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A synod is a council or assembly usually convened to discuss and decide on matters of church doctrine or administration. The term synod comes from the Greek word synodos, which means “assembly” or “meeting.” In various Christian denominations, synods have shaped church policies, resolved theological disputes, and cultivated unity among believers.
Synods can be convened at a local, regional, national, or global level. The decisions made by synods have a significant impact on church life, influencing everything from liturgical practices to doctrinal affirmations and disciplinary actions.
In church history, various synods helped to develop Christian doctrine and church organization. The first was the Council of Jerusalem (c. AD 49), which is described in Acts 15. The next seven synods in church history are accepted by all branches of Christianity as valid. These include the Council of Nicea (AD 325), which resulted in the important Nicene Creed; and the Council of Chalcedon (AD 451), which precisely defined Christ’s nature and person. Below is a list of some other notable synods:
• Synod of Hippo (AD 393): The Synod of Hippo, held in Hippo Regius (modern-day Annaba, Algeria), helped to recognize the biblical canon. This synod confirmed the list of Old and New Testament books that were to be considered authoritative Scripture for the church. Although the decisions were not immediately accepted by the church as a whole, they laid the groundwork for later councils that affirmed the canonical books.
• Synod of Carthage (AD 397): Continuing the work of the Synod of Hippo, the Synod of Carthage further confirmed the biblical canon. This synod, held in Carthage (modern-day Tunisia), reiterated the list of canonical books and helped solidify the Bible we know today. This was an important step in creating a unified Scripture and doctrine.
• Synod of Whitby (AD 664): The Synod of Whitby, held at the monastery of Whitby in Northumbria (modern-day England), was a critical moment in the history of the English church. This synod resolved the dispute between the Roman and Celtic Christian traditions over the calculation of Easter and other ecclesiastical practices. The synod’s decision to follow Roman customs aligned the English church more closely with the broader Christian world.
• Synod of Frankfurt (AD 794): The Synod of Frankfurt, convened by Emperor Charlemagne, addressed various theological and disciplinary issues within the Carolingian Empire. A significant outcome was the rejection of the Second Council of Nicea’s veneration of icons, reflecting the Frankish church’s stance on iconoclasm. This synod also dealt with matters of church reform and administration.
• Synod of Dort (1618—1619): The Synod of Dort, also known as the Synod of Dordrecht, was an international synod held in the Dutch city of Dordrecht. This synod addressed the theological controversy between Arminianism and Calvinism within the Dutch Reformed Church. It concluded with the rejection of Arminianism and the affirmation of the doctrines of total depravity, unconditional election, limited atonement, irresistible grace, and the perseverance of the saints, known collectively as the doctrines of grace or the five points of Calvinism.
• Synod of Bishops (1965 — Present): The Synod of Bishops, established by Pope Paul IV in 1965 following the Second Vatican Council, is an ongoing series of synodal assemblies in the Roman Catholic Church. These synods provide an opportunity for Catholic bishops from around the word to discuss important issues facing the church and to advise the pope. Topics have included evangelism, family life, and the challenges of modern society.
Synods have been instrumental in shaping Christianity and church governance throughout history. From the early resolutions on the biblical canon to the theological affirmations of the Synod of Dort, these synods have addressed critical theological questions and helped to guide the church through times of change and challenge. Studying important synods in church history helps believers to appreciate the dynamic and evolving landscape of Christianity.• Synod of Carthage (AD 397): Continuing the work of the Synod of Hippo, the Synod of Carthage further confirmed the biblical canon. This synod, held in Carthage (modern-day Tunisia), reiterated the list of canonical books and helped solidify the Bible we know today. This was an important step in creating a unified Scripture and doctrine.
• Synod of Whitby (AD 664): The Synod of Whitby, held at the monastery of Whitby in Northumbria (modern-day England), was a critical moment in the history of the English church. This synod resolved the dispute between the Roman and Celtic Christian traditions over the calculation of Easter and other ecclesiastical practices. The synod’s decision to follow Roman customs aligned the English church more closely with the broader Christian world.
• Synod of Frankfurt (AD 794): The Synod of Frankfurt, convened by Emperor Charlemagne, addressed various theological and disciplinary issues within the Carolingian Empire. A significant outcome was the rejection of the Second Council of Nicea’s veneration of icons, reflecting the Frankish church’s stance on iconoclasm. This synod also dealt with matters of church reform and administration.
• Synod of Dort (1618—1619): The Synod of Dort, also known as the Synod of Dordrecht, was an international synod held in the Dutch city of Dordrecht. This synod addressed the theological controversy between Arminianism and Calvinism within the Dutch Reformed Church. It concluded with the rejection of Arminianism and the affirmation of the doctrines of total depravity, unconditional election, limited atonement, irresistible grace, and the perseverance of the saints, known collectively as the doctrines of grace or the five points of Calvinism.
• Synod of Bishops (1965 — Present): The Synod of Bishops, established by Pope Paul IV in 1965 following the Second Vatican Council, is an ongoing series of synodal assemblies in the Roman Catholic Church. These synods provide an opportunity for Catholic bishops from around the word to discuss important issues facing the church and to advise the pope. Topics have included evangelism, family life, and the challenges of modern society.
