The Monarchy Today > Ceremony and symbol > Ceremonies

The Queen attending the General Synod of the Church of England at Church House, Westminster, in 2005
© Press Association

GENERAL SYNOD

The General Synod is the supreme authority of the Church of England.

It includes the bishops and elected representatives from the clergy and the laity. Since 1919, the Synod (formerly called the Church Assembly) has had the power (delegated by Parliament) to pass measures on any matter concerning the Church of England.

As Supreme Governor of the Church of England, The Queen ceremonially opens the Synod after the elections in the dioceses every five years.

During the ceremony, The Queen makes a speech to the Synod.

The Queen most recently opened the General Synod in 2005.


	The Queen attending the General Synod of the Church of England at Church House, Westminster, in 2005 © Press Association GENERAL SYNOD The General Synod is the supreme authority of the Church of England. It includes the bishops and elected representatives from the clergy and the laity. Since 1919, the Synod (formerly called the Church Assembly) has had the power (delegated by Parliament) to pass measures on any matter concerning the Church of England. As Supreme Governor of the Church of England, The Queen ceremonially opens the Synod after the elections in the dioceses every five years. During the ceremony, The Queen makes a speech to the Synod. The Queen most recently opened the General Synod in 2005.
	Queen and Church The Queen's role as Supreme Governor of the Church of England SUGGESTED LINKS Church of England