Which term is used to describe a council, especially of churches or church officials?

• A. Synod
• B. Council
• C. Conference
• D. Assembly

Answer: (A)

A synod is the term used for a council, especially among churches or church officials. It signals a formal gathering with authority to discuss and decide matters of doctrine, discipline, or church governance. The word comes from Greek sunodos, meaning a coming together to travel in the same direction, emphasizing the collective deliberation of leaders. In church history, synods are common at regional or national levels and can issue doctrinal statements or set policies for a denomination. Other terms like council, conference, or assembly are more general and don’t inherently denote the specific ecclesiastical, deliberative authority that a synod carries.