diff --git a/CHANGELOG.md b/CHANGELOG.md
index 4aeba5c..c60b728 100644
--- a/CHANGELOG.md
+++ b/CHANGELOG.md
@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@
 
 ## Unreleased
 
+- Two-way GitHub Sync (0021-two-way-github-sync)
 - Automated Witness Capture (0020-automated-witness-capture)
 - Config Management (0019-config-management)
 - Method Cli (0001-method-cli)
@@ -24,8 +25,8 @@
 - Ship Sync Automation (0018-ship-sync-automation)
 ### Fixed
 
-- Resolved review feedback on PR #5: revised release runbook bullets for 
-  clarity, enforced phase heading order in tests, and clarified 
+- Resolved review feedback on PR #5: revised release runbook bullets for
+  clarity, enforced phase heading order in tests, and clarified
   commitment and signpost boundedness invariants.
 
 ## Unreleased
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 4a6b532..b98b5cc 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -7,7 +7,8 @@ A backlog, a loop, and honest bookkeeping.
 ### Stances
 
 **The agent and the human sit at the same table.** They see different
-things. Both are named in every design. Both must agree before work
+things. Both are named in every design as abstract roles (e.g.,
+"Repository Operator", "System Architect"). Both must agree before work
 ships.
 
 **Default to building the agent surface first** - it is the foundation
@@ -157,7 +158,7 @@ The backlog file is removed. Work does not live in two places.
 
 ### Commitment
 
-Pull it and you own it - "you" meaning the named sponsors (human and
+Pull it and you own it - "you" meaning the named sponsor roles (human and
 agent) in the design doc. It does not go back.
 
 - **Finish** - hill met.
diff --git a/docs/BEARING.md b/docs/BEARING.md
index 39a53b4..7580609 100644
--- a/docs/BEARING.md
+++ b/docs/BEARING.md
@@ -14,9 +14,9 @@ Current priority: pull TBD to continue the system's maturity.
 
 ## What just shipped?
 
+- `0021-two-way-github-sync`: Two-way GitHub Sync
 - `0020-automated-witness-capture`: Automated Witness Capture
 - `0019-config-management`: Config Management
-- `0018-ship-sync-automation`: Ship Sync Automation
 
 ## What feels wrong?
 
diff --git a/docs/VISION.md b/docs/VISION.md
index 37386e8..7812128 100644
--- a/docs/VISION.md
+++ b/docs/VISION.md
@@ -1,10 +1,10 @@
 ---
 title: "METHOD - Executive Summary"
-generated_at: 2026-04-04T20:20:00-07:00
+generated_at: 2026-04-04T22:35:00-07:00
 generator: "manual synthesis following Executive Summary Protocol (Cycle 0013)"
-generated_from_commit: "644e40a9205213ba4d3db5b233c7042ea1ba687e"
+generated_from_commit: "921706b9fc9fd5c7cf78331bdd0f3f91013ea558"
 provenance_level: artifact_history
-witness_ref: docs/method/retro/0020-automated-witness-capture/witness/verification.md
+witness_ref: docs/method/retro/0021-two-way-github-sync/witness/verification.md
 source_files:
   - README.md
   - CHANGELOG.md
@@ -32,6 +32,7 @@ source_files:
   - docs/design/0018-ship-sync-automation/ship-sync-automation.md
   - docs/design/0019-config-management/config-management.md
   - docs/design/0020-automated-witness-capture/automated-witness-capture.md
+  - docs/design/0021-two-way-github-sync/two-way-github-sync.md
 ---
 
 # METHOD - Executive Summary
@@ -50,7 +51,7 @@ state of the system without replacing the underlying files.
 ## Current state
 
 METHOD has evolved from pure doctrine into a formal, programmable system.
-Twenty cycles are already closed:
+Twenty-one cycles are already closed:
 
 - **CLI Foundations (0001-0004, 0007):** Established the CLI, witness
   conventions, and separated the module structure.
@@ -58,8 +59,8 @@ Twenty cycles are already closed:
 - **Maturity (0008-0011, 0016, 0019):** Formalized releases, metadata
   contracts, extracted a clean API, adopted System-Style JS, and
   implemented a formal configuration system.
-- **Connectivity (0012, 0014):** Implemented an MCP server and a GitHub
-  Issue synchronization adapter.
+- **Connectivity (0012, 0014, 0021):** Implemented an MCP server and full
+  two-way GitHub Issue synchronization.
 - **Workflow (0013, 0015, 0017-0018, 0020):** Formalized the Executive
   Summary Protocol, Git branch doctrine, Behavior Spikes, Ship Sync
   automation, and Automated Witness Capture.
@@ -80,7 +81,7 @@ The repo is organized under two legends:
 Covers cycle discipline, backlog movement, adapters (GitHub, MCP), and
 named patterns (spikes, workflow).
 - **Active:** None.
-- **Up-next:** `PROCESS_two-way-github-sync`.
+- **Up-next:** `PROCESS_i18n-string-extraction`.
 
 ### SYNTH
 Covers repo self-description, signposts, and provenance level.
@@ -93,8 +94,8 @@ Covers repo self-description, signposts, and provenance level.
 - None.
 
 ### Up-next
-- **PROCESS_two-way-github-sync:** Support syncing comments and labels
-  back to the filesystem backlog.
+- **PROCESS_i18n-string-extraction:** Extract hardcoded English strings into
+  a centralized messages file.
 
