synodal
Of church assemblies
Synodal means relating to a synod—an assembly of church officials convened to discuss doctrine, governance, or ecclesiastical matters.
The term appears primarily in religious contexts: synodal decisions, synodal authority.
A synodal letter is an official communication from such a council to churches or clergy.
Promoting religious unity
- convocationFormal ceremonial gathering
- assemblyConstructing from components
- delegatesChosen representatives or assigns
- quorumMinimum for valid proceedings
canon · decree · resolution · deliberation · proceedings · voting · ratification · session
Organized governmental system
- episcopalRelating to bishops
- deliberativeCharacterized by careful consideration
- advisoryNotice recommending action
- consultativeProviding or seeking guidance
legislative · jurisdictional · authority · decision-making · representation · voting · consensus · oversight
Diocesan clergy head
- clergyOrdained religious officials collectively
- dioceseBishop's territorial jurisdiction
- episcopateBishops as a body
- patriarchateChief bishop's office or realm
papacy · prelate · ordination · apostolic · canonical · doctrine · dogma · creed
Ordained religious officials collectively
- laityNon-ordained church members
- delegatesChosen representatives or assigns
- bishopsHigh-ranking clergy members
- eldersSenior community members
deacons · moderator · primate · legate · representatives · voting members · observers · theologians
ecumenical
Promoting religious unity
- convocationFormal ceremonial gathering
- assemblyConstructing from components
- delegatesChosen representatives or assigns
quorum · canon · decree · resolution · deliberation · proceedings · voting · ratification · session · plenary
polity
Organized governmental system
- episcopalRelating to bishops
- deliberativeCharacterized by careful consideration
- advisoryNotice recommending action
consultative · legislative · jurisdictional · authority · decision-making · representation · voting · consensus · oversight · discipline
bishop
Diocesan clergy head
- clergyOrdained religious officials collectively
- dioceseBishop's territorial jurisdiction
- episcopateBishops as a body
patriarchate · papacy · prelate · ordination · apostolic · canonical · doctrine · dogma · creed · theology
clergy
Ordained religious officials collectively
- laityNon-ordained church members
- delegatesChosen representatives or assigns
- bishopsHigh-ranking clergy members
elders · deacons · moderator · primate · legate · representatives · voting members · observers · theologians · commissioners
synodalcongregational
Of member-governed worship communities
episcopal · papal · hierarchical · monarchical · centralized
synodalautocratic
Ruling with absolute authority
unilateral · monarchical · dictatorial · individual · singular
- Synod of DortReformed council against Arminianism
- holy synodChurch's highest governing body