House of Laity

They are indirectly elected every 5 years by members on the Church of England's electoral roll via the representatives on the Diocesan Synods.

[2] When the Church Assembly (predecessor to the General Synod) was established, it was decided that normal churchgoers would replace the House of Commons as the representatives of the laity; thus creating the House of Laity.

[4] There has been criticism of this method of election with suggestions that it leaves the system open to influence from special interest groups.

[1] There is no maximum age limit to sit in the House of Laity however some members have voluntarily chosen not to stand for re-election when they reach 70 on the grounds that Church of England clergy are obliged to retire at that age.

However, the duties of the House of Laity insofar as measures extend to the Isle of Man are taken on by Tynwald from the diocesan synod.