clergy: 129 in favour, 1 against and 1 abstention; Laity: 140 in favour, none against and 4 abstentions.
The vote came after the Synod debated and gave approval to the final drafting stages of the legislation.
The General Synod later gave overwhelming backing to a set of rules that will complement the legislation, incorporating an amendment brought by the Bishop of Birkenhead.
Members heard a presentation on the 40th anniversary of the Faith in the City report, given by Rt Rev Rob Wickham, Chief Executive at Church Urban Fund (CUF). A debate on the anniversary has been rescheduled for February.
Synod also voted to approve the Archbishops’ Council annual budget, following a debate led by Carl Hughes, Chair of the Archbishops’ Council Finance Committee.
The Synod voted on a series of amendments to Church rules on elections to the Houses of Bishops, Clergy and Laity before adjourning for the evening.
The day closed with evening worship.
Tuesday 15 July
On Tuesday, the final day of General Synod, members heard from the Archbishop in Jerusalem, Hosam Naoum, who urged Christians to ‘speak out in the face of injustices’ and called for a permanent ceasefire to end the war.
Later in the morning, legislation making it easier for armed forces chaplains to minister around the country completed its legislative stages. The measure was passed unanimously in all three houses.
Synod also voted to remove any requirements relating to ‘Issues in Human Sexuality’ from the vocations process. After an amendment, this will now be temporarily replaced with the Guidelines for Professional Conduct of the Clergy during the period of discernment and training.
In the last debate of July’s Synod, members discussed the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill. The debate was triggered by Bishop Sarah’s motion, which asked Synod to reaffirm the ‘immeasurable and irreducible value’ of every person and to request His Majesty’s Government to improve palliative care funding. The motion was passed, with 238 votes in favour, 7 against, and 7 abstaining.
After offering farewells, the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, prorogued the July 2025 General Synod group of sessions.