 ### Inbox
 - None.
diff --git a/docs/design/0009-generated-signpost-provenance/generated-signpost-provenance.md b/docs/design/0009-generated-signpost-provenance/generated-signpost-provenance.md
index 8c42a76..8fcf643 100644
--- a/docs/design/0009-generated-signpost-provenance/generated-signpost-provenance.md
+++ b/docs/design/0009-generated-signpost-provenance/generated-signpost-provenance.md
@@ -8,8 +8,8 @@ Source backlog item: `docs/method/backlog/asap/SYNTH_generated-signpost-provenan
 
 ## Sponsors
 
-- Human: @james
-- Agent: @gemini-cli
+- Human: Backlog Operator
+- Agent: Sync Automator
 
 ## Hill
 
diff --git a/docs/design/0010-yaml-frontmatter-schema/yaml-frontmatter-schema.md b/docs/design/0010-yaml-frontmatter-schema/yaml-frontmatter-schema.md
index 10cd437..7ccc6fa 100644
--- a/docs/design/0010-yaml-frontmatter-schema/yaml-frontmatter-schema.md
+++ b/docs/design/0010-yaml-frontmatter-schema/yaml-frontmatter-schema.md
@@ -8,8 +8,8 @@ Source backlog item: `docs/method/backlog/inbox/PROCESS_yaml-frontmatter-schema.
 
 ## Sponsors
 
-- Human: @james
-- Agent: @gemini-cli
+- Human: Backlog Operator
+- Agent: Sync Automator
 
 ## Hill
 
diff --git a/docs/design/0011-library-api-surface/library-api-surface.md b/docs/design/0011-library-api-surface/library-api-surface.md
index 8c7e73b..215e331 100644
--- a/docs/design/0011-library-api-surface/library-api-surface.md
+++ b/docs/design/0011-library-api-surface/library-api-surface.md
@@ -10,8 +10,8 @@ Legend: PROCESS
 
 ## Sponsors
 
-- Human: @james
-- Agent: @gemini-cli
+- Human: Backlog Operator
+- Agent: Sync Automator
 
 ## Hill
 
diff --git a/docs/design/0012-mcp-server/mcp-server.md b/docs/design/0012-mcp-server/mcp-server.md
index c6d3015..956ad85 100644
--- a/docs/design/0012-mcp-server/mcp-server.md
+++ b/docs/design/0012-mcp-server/mcp-server.md
@@ -10,8 +10,8 @@ Legend: PROCESS
 
 ## Sponsors
 
-- Human: @james
-- Agent: @gemini-cli
+- Human: Backlog Operator
+- Agent: Sync Automator
 
 ## Hill
 
diff --git a/docs/design/0013-executive-summary-protocol/executive-summary-protocol.md b/docs/design/0013-executive-summary-protocol/executive-summary-protocol.md
index 526825e..308b72a 100644
--- a/docs/design/0013-executive-summary-protocol/executive-summary-protocol.md
+++ b/docs/design/0013-executive-summary-protocol/executive-summary-protocol.md
@@ -10,8 +10,8 @@ Legend: SYNTH
 
 ## Sponsors
 
-- Human: @james
-- Agent: @gemini-cli
+- Human: Backlog Operator
+- Agent: Sync Automator
 
 ## Hill
 
diff --git a/docs/design/0014-github-issue-adapter/github-issue-adapter.md b/docs/design/0014-github-issue-adapter/github-issue-adapter.md
index d7048ad..b2f67d8 100644
--- a/docs/design/0014-github-issue-adapter/github-issue-adapter.md
+++ b/docs/design/0014-github-issue-adapter/github-issue-adapter.md
@@ -10,8 +10,8 @@ Legend: PROCESS
 
 ## Sponsors
 
-- Human: @james
-- Agent: @gemini-cli
+- Human: Backlog Operator
+- Agent: Sync Automator
 
 ## Hill
 
diff --git a/docs/design/0015-git-branch-workflow-policy/git-branch-workflow-policy.md b/docs/design/0015-git-branch-workflow-policy/git-branch-workflow-policy.md
index 067e1e7..9af1382 100644
--- a/docs/design/0015-git-branch-workflow-policy/git-branch-workflow-policy.md
+++ b/docs/design/0015-git-branch-workflow-policy/git-branch-workflow-policy.md
@@ -10,8 +10,8 @@ Legend: PROCESS
 
 ## Sponsors
 
-- Human: @james
-- Agent: @gemini-cli
+- Human: Backlog Operator
+- Agent: Sync Automator
 
 ## Hill
 
diff --git a/docs/design/0016-system-style-javascript-adoption/system-style-javascript-adoption.md b/docs/design/0016-system-style-javascript-adoption/system-style-javascript-adoption.md
index b3a59fe..255d456 100644
--- a/docs/design/0016-system-style-javascript-adoption/system-style-javascript-adoption.md
+++ b/docs/design/0016-system-style-javascript-adoption/system-style-javascript-adoption.md
@@ -10,8 +10,8 @@ Legend: PROCESS
 
 ## Sponsors
 
-- Human: @james
-- Agent: @gemini-cli
+- Human: Backlog Operator
+- Agent: Sync Automator
 
