synodical

Synodical is an adjective meaning relating to a synod, a formal council or assembly of church representatives, and to the procedures, governance, or decisions of such a body. In ecclesiastical use, a synod is typically a regional, national, or denominational gathering that legislates, discerns doctrine, or settles church discipline for a group of congregations. The term is most common in Protestant and Anglican contexts, though historical usage appears in other Christian traditions as well.

Origin and form: the word derives from Latin synodalis, via Greek sunodos, meaning "a meeting together" (from sun- "together" and hodos "way, road"). The English form synodical has been in use since the early modern period to describe things associated with a synod.

Usage: Synodical authority, procedure, or measures are those enacted, administered, or endorsed by a synod rather than by individual congregations or bishops. A synodical constitution or by-laws would set out governance rules for the bodies within a denomination; a synodical election refers to the process of selecting representatives or officers through a synod. The distinction is often made with congregational or episcopal polities, where governance is exercised at the local congregation or by bishops.

See also: Synod; Ecclesiastical assembly; Church governance.