What in the world is a Synod?
A Synod is a gathering, traditionally of bishops, that helps the Church to walk forward together in the same direction. The word “Synod” comes from the Greek syn-hodos, meaning “the same way” or “the same path.” Synods were common in the first centuries of Christianity, giving bishops the opportunities to meet and discuss issues of importance for the life of the Church. In 1965, Pope Paul VI instituted the Synod of Bishops at the universal level of the Church. He wanted a way of continuing the fraternal, collegial exchange that had been experienced at the Second Vatican Council, where bishops from across the globe had gathered together between 1962 and 1965. Since then, Synods have been organized every two or three years, bringing together bishops, experts, and various delegates to discuss topics like the Eucharist, the Word of God, the Middle East, the new evangelization, the family, young people, and the Amazon. In each case, bishops vote on a Final Document, then the pope writes his own text – called an “apostolic exhortation” – to open new pathways and shed new light on what was discussed at the synod, so that it can radiate across the entire Church.
Archbishop introduces this Synod: https://youtu.be/xKK8i_UJJSM
For further information, check out the Edmonton Archdiocese website (Caedm.ca)
