What is a lay synod representative?
Ambassadors, representing the voice of their local church body to the wider body.
By Petra Oomen
Lay synod representative: a big title for a big role. But before I talk about what a lay synod representative is, I should define what synod is.
Synod is the official legislative governing body of the diocese – a formal meeting that looks a bit like Parliament – and is directly responsible to and representative of each parish. At synod, members carry out important business like deciding on statutes, policies and budgets, receiving reports and appointing synod representatives on other diocesan boards and committees.
Synod Reps
Synod reps are delegated by their parish to represent them at synod. They review and discuss matters with the rest of the members of synod and help make decisions accordingly. According to our statutes, the number of synod reps each parish brings to synod is based on the number of full time equivalent stipended clergy and licensed salaried staff.
Synod reps are also members of vestry. This means, of course, that their responsibilities don’t start and end with the annual synod meeting – they are a key part of parish governance. Along with the vicar, wardens and other vestry members, they meet regularly (usually monthly) to make decisions for the parish.
So what does a synod rep DO?
ILLUSTRATION BY PETRA OOMEN
A good synod rep cares about the life of their local parish and the wider church. They get a thrill out of reading a good report and have the patience and good humour to stay engaged through longer sessions. They learn to understand the legislative jargon enough to contribute to the conversation and interpret for their parish.
A good synod rep is attentive to the voices around them, asking parishioners for their opinions so they can learn how they think and represent them accurately.
Because synod reps are actively involved in both their parish and their diocese, they make a great bridge between the two.
Their commitment to vestry means they have an ear to the ground and a finger on the pulse of their parish, and can represent the needs and hopes of their parish well at synod. They act as ambassadors, representing the voice of their local church body to the wider body. And their involvement at synod means that they can inform their parish – especially the members of vestry who weren’t present – about what happens at synod, and the resolutions and decisions that were made. They can learn from other parishes at synod and report back with ideas and encouragement.
Leaning on the “anatomy” metaphor, it seems to me that synod reps are a mouth in the body of Christ. They speak on behalf of their parish at synod, representing their views and advocating for their needs, considering them as they cast votes and contribute to debates.
How does someone become a synod rep?
Anyone (on the parish electoral roll and not a member of staff) who is interested in the governance of their church and diocese can agree to have their name put forward for nomination as a synod rep. Each nomination must be seconded by another person. Nominees are then elected at their parish AGM.
A synod rep commits to a term of two years and may be re-elected for up to four further consecutive years (six years in total.
If you are passionate about the flourishing of your church and interested in what goes on behind the scenes, you might make a good lay synod representative. Parishes must elect their synod reps by the end of next month. Talk to your vicar about it!
The Parish Anatomy Series
This series is republished with permission. It was written and created by Petra Oomen from the Nelson Diocese. Some editing has been made to reflect the context of the Anglican Diocese of Wellington.
