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The Synod Explained
I am new to synods having attended only one previously. Perhaps that does give me a little “expertise” to share what I know.
Here’s what I can offer:
1) an overview of synods in general,
and
2) an idea of what we can look forward to in October.
I think that most people understand that a synod is a meeting (sometimes it’s called a congress, assembly, or a council).
Synod is a term that is associated with churches, christian churches in particular. Synods generally involve lots of people from different places with different points of view. Delegates to synods are representatives of a larger group back home.
Unless you were raised in a Protestant Church, you probably didn’t hear much about synods growing up Catholic. Protestant churches seemed to have them all the time, on a regular basis. In fact, I wondered whether synods were ever called in the Roman Catholic Church. It turns out they were; they were started there. But your chance of ever being invited to attend, let alone participate, was pretty close to never.
The most famous (and maybe historic) synod in the Roman church was the Second Vatican Council of 1962-65 called by Pope John XXIII.
In the Roman Catholic Church synod participants were bishops who gathered to advise the pope. From there, pronouncements were made concerning doctrine, legislation, or a specific stance on some issue. Then, the people in the pews heard the results and were expected to comply, no questions asked.
This is not the model used in the ECC.
Far from it.
The ECC likes to describe itself by using the metaphor of a three- legged stool representing
our bishops as one of the legs;
clergy as a second;
laity the third leg.
Each leg is independent;
contributes its strength to holding up the stool
and must rely on the other two legs to make a functional chair.
In this example, authority is shared by all equally.
Simply put, the ECC is not a top down organization,
not hierarchical.
Therefore, the Synod, reflecting the 3 legged stool,
is meant to be
collaborative,
inclusive,
a church council that listens to all
and considers multiple voices and needs.
+ + + + +
What is the work of a synod?
Does it have a specific agenda?
Historically, synods go back to the time of the early christian community when local churches were just getting formed.
The earliest communities focused on things like
doctrine,
questions of faith and belief,
membership,
rules and regulations,
religious practices
and perhaps some heresies.
By the time the Council of Trent was held in 325, there had already been 20 synods.
This year’s synod agenda will include discussions about changes in our constitution and other foundational documents.
But, the synod is never only business and organizational details.
The synod is also a time of renewal,
spiritual bonding,
uplift and recommitment.
The liturgies,
prayer sessions,
music,
and meal conversations
are meant to deepen friendships.
One practical task that is done at every synod is the election of leaders for each of the houses. So, following the synod, we will see some new faces and new energy leading each house in the next 2 years. Look for that.
We will also elect our presiding bishop.
In addition to his work on climate change, Pope Frances left a second legacy. In 2021, he called for a worldwide synod in the RCC that would, for the first time, give a voice to the laity. Over a two year period, the process was designed to reach down into every parish across the globe. Frances instructed his bishops and clergy to listen, really listen to people and connect. He was calling everyone to not just participate in a process but to internalize those changes and continue to listen to others.
In my mind this has always been the headset of ECC delegates.
We see the synod,
not merely as a meeting with an agenda
but as an ongoing process of relating to others.
We are going to Minneapolis with an attitude of
listening and being present.
Hearing the stories of others and then sharing our own.
We trust that there is something that is meant to happen
that is bigger than ourselves.
Helen Majzler
Light of Christ, Longmont, Colorado
September 19, 2026
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