Synod
A synod is a council of a Christian denomination, typically convened to address matters of doctrine, administration, or application. The term "synod" comes from the Ancient Greek word σύνοδος, meaning "assembly" or "meeting". In the Roman Catholic Church, synods and councils are theoretically synonymous, both referring to authoritative meetings of bishops for church administration in teaching or governance matters. However, in modern usage, synod and council are applied to specific categories of such meetings and do not overlap.
Synods in Eastern Catholic Churches are similar to those in Orthodox churches, serving as the primary means for the election of bishops and the establishment of inter-diocesan ecclesiastical laws. In Latin Church canon law, the term "synod" refers to meetings of a representative, thematic, non-legislative, or mixed nature that do not meet the qualifications of a "council".
The Synod on Synodality is a process of listening, dialogue, and discernment that aims to deepen the Churchs understanding of its mission and look toward the future. It is a two-year process that culminates in the celebration of the Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops. The synodal Church, in announcing the Gospel, "journeys together," and the Synod on Synodality seeks to explore how this "journeying together" is happening in local Churches and what steps the Spirit invites them to take to grow in their "journeying together".
In summary, a synod is a significant assembly within the Christian Church, particularly in the Roman Catholic Church, where bishops and other church officials convene to address important matters related to doctrine, administration, and application. The Synod on Synodality is a specific example of a synod, representing a process of listening, dialogue, and discernment aimed at deepening the Churchs understanding of its mission and fostering unity and collaboration within the Church.
