How does the Diocese work?
The Diocese of Bath & Wells is a network of individuals, parishes and schools in and around the county of Somerset in South-West England. We are one of the 44 dioceses of the Church of England. We have two Bishops of our own - the Bishop of Bath & Wells and the Bishop of Taunton. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, is our Archbishop.
Leadership and decision-making at diocesan level rests with five bodies:
At national level Bath & Wells is represented at General Synod, the Church of England's Parliament, through the election of five members to its House of Laity and four members to its House of Clergy. Find out more abour your General Synod representatives.
At the local level parishes, which are organised into deaneries, are part of their deanery synod. Deanery synod is a forum for parishes to exchange views on issues affecting the deanery, the Diocese and the wider church and feed back to Diocesan Synod. See the Constitution and Standing Orders for Deanery Synods for more details.
Bishops & Diocesan Synod
The Diocese is led by our two Bishops - the Bishop of Bath and Wells, Peter Price and the Bishop of Taunton, Peter Maurice. They are supported by the Bishop’s Staff.
Diocesan Synod can be thought of as ‘the parliament’ of the Diocese. Synod assists the Bishops and their staff to support and oversee the work of the Diocese. As most of its members are elected, it helps provide a system of democratic representation and accountability.
More information on Diocesan Synod, including minutes and agendas.
Bishop's Council
Bishop’s Council is Synod’s standing committee. It oversees and takes forward Synod’s decisions outside of full Synod meetings. Most members are elected.
Board of Finance
The Board of Finance is the financial executive of the Diocese, concerned with the budget, payment of stipends, parish share collection, employment of salaried staff and clergy housing. Members of the Bishop's Council act as the Board's Directors. Find out more on our Finance pages.
Mission & Pastoral Committee
The Mission & Pastoral Committee is principally responsible for reviewing arrangements for pastoral supervision, which involves deployment of clergy and related pastoral organisation. Members of the Bishop's Council act as the members of hte Committee. Most of the work of the Committee is undertaken at archdeaconry level.
Board of Education
The Board of Education is ultimately responsible for church schools and related issues. Find out more on our Children & Young People pages.
Register for e-bulletin
Keep up-to-date with news from around the Diocese with our e-bulletin. Sign-up now!