 ## Hill
 
diff --git a/docs/design/0017-behavior-spike-convention/behavior-spike-convention.md b/docs/design/0017-behavior-spike-convention/behavior-spike-convention.md
index c90b5cc..5b7ffd2 100644
--- a/docs/design/0017-behavior-spike-convention/behavior-spike-convention.md
+++ b/docs/design/0017-behavior-spike-convention/behavior-spike-convention.md
@@ -10,8 +10,8 @@ Legend: PROCESS
 
 ## Sponsors
 
-- Human: @james
-- Agent: @gemini-cli
+- Human: Backlog Operator
+- Agent: Sync Automator
 
 ## Hill
 
diff --git a/docs/design/0018-ship-sync-automation/ship-sync-automation.md b/docs/design/0018-ship-sync-automation/ship-sync-automation.md
index 66169b4..7ffb1ba 100644
--- a/docs/design/0018-ship-sync-automation/ship-sync-automation.md
+++ b/docs/design/0018-ship-sync-automation/ship-sync-automation.md
@@ -10,8 +10,8 @@ Legend: PROCESS
 
 ## Sponsors
 
-- Human: @james
-- Agent: @gemini-cli
+- Human: Backlog Operator
+- Agent: Sync Automator
 
 ## Hill
 
diff --git a/docs/design/0019-config-management/config-management.md b/docs/design/0019-config-management/config-management.md
index a0e7f3c..1d791d2 100644
--- a/docs/design/0019-config-management/config-management.md
+++ b/docs/design/0019-config-management/config-management.md
@@ -10,8 +10,8 @@ Legend: PROCESS
 
 ## Sponsors
 
-- Human: @james
-- Agent: @gemini-cli
+- Human: Backlog Operator
+- Agent: Sync Automator
 
 ## Hill
 
diff --git a/docs/design/0020-automated-witness-capture/automated-witness-capture.md b/docs/design/0020-automated-witness-capture/automated-witness-capture.md
index d30b941..1049d9e 100644
--- a/docs/design/0020-automated-witness-capture/automated-witness-capture.md
+++ b/docs/design/0020-automated-witness-capture/automated-witness-capture.md
@@ -10,8 +10,8 @@ Legend: SYNTH
 
 ## Sponsors
 
-- Human: @james
-- Agent: @gemini-cli
+- Human: Backlog Operator
+- Agent: Sync Automator
 
