Diocesan Synod

The Exeter Diocesan Synod is the body that governs the Exeter Diocese. It is the main policy-making body of the diocese and the forum for the discussion of issues important in diocesan life. It is made up of three Houses:

  • The House of Bishops consists of the Bishop of Exeter, the Bishop of Plymouth and the Bishop of Crediton.
  • The House of Clergy consists of clergy representatives elected by the clergy in each Deanery Synod together with a number of ex officio members including the Dean of Exeter Cathedral, the four Archdeacons and the clergy elected to General Synod.
  • The House of Laity consists of lay representatives elected from each Deanery Synod as well as ex officio members including the lay representatives elected to General Synod.

Representatives are elected for a three year term of office and meet 2-3 times each year under the Presidency of the Bishop of Exeter. Members of the Diocesan Synod are also members of The Exeter Diocesan Board of Finance Limited (a Company Limited by Guarantee) and they often form the electorate for elections to other bodies (such as the Bishop’s Council and Standing Committee). Generally meetings are held in the council chambers at County Hall in Exeter or in other venues as best suits the agenda.

Forthcoming Meetings
Saturday 10th October 2026
Saturday 10th April 2027
Saturday 19th June 2027
Saturday 16th October 2027

What do members of Diocesan Synod do?

Induction presentation 2024 for new Synod members

DMPC Info for new Synod members

Standing Orders 2018

Guidelines for promoting Deanery Synod Motions to Diocesan Synod

Membership list 2024-2027

Diocesan Synod Agenda October 2026

Diocesan Synod Agenda June 2026

Diocesan Synod minutes June 2026

Appendix A Synodical Questions June 2026

Diocesan Synod Agenda March 2026

Diocesan Synod minutes March 2026

Appendix A Synodical Questions March 2026

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