The Church of England has posted the Questions and Answers for the General Synod on 16-18 November in London. These are available at:
Supplementary Questions will be taken at the Session on Tuesday afternoon. schedules for “not later than 5.45 pm until 7.00 pm. Readers may be interested, inter alia, in the following:
HOUSE OF BISHOPS
Mr Rob Chilton (Manchester) to ask the Presidents of the Archbishops’ Council:
Q15 With reference to paragraph 54 of GS 2472 and the conservation deficit of around £1 billion estimated in paragraph 4 of GS 2471B, does the scope of the National Funding for Diocesan Ministry review include national funding for the repair of parish church buildings?
The Bishop of Bath and Wells to reply on behalf of the Chair of the House of Bishops:
A No. The review is focussed on approaches to national funding for diocesan ministry including local stipendiary ministry in response to a specific motion in Synod. However, the terms of reference for the review make clear that “Alongside this core scope, the review will need to take account of factors which are not themselves part of the funding approach under review, but which materially affect how it operates. These include programme-based funding streams (such as Net Zero, Racial Justice and Giving) and system pressures, particularly those relating to church buildings and associated costs.
While these areas are not in scope for redesign, they shape diocesan capacity, priorities and financial resilience, and are experienced locally as part of a wider funding landscape.” The Steering Group will be considering how these factors interact with the core funding approach, including whether they contribute to fragmentation, complexity or additional burden. The full terms of reference for the review are publicly available on the NFDM web page at: National Funding for Diocesan Ministry Review | The Church of England.
The Revd Mike Smith (Chester) to ask the Chair of the House of Bishops:
Q57 At the July 2026 General Synod, the lead safeguarding bishop stated that confession is not a “regulated activity” under the Crime and Policing Act 2026. However, in September the Home Office stated that the Act provides no exemption from mandatory reporting on the basis of religious practice or the setting in which information is received. What steps have been taken to clarify the apparent discrepancy with the Home Office, and when will definitive guidance be issued to clergy concerning disclosures of child sexual abuse made under the seal of the confessional?
The Bishop of Tewkesbury to reply on behalf of the Chair of the House of Bishops:
A Subsequent to the passage of the bill into law, discussions with the Home Office have occurred. Our understanding of the legislation, informed by those discussions, is that Section 85 of the Crime and Policing Act 2026, when brought into force, will impose a duty on any adult to make a notification to the relevant police force or local authority if, while that adult is engaging in a ‘relevant activity’, he or she is given reason to suspect that a child sex offence may have been committed.
Relevant activity here has the same meaning as in Part 1 of Schedule 4 to the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 or an activity specified in Part 2 of Schedule 12 of the Crime and Policing Act. The ministry of reconciliation of a penitent (the Common Worship liturgy commonly known as confession) as generally exercised in the Church of England does not fall within the definition of ‘relevant activity’ and therefore what a priest hears in that setting is not subject to the notification duty in the Act.
This is not an exemption but a consequence of the scope of the statutory duty. The House of Bishops anticipates receiving proposals for how to proceed with a pilot programme on training and authorisation of those undertaking the ministry of reconciliation of a penitent in the dioceses of Blackburn, Chichester, and Southwark at its next residential meeting in May. Further details about training and guidance will be available after that meeting.
ARCHBISHOPS’ COUNCIL
Dr Brendan Biggs (Bristol) to ask the Presidents of the Archbishops’ Council:
Q88 Thank you for providing the Regulatory Action Plan: Implementation Plan and Reporting Progress as at 30 June 2026 in response to Question 93 at the July 2026 Group of Sessions. That document, in relation to the Clergy Conduct Measure, notes that the Charity Commission requested a detailed implementation plan, with elements running concurrently, rather than sequentially, to facilitate implementation at pace. In this connection, could we please have an update on progress made in developing the Code of Practice that will sit under the Clergy Conduct Measure and the Clergy Conduct Rules: when is it expected that the Code of Practice will be brought to Synod, and when is the Clergy Conduct Measure itself expected to be brought into force?
