General Synod 2027: what you need to know

The LCA’s 22nd Regular Convention of General Synod will be held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, in Queensland, from 1 to 4 October 2027.

To support the administration and running of the Convention, a fee is charged to parishes for each delegate position allocated, irrespective of attendance. For 2027, this fee will be $600 per parish delegate, plus GST where applicable. Invoices for this charge will be distributed to parishes in January 2027. There is no Convention fee for pastor delegates.

Information regarding other Convention-related expenses, such as meals and transport, will be available by 31 July 2027.

The Secretary of the Church, Dr Nigel Long, said this advance notice was being given to help parishes to plan and budget for their delegates’ participation, including Synod fees, travel, accommodation and other associated costs.

Parishes will be advised in October 2026 of the number of lay delegates they are entitled to elect. Dr Long said parishes are encouraged to elect an alternate delegate when they elect their lay delegate/s. Then, should an elected delegate be unable to attend Convention, the alternate delegate may attend in their place. Lay delegate appointment forms will be due to be submitted to the LCA no later than 31 March 2027.

Proposals to General Synod from congregations and parishes are also due no later than 31 March 2027, and the template for proposals will be included in the formal notification to parishes in October 2026.

At the Special Convention of General Synod in October 2025, Synod approved the full participation of Specific Ministry Pastors (SMPs) at General Pastors Conferences (GPCs) and at Conventions of General Synod. This means SMPs are eligible to be elected by districts as pastor delegates.

The next GPC will be held from 26 to 29 September 2027, immediately before the Convention of General Synod. Venue details will be advised when confirmed.

The LCANZ will cover the travel costs of pastors attending as General Synod delegates, including travel to the GPC and return travel following the Convention. However, parishes will need to cover costs of their pastor’s GPC registration, accommodation and other associated expenses.

Pastors who are not delegates to General Synod are also eligible and encouraged to attend the GPC, Dr Long said. Parishes will be responsible for their registration, travel, accommodation and associated costs.