synod
Bishops convene formally
A synod is a formal assembly of church officials convened to discuss doctrine, governance, or ecclesiastical matters.
The term applies across Christian traditions—Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant—though the authority and scope of synods vary by denomination.
Some churches use synod to name a regional governing body: the Lutheran synod voted on the measure.
Advisory deliberative group
- assemblyConstructing from components
- convocationFormal ceremonial gathering
- conclavePrivate, secretive assembly
- dioceseBishop's territorial jurisdiction
bishop · clergy · patriarch · metropolitan · archbishop · canon · decree · deliberation
Profound shared closeness
- fellowshipMutual goodwill among companions
- solidarityUnity among allies
- accordHarmony between parties
- reconciliationRestoration of friendly relations
schism · division · ecumenism · intercommunion · cooperation · agreement · concord · rapprochement
Judicial decision-making body
- interdictAuthoritative prohibition order
- beneficeEndowed clerical position
- canonizationOfficial declaration of sainthood
- concordatVatican-state formal agreement
excommunication · dispensation · rescript · absolution · penance · heresy · schism · dogma
Power to enforce obedience
- jurisdictionLegal authority's scope
- legislationOfficial enactment of statutes
- rulingFormal legal determination
- mandateFormal authoritative directive
oversight · regulation · polity · directive · constitution · administration · decision · policy
Formal argument on issues
- discussionExchange of ideas
- consultationMeeting seeking expert guidance
- discernmentKeen perception and judgment
- voteFormal choice expression
consensus · resolution · agenda · motion · proceedings · quorum · ratification · amendment
council
Advisory deliberative group
- assemblyConstructing from components
- convocationFormal ceremonial gathering
- conclavePrivate, secretive assembly
diocese · bishop · clergy · patriarch · metropolitan · archbishop · canon · decree · deliberation · session
communion
Profound shared closeness
- fellowshipMutual goodwill among companions
- solidarityUnity among allies
- accordHarmony between parties
reconciliation · schism · division · ecumenism · intercommunion · cooperation · agreement · concord · rapprochement · reunification
tribunal
Judicial decision-making body
- interdictAuthoritative prohibition order
- beneficeEndowed clerical position
- canonizationOfficial declaration of sainthood
concordat · excommunication · dispensation · rescript · absolution · penance · heresy · schism · dogma · doctrine
authority
Power to enforce obedience
- jurisdictionLegal authority's scope
- legislationOfficial enactment of statutes
- rulingFormal legal determination
mandate · oversight · regulation · polity · directive · constitution · administration · decision · policy · decree
debate
Formal argument on issues
- discussionExchange of ideas
- consultationMeeting seeking expert guidance
- discernmentKeen perception and judgment
vote · consensus · resolution · agenda · motion · proceedings · quorum · ratification · amendment · proposal
- formal gatheringsgraduation, commencement, assembly, ceremony, meeting
- Church Bodiesarchdiocese, diocese, dioceses, bishopric, parishes
- church gatheringschurch council, assemblies, conferences, church assembly, congresses
- religious councilschurch council, conclave, convocation, general assembly, College of Cardinals
- church governancediocese, episcopacy, polity, parish councils, archdiocese
synodcongregation
Assembled group of worshippers
laity · parish · flock · parishioners · laypeople
- Synod of DortReformed council against Arminianism
- holy synodChurch's highest governing body