noun

synod

SIN-ud/ˈsɪnəd/

A council that meets to discuss or govern church affairs.

Two clergy members review church documents at a small synod.

A small contemporary church synod: two senior clergy members seated together at a plain council table, discussing an open book and administrative papers, with a simple wall cross establishing the church setting.

Etymology

Together with the idea of journeying, these pieces expressed a “coming together,” hence an assembly and specifically a church council. The deeper origin of hodos is uncertain.

In context

BC Clough School of Theology and Ministry Cont. Ed2:28

this current synod is now changing what it means for a Church to celebrate such an event because it is not anymore a one-time a meeting of the universal Church for a month in Rome.

The Synod on Synodality: Becoming a Co-Responsible Church

More examples

The synod votes on new guidelines for training ministers.
Representatives from several parishes attend the annual synod.
Regional synods oversee church affairs in their own districts.
The synod debates how to interpret a passage of scripture.

Forms

synod · synods

synodal adjective — relating to a church council

Similar words

council: Can govern or advise outside a religious setting.
assembly: Emphasizes people gathering, without necessarily having church authority.