“General Synod is hardly representing the Church of England if it doesn’t include a certain number of uncooperative sods, who often dominate at the local level” – Dr Francis Young

In Autumn 2026, elections are taking place to select General Synod members for the next quinquennium. The Church of England is “looking for candidates who represent the whole range of people and churches in the Church of England, particularly those whose background may currently be underrepresented”.

Antisemitic incidents

On Wednesday, the Community Security Trust published a report on Antisemitic Incidents January-June 2026. The Trust recorded 1,926 antisemitic incidents across the UK in the first half of 2026: the second-highest total ever reported to CST in the first six months of any year, exceeded only by the 2,019 incidents recorded from January to June 2024. This is an increase of 21% from the 1,598 incidents recorded in the first half of 2025.

Scotland: closure of Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme Continue reading →