 ## Hill
 
diff --git a/docs/design/0021-two-way-github-sync/two-way-github-sync.md b/docs/design/0021-two-way-github-sync/two-way-github-sync.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1854dad
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/design/0021-two-way-github-sync/two-way-github-sync.md
@@ -0,0 +1,79 @@
+---
+title: "Two-way GitHub Sync"
+legend: PROCESS
+---
+
+# Two-way GitHub Sync
+
+Source backlog item: `docs/method/backlog/up-next/PROCESS_two-way-github-sync.md`
+Legend: PROCESS
+
+## Sponsors
+
+- Human: Backlog Operator
+- Agent: Sync Automator
+
+## Hill
+
+Extend the GitHub adapter to support full two-way synchronization between
+the local filesystem and GitHub Issues. The filesystem remains the
+authority for local content; the adapter will:
+1. **Push**: Update existing GitHub issues if the local title or body has
+   changed since the last sync. (This is the default action for
+   `sync github`).
+2. **Pull**: Update local backlog items with remote labels, status
+   (Open/Closed), and top-level comments to keep the local context rich.
+
+If both `--push` and `--pull` are provided, they run sequentially:
+local changes are pushed first, then remote updates are pulled.
+
+## Playback Questions
+
+### Human
+
+- [ ] `method sync github --push` (or default) updates the title and
+  description of an existing GitHub issue if the local file changes.
+- [ ] `method sync github --pull` updates local backlog files with data
+  from GitHub (labels, status, comments).
+- [ ] `method sync github --push --pull` runs both operations
+  sequentially (Push then Pull).
+- [ ] Local files reflect GitHub status (e.g., if an issue is closed on
+  GitHub, the local file is updated or moved).
+
+### Agent
+
+- [ ] `GitHubAdapter.pushBacklog()` and `GitHubAdapter.pullBacklog()` are
+  implemented and tested with mocks.
+- [ ] `tests/github-adapter.test.ts` proves that both remote-to-local and
+  local-to-remote updates work correctly.
+
+## Accessibility and Assistive Reading
+
+- Linear truth / reduced-complexity posture: Syncing remote comments
+  locally ensures the full context of an item is available in a single
+  linear markdown file.
+- Non-visual or alternate-reading expectations: Same as one-way sync.
+
+## Localization and Directionality
+
+- Locale / wording / formatting assumptions: Standard English for synced
+  content headers.
+
+## Agent Inspectability and Explainability
+
+- What must be explicit and deterministic for agents: The mapping of
+  GitHub states to local lane movements must be deterministic.
+- What must be attributable, evidenced, or governed: The source of the
+  synced data (GitHub) must be clear.
+
+## Non-goals
+
+- [ ] Real-time sync (this remains a manual command-triggered move).
+- [ ] Conflicts resolution (filesystem wins for title/body content on
+  push; metadata like labels and comments are enriched on pull).
+
+## Backlog Context
+
+Implement two-way synchronization for the GitHub adapter, allowing
+labels, comments, and issue status to sync back from GitHub to the local
+filesystem backlog.
diff --git a/docs/invariants/sponsor-abstractness.md b/docs/invariants/sponsor-abstractness.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..61de96f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/invariants/sponsor-abstractness.md
@@ -0,0 +1,26 @@
+---
+title: "Invariant: Sponsor Abstractness"
+---
+
+## What must remain true?
+
+Sponsors named in design documents are abstract roles, not specific
+individuals or agent instances.
+
+## Why does it matter?
+
+METHOD is a coordination protocol between two seats at the table: the
+Human and the Agent. Naming literal people (e.g., "@james") or literal
+agents (e.g., "@gemini-cli") creates a brittle, person-dependent history.
+Roles (e.g., "Repository Operator", "Code Hardener", "Protocol Designer")
+describe *who would care* about the feature and *what perspective* they
+bring, which remains true regardless of who is currently sitting in the seat.
+
+## How do you check?
+
+- Design documents name sponsors as roles (e.g., "Human: System Architect").
+- No literal personal names or specific agent brand names are used in
+  the `Sponsors` section.
+- The roles named are descriptive of the interests being represented
+  in the cycle.
+- This is enforced by the automated docs test (`tests/docs.test.ts`).
diff --git a/docs/method/backlog/asap/PROCESS_branch-naming-consistency.md b/docs/method/backlog/asap/PROCESS_branch-naming-consistency.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..27efc15
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/method/backlog/asap/PROCESS_branch-naming-consistency.md
@@ -0,0 +1,27 @@
+---
+title: "Branch Naming Consistency"
+legend: PROCESS
+lane: asap
+---
+
+# Unify branch naming rules across METHOD docs
+
+METHOD currently names cycle branches inconsistently.
+
+Examples in the docs point in different directions:
+- `docs/method/process.md` says cycle work must happen on
+  `cycles/<cycle_name>`
+- the same document's branch naming section says cycle branches use
+  `####-slug`
+
+That should be one rule, not two.
+
+Why this matters:
+- branch naming is part of METHOD's coordination surface
+- conflicting examples create unnecessary drift across repos
+- agents and humans should not have to guess which rule is canonical
+
+Deliverable:
+- choose one branch naming rule for cycle branches
+- update `README.md` and `docs/method/process.md` to match
+- include one clear example and remove contradictory wording
diff --git a/docs/method/backlog/asap/PROCESS_red-phase-playback-coverage.md b/docs/method/backlog/asap/PROCESS_red-phase-playback-coverage.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2d4a976
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/method/backlog/asap/PROCESS_red-phase-playback-coverage.md
@@ -0,0 +1,32 @@
+---
+title: "RED Phase Playback Coverage"
+legend: PROCESS
+lane: asap
+---
+
+# RED should explicitly cover playback questions and test-shape breadth
+
+METHOD says RED tests are the executable spec and that playback
+questions become specs. That is directionally correct, but it still
+allows a weak RED phase where only the happy path is captured.
+
+The README should state this explicitly:
+
+- RED must cover the playback questions
+- RED should also cover, where relevant to the hill:
+  - golden path
+  - failure modes
+  - edge cases
+  - stress / fuzz behavior
+- If one of those categories is not relevant, the design doc or test
+  file should say so explicitly
