the General Synod
/ðə ˌdʒenrəl ˈsɪnəd/, /ðə ˌdʒenrəl ˈsɪnɒd/
/ðə ˌdʒenrəl ˈsɪnəd/
- the group of people governing the Church of England. It consists of three levels: bishops, clergy (= priests and other officials) and laity (= members of the Church who are not priests). The Archbishop of Canterbury and the Archbishop of York are in charge of the Synod, which is responsible for important decisions affecting the Church, such as forms of worship, educational policy, choosing the clergy and the care of church buildings. It meets two or three times a year.