 A diocesan synod was an irregular but important meeting of the bishop of a diocese and his clergy.Its purpose was (1) to proclaim generally the various decrees already issued by the bishop; (2) to discuss and ratify measures on which the bishop chose to consult with his clergy; (3) to publish statutes and decrees of the diocesan synod, of the provincial synod, and of the Holy See.A diocesan synod is known to have taken place as early as 897 under Bishop Adelbertus.