synod

American  

[sin-uhd] / ˈsɪn əd /

noun

1. an assembly of ecclesiastics or other church delegates, convoked pursuant to the law of the church, for the discussion and decision of ecclesiastical affairs; ecclesiastical council.

2. any council.

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synod British  

/ ˈsɪnəd, ˈsɪnɒd /

noun

1. a local or special ecclesiastical council, esp of a diocese, formally convened to discuss ecclesiastical affairs

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Other Word Forms

• antisynod adjective
• subsynod noun
• subsynodal adjective
• synodal adjective

Etymology

Origin of synod

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin synodus < Greek sýnodos meeting, equivalent to syn- syn- + ( h ) odós way

Example Sentences

Bishop of Blackburn Philip North - who tabled the amendment slimming down the choice put before the synod to one option - argued that the simpler model could be implemented more quickly.

From BBC

A spokesperson for the Church of England said the synod will decide between "two proposed models that significantly strengthen the independence of safeguarding structures" this week.

From BBC

All of the synod members voted on each of 151 proposals.

From BBC

The pope’s mixed record on LGBTQ+ issues was epitomized by the Vatican’s 2023 synod bringing together hundreds of bishops and lay people from around the world to confer on the future of the church.

From Seattle Times

But she said it was part of an important year that had as its high point the synod, the conclusion of which will drive Francis at least for another year.

From Seattle Times