+
+Why:
+- It makes RED usable as both witness scaffold and regression suite
+- It prevents narrow happy-path RED from masquerading as executable spec
+- It makes the quality bar legible before GREEN starts
+
+Likely touch points:
+- `README.md` RED step
+- Possibly `process.md` if the repo wants a more operational version of
+  the same rule
diff --git a/docs/method/backlog/asap/PROCESS_repo-lane-conformance.md b/docs/method/backlog/asap/PROCESS_repo-lane-conformance.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..43be26d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/method/backlog/asap/PROCESS_repo-lane-conformance.md
@@ -0,0 +1,26 @@
+---
+title: "Repo Lane Conformance"
+legend: PROCESS
+lane: asap
+---
+
+# METHOD repos should either contain declared backlog lanes or say they are optional
+
+METHOD defines backlog lanes in `README.md`, but the repo itself can
+drift from that declared shape. This repo did not contain `asap/` until
+real work needed it.
+
+That mismatch is small, but it weakens METHOD's claim that the
+filesystem is the coordination layer.
+
+Question to settle:
+- are declared lanes required repo structure?
+- or are they optional until first use?
+
+Either answer is fine, but the method should be explicit.
+
+Deliverable:
+- choose the rule
+- update docs to match
+- optionally add a lightweight repo-conformance check or checklist for
+  METHOD repos so missing lanes/signposts are caught early
diff --git a/docs/method/backlog/bad-code/PROCESS_async-exec-refactor.md b/docs/method/backlog/bad-code/PROCESS_async-exec-refactor.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..034caa0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/method/backlog/bad-code/PROCESS_async-exec-refactor.md
@@ -0,0 +1,24 @@
+---
+title: "Async Exec Refactor"
+legend: PROCESS
+---
+
+# Async Exec Refactor
+
+The `Workspace.execCommand` method currently uses synchronous `execSync`, 
+which blocks the event loop and makes the CLI feel stuttery during 
+witness capture.
+
+## Success Criteria
+
+- Replace `execSync` with an asynchronous implementation (e.g., using 
+  `child_process.spawn` or `exec` wrapped in Promises).
+- Preserve existing behavior for `METHOD_TEST` inputs.
+- Match current stdout/stderr output format exactly on both success 
+  and error.
+- Support a configurable timeout and cooperative cancellation (accepting 
+  an `AbortSignal` or timeout ms).
+- Preserve exit-code semantics and ensure identical error messages are 
+  thrown.
+- Add unit/integration tests verifying the async API shape (returning 
+  `{ stdout, stderr, code }`) and timeout cancellation behavior.
diff --git a/docs/method/backlog/inbox/PROCESS_i18n-string-extraction.md b/docs/method/backlog/inbox/PROCESS_i18n-string-extraction.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b081188
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/method/backlog/inbox/PROCESS_i18n-string-extraction.md
@@ -0,0 +1,10 @@
+---
+title: "i18n String Extraction"
+legend: PROCESS
+---
+
+# i18n String Extraction
+
+Extract all hardcoded English user-facing strings from the CLI and
+renderers into a centralized messages file (e.g., src/messages.ts) to
+support future localization and satisfy the repo's i18n posture.
diff --git a/docs/method/backlog/inbox/PROCESS_interactive-scaffolder.md b/docs/method/backlog/inbox/PROCESS_interactive-scaffolder.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..626707b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/method/backlog/inbox/PROCESS_interactive-scaffolder.md
@@ -0,0 +1,10 @@
+---
+title: "Interactive Scaffolder"
+legend: PROCESS
+---
+
+# Interactive Scaffolder
+
+Implement an interactive wizard for 'method pull' that prompts for
+sponsor roles, accessibility posture, and initial playback questions to
+ensure design docs are high-quality from the start.
diff --git a/docs/method/backlog/inbox/PROCESS_multi-forge-adapter.md b/docs/method/backlog/inbox/PROCESS_multi-forge-adapter.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9e8503e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/method/backlog/inbox/PROCESS_multi-forge-adapter.md
@@ -0,0 +1,10 @@
+---
+title: "Multi-Forge Adapter"
+legend: PROCESS
+---
+
+# Multi-Forge Adapter
+
+Generalize the synchronization strategy to support multiple forges
+(GitLab, Bitbucket) through a common ForgeAdapter interface, reducing
+the GitHub-specific coupling in the core.
diff --git a/docs/method/backlog/inbox/PROCESS_semantic-drift-detector.md b/docs/method/backlog/inbox/PROCESS_semantic-drift-detector.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..4f606d5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/method/backlog/inbox/PROCESS_semantic-drift-detector.md
@@ -0,0 +1,24 @@
+---
+title: "Semantic Drift Detector"
+legend: PROCESS
+---
+
+# Semantic Drift Detector
+
+Extend `method drift` to use LLM-based semantic matching for cases where 
+test descriptions don't exactly match playback questions but are 
+conceptually identical.
+
+## Matching Rules
+
+- **Automatic Match**: Cosine similarity >= 0.80 or LLM confidence >= 0.9.
+- **Human Review**: Similarity between 0.65 and 0.80 triggers a "Near Miss" 
+  hint requiring manual confirmation.
+- **Non-Match**: Marked as drift if confidence is below 0.65.
+
+## Fallback Behavior
+
+- If the LLM call fails or times out, fall back to the existing lexical 
+  normalized matching.
+- Explicitly log failure modes: `low_confidence`, `timeout`, 
+  `ambiguous_multi_intent`.
diff --git a/docs/method/backlog/up-next/PROCESS_two-way-github-sync.md b/docs/method/backlog/up-next/PROCESS_two-way-github-sync.md
deleted file mode 100644
index 5bc0592..0000000
--- a/docs/method/backlog/up-next/PROCESS_two-way-github-sync.md
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,10 +0,0 @@
----
-title: "Two-way GitHub Sync"
-legend: PROCESS
----
-
-# Two-way GitHub Sync
-
-Implement two-way synchronization for the GitHub adapter, allowing
-labels, comments, and issue status to sync back from GitHub to the local
-filesystem backlog.
diff --git a/docs/method/legends/PROCESS.md b/docs/method/legends/PROCESS.md
index dc2a393..a2bf9c5 100644
--- a/docs/method/legends/PROCESS.md
+++ b/docs/method/legends/PROCESS.md
@@ -11,6 +11,8 @@ system.
   outcome.
 - [commitment-integrity](../../invariants/commitment-integrity.md) —
   pulled work does not go back to the backlog.
+- [sponsor-abstractness](../../invariants/sponsor-abstractness.md) —
+  sponsors are abstract roles, not literal people or agents.
 
