synod
n. countablen. a formal meeting of church leaders to discuss and decide on important religious matters. It is a gathering where people in the church vote on rules or beliefs.
n. an assembly of clergy and sometimes laity in a Christian church, convened to decide on matters of doctrine, administration, or application of canon law.
The local synod met to discuss the new church rules.
The regional synod voted to allow more community involvement in the selection of new parish priests.
Historians often point to the decisions made at that specific synod as the turning point that eventually led to a permanent schism within the national church.
From Ancient Greek σύνοδος (súnodos, “assembly, meeting”) – from σύν (sún, “with”) (English syn-) + ὁδός (hodós, “way, path”). Compare also with the term סַנְהֶדְרִין (“sanhedrin”) common throughout Hebrew Talmudic literature.
Often used with 'of' to specify the governing body, such as 'a synod of bishops'.