Synodality in Anglicanism: episcopacy, clergy, laity

Abstract Articles in this issue of the Journal have considered the various levels of church government at the universal, the regional, the local (diocesan), and the parochial levels. The mechanical operations of each synodical body has been considered, with notions of subsidiarity, authority and participation key. This article takes a step back and looks at the classes of individuals concerned in ecclesial life: bishops, (other) clergy, and laity, and considers how they participate in synodical ecclesial life by virtue of either purely their ecclesial life (as a bishop, a priest or deacon, or as a member of the laity), or through the role they exercise/office they hold as a member of that ecclesial class.