 ## What it covers
 
diff --git a/docs/method/process.md b/docs/method/process.md
index 0fc3500..c148ed5 100644
--- a/docs/method/process.md
+++ b/docs/method/process.md
@@ -26,8 +26,10 @@ METHOD cycles run as a calm pull-design-test-playback-close-review-ship-sync loo
 ## Default Loop
 
 1. Pull an item from the backlog into `docs/design/<cycle>/`.
-2. Write the design with both human and agent sponsors named, plus the
-   accessibility, localization, and agent-inspectability contract.
+2. Write the design with both human and agent sponsors named as
+   abstract roles (e.g., "System Architect", "Workflow Automator"),
+   plus the accessibility, localization, and agent-inspectability
+   contract.
 3. Write failing tests from the playback questions.
 4. Make the tests pass.
 5. Produce a reproducible playback witness, including reduced/
diff --git a/docs/method/retro/0001-method-cli/witness/verification.md b/docs/method/retro/0001-method-cli/witness/verification.md
index 8870559..6506bf8 100644
--- a/docs/method/retro/0001-method-cli/witness/verification.md
+++ b/docs/method/retro/0001-method-cli/witness/verification.md
@@ -12,7 +12,7 @@ $ npm test
 > method@0.1.0 test
 > vitest run --config vitest.config.ts
 
- RUN  v4.1.2 /Users/james/git/method
+ RUN  v4.1.2 ./method
 
  Test Files  1 passed (1)
       Tests  7 passed (7)
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@ $ npm run method -- status
 > method@0.1.0 method
 > tsx src/cli.ts status
 
-METHOD Status  /Users/james/git/method
+METHOD Status  ./method
 
 --- Backlog ---
 inbox       0  -
diff --git a/docs/method/retro/0002-playback-witness-convention/witness/verification.md b/docs/method/retro/0002-playback-witness-convention/witness/verification.md
index 4ca6a9d..edb61c5 100644
--- a/docs/method/retro/0002-playback-witness-convention/witness/verification.md
+++ b/docs/method/retro/0002-playback-witness-convention/witness/verification.md
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@ $ npm run method -- status
 > method@0.1.0 method
 > tsx src/cli.ts status
 
-METHOD Status  /Users/james/git/method
+METHOD Status  ./method
 
 --- Backlog ---
 inbox       0  -
@@ -55,7 +55,7 @@ $ npm run method -- status
 > method@0.1.0 method
 > tsx src/cli.ts status
 
-METHOD Status  /Users/james/git/method
+METHOD Status  ./method
 
 --- Backlog ---
 inbox       0  -
diff --git a/docs/method/retro/0009-generated-signpost-provenance/witness/verification.md b/docs/method/retro/0009-generated-signpost-provenance/witness/verification.md
index 52817b5..38ea93a 100644
--- a/docs/method/retro/0009-generated-signpost-provenance/witness/verification.md
+++ b/docs/method/retro/0009-generated-signpost-provenance/witness/verification.md
@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@ repo state.
 > vitest run --config vitest.config.ts
 
 
- RUN  v4.1.2 /Users/james/git/method
+ RUN  v4.1.2 ./method
 
 
  Test Files  2 passed (2)
diff --git a/docs/method/retro/0010-yaml-frontmatter-schema/witness/verification.md b/docs/method/retro/0010-yaml-frontmatter-schema/witness/verification.md
index f54c323..8a231a3 100644
--- a/docs/method/retro/0010-yaml-frontmatter-schema/witness/verification.md
+++ b/docs/method/retro/0010-yaml-frontmatter-schema/witness/verification.md
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@ standardized YAML frontmatter contract, with automated enforcement in
 > vitest run --config vitest.config.ts
 
 
- RUN  v4.1.2 /Users/james/git/method
+ RUN  v4.1.2 ./method
 
 
  Test Files  2 passed (2)
diff --git a/docs/method/retro/0011-library-api-surface/witness/verification.md b/docs/method/retro/0011-library-api-surface/witness/verification.md
index 3c41753..e40d9eb 100644
--- a/docs/method/retro/0011-library-api-surface/witness/verification.md
+++ b/docs/method/retro/0011-library-api-surface/witness/verification.md
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@ logic.
 > vitest run --config vitest.config.ts
 
 
- RUN  v4.1.2 /Users/james/git/method
+ RUN  v4.1.2 ./method
 
 
  Test Files  3 passed (3)
diff --git a/docs/method/retro/0012-mcp-server/witness/verification.md b/docs/method/retro/0012-mcp-server/witness/verification.md
index 934339a..51bc3ce 100644
--- a/docs/method/retro/0012-mcp-server/witness/verification.md
+++ b/docs/method/retro/0012-mcp-server/witness/verification.md
@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@ This witness proves that the `method` MCP server has been implemented and expose
 > vitest run --config vitest.config.ts
 
 
- RUN  v4.1.2 /Users/james/git/method
+ RUN  v4.1.2 ./method
 
 
  Test Files  4 passed (4)
diff --git a/docs/method/retro/0013-executive-summary-protocol/witness/verification.md b/docs/method/retro/0013-executive-summary-protocol/witness/verification.md
index af73572..03f27e3 100644
--- a/docs/method/retro/0013-executive-summary-protocol/witness/verification.md
+++ b/docs/method/retro/0013-executive-summary-protocol/witness/verification.md
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@ current synthesis state.
 > vitest run --config vitest.config.ts
 
 
- RUN  v4.1.2 /Users/james/git/method
+ RUN  v4.1.2 ./method
 
 
  Test Files  4 passed (4)
diff --git a/docs/method/retro/0014-github-issue-adapter/witness/verification.md b/docs/method/retro/0014-github-issue-adapter/witness/verification.md
index 7992747..280813d 100644
--- a/docs/method/retro/0014-github-issue-adapter/witness/verification.md
+++ b/docs/method/retro/0014-github-issue-adapter/witness/verification.md
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@ in the markdown frontmatter.
 > vitest run --config vitest.config.ts
 