The Revd Canon Kate Wharton to reply on behalf of the Presidents of the Archbishops’ Council:
A The Code of Practice under the Clergy Conduct Measure is currently being developed by staff in the Legal Office. It is intended that it will be issued by the new Clergy Conduct Commission later this year and then submitted to General Synod for approval at the February 2027 Group of Sessions. The Measure itself will be brought into force in stages to enable a structured implementation to take place with the expected start date of the new system in the first half of 2027.
CHURCH COMMISSIONERS
Dr Ian Johnston (Portsmouth) to ask the Church Commissioners:
Q103 Anecdotally, Project Spire is very unpopular with a substantial proportion of our church’s membership. There is also a significant body of academic opinion that disagrees with it. What account has been and is taken of opinions that differ from those of the Church Commissioners?
The Archbishop of York to reply:
A Yes, the opposition of some academics has been well-publicised. But I would remind Synod that independent expert historians continue to confirm the accuracy of our report. In September, the publication of the Register of British Slave Traders, a multiyear research project run across a number of UK universities and led by historians expert in this area, provided further independent evidence to confirm the rigour and accuracy of the findings in the Commissioners’ 2023 report, in particular the nature of the South Sea Company and its extensive links to chattel enslavement.
We understand that this work is contentious. We are committed to understanding the endowment’s historic links to enslavement stand by our proposal to establish a new charitable fund that advances justice, healing and opportunity while generating sustainable returns. This work is part of the Christian call to repentance, reconciliation, and hope, and the Church’s wider truth-telling commitment in relation to this historic injustice and its ongoing legacies. A substantial number of Church members, other denominations, trusts, members of the public, and academics are supportive of Project Spire.
In addition to Synod fringe events, we have held numerous public events and believe that we are listening carefully to critics, just as we hope that they are listening to our rationale, also. Since January 2023, we have held 91 engagement events and briefings, including 52 for Church audiences, reaching around 2,000 people. We have responded to more than 800 pieces of correspondence, around 40% from parishioners, and have met with parishioners, clergy, General Synod members and diocesan representatives through a range of forums and one-to-one discussions. Feedback from these engagements has helped inform our approach and communications, and we remain committed to listening to a wide range of perspectives, including those who disagree with us. We recognise that financial anxiety in many parts of the Church is relevant to this Question and we will continue to take these very seriously.
The Revd Martin Poole (Chichester) to ask the Church Commissioners:
Q104 How do the Spire team and more widely the Church Commissioners continue to keep the Fund for Healing Repair and Justice project moving forward in the face of such pushback from those who oppose the project, and in the face of such adverse press coverage?
The Archbishop of York to reply:
A We are committed to this work although the progress has been much slower than we would have liked. Addressing our links to Transatlantic Chattel Enslavement is an act of Christian discipleship and a response to the gospel. In March 2026, the United Nations General Assembly formally designated the transatlantic slave trade and the racialised chattel enslavement of Africans as ‘the gravest crime against humanity’. The fourth mark of mission calls for us to transform the unjust structures of our society. We believe establishing a new charitable fund to support communities impacted by the enduring legacy of slavery, is an appropriate way for the Church.
The Revd Dr Ian Paul (Southwell & Nottingham) to ask the Church Commissioners:
Q118 What reflection is planned to be undertaken in relation to the serious financial situation facing Southwell Minster in the light of recent required changes in governance arising from the Cathedrals Measure 2021, and are such changes considered to be sufficient?
Sir Robert Buckland to reply as Third Church Estates Commissioner:
A The issues for Southwell Minster, as we understand them at the time of writing, are not Measure-related but relate more to operating and fabric maintenance costs. We continue to work with Southwell Minster to understand how we might be able to help. The challenges reported at Southwell Minster highlight the pressures facing many cathedrals and historic churches across England.
Caring for historic buildings requires substantial and sustained investment. We recognise that the costs of maintaining, repairing and operating them are rising while they face increasing pressure on traditional income sources. While there has been an increased cost for our cathedrals, the Cathedrals Measure 2021 has also enabled improved governance. The work to find a wider solution to this challenge has been ongoing for some time and our Project Narthex report helped assess financial and operational sustainability across the cathedral sector. This included the existence and scale of structural deficits, common sector challenges and opportunities and practical initiatives to strengthen resilience for each cathedral. With 80% of our cathedrals holding deficit budgets, this work continues. The Commissioners are also working with the Association of English Cathedrals, the College of Deans and the cathedrals to consider what changes could be implemented, locally or nationally, or legislatively as required, to relieve the long-term financial pressures.
