For those unfamiliar with this, as far as the Anglican tradition is concerned, synods are elected by clergy and laity. In most Anglican churches, there is a geographical hierarchy of synods, with a General Synod at the top. Bishops, clergy and laity meet as "houses" within the synod.
Diocesan Synods are convened by a bishop in his or her diocese, and consist of elected clergy and lay members.
Deanery Synods are convened by the Area Dean and consist of all clergy licensed to a benefice within the deanery, plus elected lay members.
Whether this tradition of the synod in the forms described above will continue within the Ordinariate is open to question. It may exist in some modified form, perhaps with an Ordinariate Synod occuring yearly and, within the Canadian Deanery, a Deanery Synod also being conducted.
Synods are a good opportunity, not only to meet together to deal with the business of the diocese (in this case, Ordinariate) or the business of the deanery, but also an opportunity for fellowship and building up the sense of community.
The Synod of the Anglican Catholic Church of Canada Held in July 2010
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