Synod

[CyrilSebastian]

What is a Synod?

[eschator83]

There is a lot of talk about Synods on the web.  They are generally regional level council-like meetings, which it seems Pope Francis has essentially ordering, and giving substantial power to.  (AI is suggesting to rewrite this for me, but I didn't respond fast enough and the offer disappeared from the screen.)  Would you be offended by AI message if I identified it as such?

[CyrilSebastian]

eschator83, An AI message is fine.

[eschator83]

I am embarrassed to say that although I have copied and pasted quite a few, apparently I either can't recall what I did or it's no longer working.  The AI was short because I ask for concise answers, and a little vague, but described Synods as regional councils for selected Bishops, initiated in the 4th century by Popes, kings, and emperors.  I didn't get a sense of when the term synod first appeared, but AI indicated other terms were used interchangeably.  The Copilot AI stores inquiries and responses, so I can go back to review it, and can now print it because I came home for Father's Day (Best wishes to all), but probably won't write more about specific Synods unless you have interest.  I can't resist the impulse to add that I worry strongly that Synods may offer a more economical way to address problems or controversy than world-wide councils, but they may foster fragmentation of Church tradition, unity, and obedience to God's Will.

[CyrilSebastian]

Initially, many synods were held locally within various regions of the world, to deal   
with local disciplinary issues. Synods of this type date back to the 4th century.

[CyrilSebastian]

eschator, Does your AI message currently work?

[eschator83]

Thanks for your interest, I'm sorry to be so slow to reply.  Our normal camp-related slow motion is exaggerated this year by my bride's recovery from surgery, although she seems to be progressing very well, thank You, God.  I've tried to post  another AI Copilot reply here about Synods, but I keep getting an error message that says report my problem to the administrator, both when I try to paste direct from AI and also when I paste to a new document first and then try to paste here.  I am very happy with Copilot and use it frequently.  Recently I read that Google says it has an option to block all AI. So, I wonder if Shin has found something similar. 
Ai says the Vatican reported in July that five Synod conclusions affecting parishes should be implemented by 2028.  I'm not sure I want to know before the parish tells me.