The Archbishop of Canterbury's Presidential Address
Synod, thank you for the warmth of your welcome. I stand here among you by no means for the first time, but for the first time as the Archbishop of Canterbury. It is a humbling privilege to be called to serve in this role. It brings with it huge weight of responsibility, at a time when people love to remind me that the church faces significant challenges.
Read Archbishop Sarah's Presidential Address in full

General Synod approves motion to strengthen safeguarding
The General Synod voted to approve a new strategy designed to rebuild trust and deliver professional, independent safeguarding across the Church of England. At the core of the reforms set out in GS2429, is the creation of a new national safeguarding charity. This organisation will operate independently of Church hierarchy, governed by a majority-independent Board.

Press release, 11 February | Archbishop of Canterbury's speech on Church Safeguarding Structures

Synod approves amended Clergy Conduct Measure
A new system for handling complaints against Church of England clergy had been reapproved by General Synod after Parliament called for an amendment to enshrine the principle of “open justice”. The new Clergy Conduct Measure (CCM) represents a major overhaul of the approach to discipline and complaints against members of clergy. Press release, 10 February

Synod approves motion confirming LLF programme to conclude and new working group to be established
General Synod has given its backing to establishing working and consultative groups to continue work on same-sex relationships and marriage as the Living in Love and Faith (LLF) process concludes.

LLF was originally set up in 2017 to explore the Church’s approach to identity, sexuality, relationships and marriage. It led to the introduction of public prayers of dedication, thanksgiving and asking for God’s blessing for same-sex couples – known as the Prayers of Love and Faith, in 2023. The Prayers of Love and Faith are now in use as part of regular Church of England services but the House of Bishops confirmed last month that new special or ‘bespoke’ services for same-sex couples would need full formal authorisation under canon law.
Press release, 13 February

Clergy pension improvements - February 2026 update
The General Synod’s agenda included the draft Rules and Regulations required to implement the planned improvements to clergy pensions. Synod approved these items without a debate. This is excellent news because it means that the Pensions Board can get on with implementing the new pension benefits as planned. Members with post-2011 pensionable service will receive a letter via PensionsOnline, or through the post if you have opted for paper communications to explain what happens next. Changes will take place in stages across this year.

Read the update in full on the Church of England Pension Board’s website.

National covenant needed on adult social care in face of ‘urgent need’ for reform
Proposals for a landmark national covenant on adult social care were backed today by the General Synod, after members heard of the urgent need for reform. Members of the Synod, voted to call on the Government to focus on a new national care covenant, as it delivers on its manifesto commitment for a National Care Service.
Press release, 10 February | Archbishop of Canterbury's speech on Adult Social Care

Safer Recruitment Code approved by Synod
General Synod has approved a new safeguarding code of practice - Safer Recruitment and People Management - at its February session. The Code, which sets out clear requirements for recruitment and people management within the Church, building on the current guidance which was revised a few years ago, was passed as deemed business.
Press release, 11 February

General Synod approves revised Code of Practice for Bishops’ Mission Orders
The General Synod has approved a revised Code of Practice for Bishops’ Mission Orders (BMOs), marking a significant strengthening of the Church of England’s framework for mission initiatives operating under the Mission and Pastoral Measure 2011. Press release, 11 February

Give clergy training in how to support people with mental health challenges
Members of the Synod backed calls for training for ordinands and curates and priests already in post on how to support people with mental health needs, amid rising levels of mental health challenges in communities. Press release, 11 February

Millions face 'relentless struggle' to make ends meet
The General Synod has backed a call for the Church of England to recommit to ending poverty in a debate where members heard of the ‘relentless struggle’ of millions of people to make ends meet. Press release, 12 February

'Still a 'long way' to go on working class vocations,' Synod hears
Progress has been made but much more needs to be done to increase the representation of people from working class backgrounds in lay and ordained leadership roles in the Church of England, the General Synod has heard. Press release, 13 February

General Synod welcomes new Youth Representatives
The General Synod has finalised plans to increase the number of young people able to take part in its debates, marking a significant step in strengthening youth representation at the heart of the Church of England’s decision making. Press release, 9 February

General Synod backs Sustainable Church Flowers motion
The General Synod has today backed a Diocesan Synod Motion from the Diocese of Worcester encouraging churches and cathedrals to explore ways of arranging flowers that are both beautiful and environmentally responsible. Press release, 12 February