The Revd Canon Mark Miller (Durham) to ask the Church Commissioners:
Q122 At the July 2026 group of sessions, Sir Robert Buckland acknowledged that the Church of England would not meet its original net zero carbon ambition by 2030, while GS 2418 (Revised) states that the ambition remains valid. The Programme Director also indicated that national communications would change, yet the Church’s website continues to promote “Target 2030”. Could the Commissioners clarify the formal status of the 2030 ambition and say when they will issue a public statement explaining the revised forecasts, what diocesan officers should communicate to parishes, and whether the website and programme branding will be updated?
Sir Robert Buckland to reply as Third Church Estates Commissioner:
A My remarks on the Progress Report at the July group of sessions made clear that the 2030 Ambition has not changed and needs to remain to inspire all parts of the Church to make as much progress as possible towards it. The progress report presented to Synod in July, which also explained the revised forecast, is already in the public domain and was reported on in the press. Furthermore, a formal change to the 2030 Ambition would require a resolution of Synod.
The Net Zero 2030 branding has established a strong identity for the Programme and whilst there are currently no plans to revise the Net Zero 2030 branding, we will continue to listen to feedback and consult with key audiences as appropriate to ensure that the Programme’s branding and associated communications remain clear and effective. Diocesan Officers have been briefed on the implications of what we think is achievable by 2030 and our communications messaging and website content has already changed to reflect Hope for all Creation and the missional and practical benefits which arise from decarbonising our estate.
Ms Sarah Tupling (Deaf Anglicans Together) to ask the Church Commissioners:
Q123 As a response to the book that was published in connection with 2030 zero carbon in the last quinquennium, how can Synod further encourage throughout the Church of England progress towards meeting the target?
Sir Robert Buckland to reply as Third Church Estates Commissioner:
A Synod can further encourage progress by remaining steadfast to the Ambition it has set the Church and by celebrating the achievements that are being made. General Synod members can also use their voice in Diocesan Synod as well as connecting with the local ecoChurch and decarbonisation activity in their dioceses and parishes, encouraging progress and amplifying the national activity in this area. We saw this summer the devastation caused, both at home and abroad, by successive heatwaves and wildfires. The IPCC has noted that the prospect of remaining within the 1.5c threshold set by the Paris Agreement is now almost totally gone but that does not mean we should give up. In fact, the Church is well placed to strengthen its leadership on climate action given its national reach and roots in every community, through demonstrating what can be achieved even with our large, precious but draughty church buildings.
CROWN NOMINATIONS COMMISSION
Mr Richard Denno (Liverpool) to ask the Chair of the Crown Nominations Commission:
Q200 Further to the supplementary answer to Q12 in July 2026, does the Role Profile and Person Specification used by Crown Nominations Commissions refer expressly to the doctrine of marriage as set out in Canon B 30; and are CNC members given any information about candidates’ published statements on that doctrine?
The Archbishop of Canterbury to reply as Chair of the Crown Nominations Commission:
A The Role Profile and Person Specification used by a Crown Nominations Commission is developed by the Commission for each individual vacancy and is intended to reflect the needs of the diocese and the wider Church at that particular time. It does not make explicit reference to individual Canons. Candidates are considered against the criteria established by the Commission and through the information provided as part of the nomination process, including their nomination paperwork, references and interviews. The Commission gives careful attention to candidates’ theological convictions, teaching and public ministry as part of its work of discernment.
LITURGICAL COMMISSION
Professor Leonard Sanderman (Leeds) to ask the Chair of the Liturgical Commission:
Q204 What steps is the Liturgical Commission taking to promote consistency across dioceses regarding published advice on intinction at the administration of Holy Communion?
The Revd Robb Sutherland (Leeds) to reply on behalf of the Chair of the Liturgical Commission:
A The most recent guidelines on intinction were issued in July 2022 by the group providing guidance during the Covid-19 pandemic. They indicated that intinction by the communicant was not recommended. Through its staff the Liturgical Commission continues to provide guidance to diocesan bishops (as ‘the principal minister’ within the diocese) on particular matters relating to the administration of Holy Communion.