The Church of England often uses a phrase to describe it's
structures: that it is 'episcopally led and synodically governed'.
This looks to bishops to provide leadership; while the governance of the church's various parts - nationally, as dioceses and as deaneries is done by synods - bodies comprising three houses - for representative bishops, other clergy, and laity.
The General Synod is the national assembly of the Church of England. It is made up of clergy and laity from every Diocese, and could be described as the 'parliament' of the Church of England.
The Church of England is made up of 42 Dioceses. Each of the English dioceses (and the Diocese in Europe) has a structure of boards and councils similar to the national church governance, responsible for different aspects of the Church's work including ministry, mission and education.
Each diocese has a Synod that operates in a similar way as to General Synod, made up of the bishops in the diocese and elected clergy and laity.
A key role in the governance of the diocese is the Diocesan Lay Chair.
The Diocesan Lay Chair
Here you can find out what is the role and function of a Church of England Diocesan Lay Chair along with a growing range of resources for Diocesan Lay Chairs.
These is also a forum/message board where DLCs can engage and discuss issues relating the role, diocesan governance and current topical issues. The forum is restricted to current serving DLCs.
If you are not a DLC and have a query regarding the role or function of DLCs please contact us and we will endeavour to answer your question.
