Pertaining to synods

By Duane Sweep
Associate for Communications

Synodical, or pertaining to a synod. Synodical – the word itself – is an inside joke here.

These days, if you’re associated with a synod, or an associate or something for a synod, the ability to accept criticism is vital. Criticism of synods is that common.

You see, we’re in postmodern and perhaps post-Christendom times. But we know it’s a post-something time. We may have even reached a post-post time.

And being post-anything – at least for the synod – means it’s probably time we look at how we got here, what we’ve become and, at a minimum, where we are going and if we even belong.

First, we know how synods are perceived throughout the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). And it’s not good – if we accept without question the research results of the first Mid-Council Commission that submitted its report to the General Assembly last summer.

The report, often lauded for the research, includes a statement in the research addendum that says much about the findings. On page 112 there’s this line: “Because respondents self-selected, results may not be representative of the larger constituencies of which respondents are a part.”

Think about that for a minute. It’s not in the numbers; it’s in the selection.

Yes, the research was a monumental effort, but those who responded made the decision to participate. They were not part of an appropriately selected sample. Respondents self-selected.

Second, it might not be that synods are superfluous – at least not all the time and in all places. Of all the governing bodies – o.k., councils – presbyteries are necessary to be Presbyterian. If I’m not mistaken, presbyteries at some point made the decision to create synods.

So, I’m thinking it’s probably a good idea for presbyteries to play a really significant role in determining what synods should be doing and where synods end up going.

I don’t think it’s time for presbyteries to be heard; I think it’s time for presbyteries to really be the drivers.

The overture adopted earlier this month by the Presbytery of Prospect Hill is a step in that direction. The overture calls on the General Assembly to “take no action related to the functions of synods, the merger or redrawing of boundaries of synods, or the elimination of synods … without the consent of any synod and a majority of the presbyteries affected.”

The overture goes on to encourage presbyteries “to consider consultation with their synod and surrounding presbyteries … regarding what functions are appropriate within their respective synod.”

 
I think that’s kind of Presbyterian and maybe even synodical in way.