A central authority like the Pope can define doctrine, appoint leaders, settle disputes, and issue binding decisions on worship, morals, and church structure. Eastern Orthodoxy lacks such a figure. Each denomination (often national, but occasionally regional) is self-governing and makes its own decisions on interpreting theology, conducting services, selecting clergy, managing internal affairs, and engaging with political or ethical questions. Inter-Orthodox meetings are rare, even within the same denomination, and national and pan-Orthodox councils occur only every few years. Their decisions are non-binding unless all leaders unanimously agree.