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.