Press Release: Church of England Media Centre.
Synod debated the Living and Love and Faith programme this afternoon following debates earlier in the day on poverty and sustainable flowers.
Synod began with worship led by the Diocese of Gloucester.
Future Synod dates
Synod voted to approve new dates for the February 2027 sessions – these will now be Monday February 22 to Friday February 26 – to accommodate the half term holidays.
Proposals to re-arrange the dates of the 2028 and 2029 February sessions if necessary to accommodate half term will be put forward when information is available on term dates for those years.
Changes to Standing Orders
The Synod agreed to take note of the report of the Standing Orders committee. A series of amendments were approved as follows: 30,26, 40, 39,38,34, 35, 36, 38, 42,43. The General Synod approved items 46, 41, 44 and 45 on CNC membership.
- More details can be found here: Order Paper | Thursday 12 February 2026 (morning)
Sustainable flowers
Synod backed a motion from Worcester Diocese, introduced by the Bishop of Dudley, Martin Gorick. The debate included a short film from the village of Harpley, Worcestershire, where the sustainable church flowers movement began. The motion, which received strong support, does not set any rules, but encourages churches to source local flowers and foliage, and avoid using single use plastics, including floral foam which breaks down into microplastic particles.
- The press release on the debate can be found here: General Synod backs Sustainable Church Flowers motion
Poverty and 40th anniversary of Faith in the City report
The General Synod voted to redouble efforts to combat poverty and to speak out about the causes of poverty, as well as helping people in need through practical work such as food banks. The debate was led by Archbishops’ Council member Mark Sheard and marks the 40th anniversary of the landmark report Faith in the City.
Living in Love and Faith
The General Synod approved a motion on Living in Love and Faith affirming that the programme will conclude by July and commending the House of Bishops in establishing the Relationships, Sexuality and Gender Working Group and Relationships, Sexuality and Gender Pastoral Consultative Group for continuing work.