The second meeting in the triennium was held on 22 November 2025 at St Mellitus College, SW5 0LX.
The meeting was attended by 96 members.
Report of the meeting
Opening prayers were led by the Rt Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally, Bishop of London.
In Bishop Sarah’s final Presidential Address as Bishop of London she reflected on nearly eight years of shared ministry expressing gratitude for the clergy and laity and acknowledging the Diocese’s achievements and ongoing challenges. She concluded with encouragement to appreciate the Diocese’s rich resources, embrace diversity as a strength, and work together across traditions to ensure sustainability and growth for the future (see attachment for full text).
The meeting covered a range of mission and administrative matters:
• Mission and Growth
Bishop Emma (Kensington) shared encouraging news about the Diocese’s growth: a 17% increase in worshipping community numbers since 2022, with average weekly attendance now at 62,500. The post-Covid recovery has been strong, and growth is being seen across traditions and regions. Members heard stories from Hackney, Islington, Tower Hamlets, Southall, Hounslow, and Croydon, highlighting new worshipping communities, youth engagement, and intercultural mission. Reflections from Synod members showed a hopeful outlook for the future, with themes of discipleship, collaboration, and youth involvement.
• Finance and Stewardship
Director of Finance and Operations, Chris Harris, presented the London Diocesan Fund’s (LDF) 2026 budget, noting a 2.6% overall increase in parish contributions through Common Fund. Most parishes have increased their giving, though some face local challenges. The London Diocesan Fund is working towards a balanced budget and will revisit financial planning next year. The Synod approved the proposed expenditure and parish contribution of £25.2 million for 2026.
• Governance Updates
The General Secretary, Oliver Home, introduced proposed amendments to the LDF Memorandum and Articles of Association, aiming to update the Articles around employment or remuneration of connected persons in line with current legislation. Diocesan Synod and Charity Commission approval are needed to make any amendments. The Synod approved this change. A more in-depth review would take place in 2026 with detailed proposals to be brought back to the Diocesan Synod.
• Care of Churches
Archdeacon Catherine Pickford (Northolt) presented the annual report from the Diocesan Advisory Committee for the Care of Churches. The refreshed committee is supporting parishes with, mostly small to mid-sized, building repair and access projects – balancing heritage with the needs of changing communities. Two larger projects were highlighted at St Mary-le-Strand, and Annunciation Marble Arch. Archdeacon Catherine offered two pieces of advice to parishes wanting to undertake projects: (i) seek advice early, (ii) the greater the change, the more effort required on a clear statement of need. The Synod received the report with thanks.
• Safeguarding
The General Secretary, Oliver Home, updated members on the INEQE safeguarding report, which is nearing completion. He noted the scale of the audit with hundreds of documents reviewed, 2,400 responses to the survey and over 150 people interviewed. He thanked everybody who had contributed and looked forward to the recommendations which would help us improve further.
• Scales of Representation
The Synod agreed new scales of representation for Deanery Synods. These would be communicated to Deaneries and parishes before the end of the year.
• Formal Business and Farewell
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 The appointment of the interim Bishop of Stepney.
o Parishes with additional clergy, not paying full Common Fund.
o Use of non-disclosure agreements.
o The budget paper and investments.
o The availability of the LDBS accounts.
o Sharing the LLF Diocesan Synod consultation results.
o Progress of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill and the Crime and Policing Bill.
o Processes for approving temporary exhibitions at St Paul’s Cathedral.
There were thanks and prayers for Bishop Sarah as she prepares to become Archbishop of Canterbury.
The meeting concluded with prayer led by the Bishop of London.