Synod

A synod is a religious ruling body. In 2274, the Synod of the mar-Atyya religious tradition on planet Mestiko, headed by Odra maVolan, took control of the Mestiko government, overthrowing the Zamestaad and its leader, Raya elMora, sending them into exile. The Synod continued to rule until 2282, when popular pressure forced them to hold free elections, and they were ejected from power. (TOS eBook: Mere Anarchy: The Darkness Drops Again)