 
- RUN  v4.1.2 /Users/james/git/method
+ RUN  v4.1.2 ./method
 
 
  Test Files  5 passed (5)
diff --git a/docs/method/retro/0015-git-branch-workflow-policy/witness/verification.md b/docs/method/retro/0015-git-branch-workflow-policy/witness/verification.md
index ab5ade0..c5fd1e2 100644
--- a/docs/method/retro/0015-git-branch-workflow-policy/witness/verification.md
+++ b/docs/method/retro/0015-git-branch-workflow-policy/witness/verification.md
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@ test suite.
 > vitest run --config vitest.config.ts
 
 
- RUN  v4.1.2 /Users/james/git/method
+ RUN  v4.1.2 ./method
 
 
  Test Files  5 passed (5)
diff --git a/docs/method/retro/0016-system-style-javascript-adoption/system-style-javascript-adoption.md b/docs/method/retro/0016-system-style-javascript-adoption/system-style-javascript-adoption.md
index 00330c6..02d9bb4 100644
--- a/docs/method/retro/0016-system-style-javascript-adoption/system-style-javascript-adoption.md
+++ b/docs/method/retro/0016-system-style-javascript-adoption/system-style-javascript-adoption.md
@@ -28,9 +28,9 @@ core domain remains portable.
 
 ## New Debt
 
-- Existing calls to domain models (like `Workspace.status`) are not yet 
-  explicitly parsing the return values through schemas, though the models 
-  now use the schemas for definition. A follow-up cycle should enforce 
+- Existing calls to domain models (like `Workspace.status`) are not yet
+  explicitly parsing the return values through schemas, though the models
+  now use the schemas for definition. A follow-up cycle should enforce
   "validation at the point of entry/exit" more rigorously.
 
 ## Cool Ideas
diff --git a/docs/method/retro/0016-system-style-javascript-adoption/witness/verification.md b/docs/method/retro/0016-system-style-javascript-adoption/witness/verification.md
index 3d100b7..a6036f0 100644
--- a/docs/method/retro/0016-system-style-javascript-adoption/witness/verification.md
+++ b/docs/method/retro/0016-system-style-javascript-adoption/witness/verification.md
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@ adopted as repo doctrine and enforced in the core domain models.
 > vitest run --config vitest.config.ts
 
 
- RUN  v4.1.2 /Users/james/git/method
+ RUN  v4.1.2 ./method
 
 
  Test Files  6 passed (6)
diff --git a/docs/method/retro/0017-behavior-spike-convention/behavior-spike-convention.md b/docs/method/retro/0017-behavior-spike-convention/behavior-spike-convention.md
index f7123a2..172f72b 100644
--- a/docs/method/retro/0017-behavior-spike-convention/behavior-spike-convention.md
+++ b/docs/method/retro/0017-behavior-spike-convention/behavior-spike-convention.md
@@ -13,9 +13,9 @@ Drift check: yes
 ## Summary
 
 This cycle formalized the "Behavior Spike" convention in METHOD. We added
-a new section to the process doc defining the 4-phase lifecycle for 
-temporary implementations: Capture, Execute, Witness, and Retire. This 
-doctrine ensures that "failing fast" or "buying clarity" is an honest, 
+a new section to the process doc defining the 4-phase lifecycle for
+temporary implementations: Capture, Execute, Witness, and Retire. This
+doctrine ensures that "failing fast" or "buying clarity" is an honest,
 documented part of the repo's history rather than a silent graveyard move.
 
 ## Playback Witness
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@ documented part of the repo's history rather than a silent graveyard move.
 
 ## Cool Ideas
 
-- Add a `method spike` command to automate the creation of `SPIKE_` 
+- Add a `method spike` command to automate the creation of `SPIKE_`
   prefixed backlog items.
 
 ## Backlog Maintenance
diff --git a/docs/method/retro/0017-behavior-spike-convention/witness/verification.md b/docs/method/retro/0017-behavior-spike-convention/witness/verification.md
index 6fe0566..296edb1 100644
--- a/docs/method/retro/0017-behavior-spike-convention/witness/verification.md
+++ b/docs/method/retro/0017-behavior-spike-convention/witness/verification.md
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@ test suite.
 > vitest run --config vitest.config.ts
 
 
- RUN  v4.1.2 /Users/james/git/method
+ RUN  v4.1.2 ./method
 
 
  Test Files  6 passed (6)
diff --git a/docs/method/retro/0018-ship-sync-automation/ship-sync-automation.md b/docs/method/retro/0018-ship-sync-automation/ship-sync-automation.md
index c07bf62..fec7dd4 100644
--- a/docs/method/retro/0018-ship-sync-automation/ship-sync-automation.md
+++ b/docs/method/retro/0018-ship-sync-automation/ship-sync-automation.md
@@ -13,10 +13,10 @@ Drift check: yes
 ## Summary
 
 This cycle successfully automated the "Ship Sync Maneuver" through a new
-`method sync ship` command. The command identifies closed cycles not 
+`method sync ship` command. The command identifies closed cycles not
 yet present in `CHANGELOG.md`, appends them to the "Unreleased" section,
-and completely refreshes `docs/BEARING.md` with the latest ships and 
-backlog priorities. This reduces manual bookkeeping and ensures the 
+and completely refreshes `docs/BEARING.md` with the latest ships and
+backlog priorities. This reduces manual bookkeeping and ensures the
 repo's signposts stay honest as the system matures.
 
