SYNOD OF WHITBY Meaning and
Definition
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The Synod of Whitby refers to a pivotal ecclesiastical council held in 664 CE in the town of Whitby, located in present-day England. The synod aimed to resolve a significant theological dispute within the early Christian church concerning the calculation of Easter and various differences between the Celtic and Roman practices.
The Synod of Whitby brought together religious leaders, including representatives from the Celtic Church and the Roman Church, under the presidency of King Oswiu of Northumbria. The primary goal was to determine which of the conflicting Easter calculation methods should be adopted and practiced uniformly in the Kingdom of Northumbria. The Celtic Church, following a distinct tradition inherited from the early Irish missionaries, relied on a lunar calendar, while the Roman Church utilized a solar calendar.
The synod convened with the purpose of deciding between these two competing traditions, to bring unity and consistency to the church's observance of Easter. Ultimately, the Roman Church's method, based on the solar calendar, was accepted as the standard by the Synod of Whitby. This decision not only resolved the Easter controversy but also marked a broader shift in the religious and cultural practices of the region, as the authority and influence of the Roman Church significantly expanded. This synod is considered a turning point in the development of the Christian church and its history in England.
