Report on February 2026 Session
The second meeting in the triennium was held on 25 February 2026 at St Paul’s Hammersmith.
The meeting was attended by 95 members.
Report of the meeting
Opening prayers were led by the Rt Revd Emma Ineson, Acting Bishop of London.
In her presidential introduction, Bishop Emma reflected on the period between the departure of one Bishop of London and the appointment of the next, reminding Synod members of God’s constant presence during this time of transition. She outlined key priorities for the year ahead, including mission and ministry, safeguarding improvement, clergy deployment and wellbeing, financial stewardship, governance transparency, and the work of the Vacancy-in See Committee. Members were encouraged to engage constructively and prayerfully in decision-making, modelling kindness and respect where views differ (see attachment for full text).
The meeting covered a range of mission and administrative matters:
• Ministry in the Diocese
The Diocesan Director of Ministry, Revd Canon Miles Baker, outlined the diocese’s approach to supporting lay and ordained vocations. Synod heard personal reflections from three individuals responding to a call to ministry, representing ordained and licensed lay pathways. Their contributions highlighted diverse journeys into ministry, the importance of encouragement and visibility, and the value of lived experience in mission. In discussion, members considered how vocations might be better nurtured locally, particularly among under-represented groups. Suggestions included encouraging small initial steps, identifying and supporting potential vocations early, increasing local accessibility to vocations events, and highlighting diverse role models. Synod noted the importance of parish-level engagement in encouraging both lay and ordained ministry.
• Annual safeguarding report
The independent Chair of the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory Panel, Sarah McKimm, introduced the Annual Safeguarding Report and reflected on progress made over the past five years. Synod noted significant improvements in staffing, systems, training, governance and oversight, alongside the development of a stronger safeguarding culture across the diocese.
The General Secretary highlighted key points from the report, including the volume and nature of safeguarding referrals, pressures on the safeguarding team, and positive parish engagement with safeguarding tools and dashboards. While acknowledging substantial progress, members recognised that further work was required, particularly in improving the experience of victims and survivors. Synod noted that further direction would follow once the recommendations of the INEQE safeguarding audit were received.
• BMO representation on Synod
Synod considered a motion to approve deanery synod representation for Bishop’s Mission Orders (BMOs). Members noted the importance of ensuring that BMOs have a voice within deanery structures, particularly ahead of forthcoming General Synod elections. An amendment was agreed requesting that reasonable efforts be made to have representatives in place by 31 May 2026. The amended motion, covering a number of named BMOs, was approved by a clear majority.
• Formal Business
The final agenda item was a response to, and brief discussions of, a range of questions raised before the meeting by individual members of the Diocesan Synod. Topics included:
o Sharing the LLF Diocesan Synod consultation results.
o Availability of support for any PCCs needing to register with the Charity Commission by March 2031.
o The application of the Nolan principles to the Diocesan Synod.
o The number and status of churches without an operational permanent heating system.
The meeting concluded with prayer led by the Acting Bishop of London.