 ## Playback Witness
@@ -29,8 +29,8 @@ repo's signposts stay honest as the system matures.
 
 ## New Debt
 
-- `renderBearing` currently uses a hardcoded template for the "What 
-  feels wrong?" section; this could be moved to a configuration file or 
+- `renderBearing` currently uses a hardcoded template for the "What
+  feels wrong?" section; this could be moved to a configuration file or
   extracted from the existing `BEARING.md` in a future cycle.
 
 ## Cool Ideas
diff --git a/docs/method/retro/0018-ship-sync-automation/witness/verification.md b/docs/method/retro/0018-ship-sync-automation/witness/verification.md
index aec979e..fba39ed 100644
--- a/docs/method/retro/0018-ship-sync-automation/witness/verification.md
+++ b/docs/method/retro/0018-ship-sync-automation/witness/verification.md
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@ automates the Ship Sync maneuver by updating `CHANGELOG.md` and
 > vitest run --config vitest.config.ts
 
 
- RUN  v4.1.2 /Users/james/git/method
+ RUN  v4.1.2 ./method
 
 
  Test Files  7 passed (7)
diff --git a/docs/method/retro/0019-config-management/config-management.md b/docs/method/retro/0019-config-management/config-management.md
index 4cd4349..7d1a392 100644
--- a/docs/method/retro/0019-config-management/config-management.md
+++ b/docs/method/retro/0019-config-management/config-management.md
@@ -12,11 +12,11 @@ Drift check: yes
 
 ## Summary
 
-This cycle delivered a formal configuration system for METHOD. The system 
-loads settings from a `.method.json` file in the repo root, validates them 
-via a Zod schema in `src/config.ts`, and integrates them into the 
-`Workspace` context. Environment variables continue to serve as high-priority 
-overrides. This shift standardizes how credentials and repo-local 
+This cycle delivered a formal configuration system for METHOD. The system
+loads settings from a `.method.json` file in the repo root, validates them
+via a Zod schema in `src/config.ts`, and integrates them into the
+`Workspace` context. Environment variables continue to serve as high-priority
+overrides. This shift standardizes how credentials and repo-local
 constants are managed across different environments.
 
 ## Playback Witness
diff --git a/docs/method/retro/0019-config-management/witness/verification.md b/docs/method/retro/0019-config-management/witness/verification.md
index 6054968..5b1fbf2 100644
--- a/docs/method/retro/0019-config-management/witness/verification.md
+++ b/docs/method/retro/0019-config-management/witness/verification.md
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ title: "Verification Witness for Cycle 0019"
 
 # Verification Witness for Cycle 0019
 
-This witness proves that the formal configuration system for METHOD has 
+This witness proves that the formal configuration system for METHOD has
 been implemented, validated, and integrated into the workspace.
 
 ## Test Results
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@ been implemented, validated, and integrated into the workspace.
 > vitest run --config vitest.config.ts
 
 
- RUN  v4.1.2 /Users/james/git/method
+ RUN  v4.1.2 ./method
 
 
  Test Files  8 passed (8)
diff --git a/docs/method/retro/0020-automated-witness-capture/automated-witness-capture.md b/docs/method/retro/0020-automated-witness-capture/automated-witness-capture.md
index 5e9dcd7..6ebe050 100644
--- a/docs/method/retro/0020-automated-witness-capture/automated-witness-capture.md
+++ b/docs/method/retro/0020-automated-witness-capture/automated-witness-capture.md
@@ -12,11 +12,11 @@ Drift check: yes
 
 ## Summary
 
-This cycle delivered the first phase of automated evidence capture for 
-METHOD. The `Workspace.closeCycle` method now automatically orchestrates 
-the execution of `npm test` and `method drift`, piping their outputs 
-into a standardized `verification.md` artifact. This ensures that 
-every closed cycle carries verifiable proof of its claims without 
+This cycle delivered the first phase of automated evidence capture for
+METHOD. The `Workspace.closeCycle` method now automatically orchestrates
+the execution of `npm test` and `method drift`, piping their outputs
+into a standardized `verification.md` artifact. This ensures that
+every closed cycle carries verifiable proof of its claims without
 manual operator effort.
 
 ## Playback Witness
@@ -29,13 +29,13 @@ manual operator effort.
 
 ## New Debt
 
-- The `execCommand` helper is currently synchronous and simple; it 
-  could be improved to handle more complex terminal formatting (ANSI 
+- The `execCommand` helper is currently synchronous and simple; it
+  could be improved to handle more complex terminal formatting (ANSI
   stripping) or asynchronous execution in the future.
 
 ## Cool Ideas
 
-- Support capturing specific files or directory structures as part of 
+- Support capturing specific files or directory structures as part of
   the witness (e.g., `witness_files` in design).
 - Automate screenshot capture for visual cycles.
 
diff --git a/docs/method/retro/0020-automated-witness-capture/witness/verification.md b/docs/method/retro/0020-automated-witness-capture/witness/verification.md
index 55b6f59..a215645 100644
--- a/docs/method/retro/0020-automated-witness-capture/witness/verification.md
+++ b/docs/method/retro/0020-automated-witness-capture/witness/verification.md
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@ behavior and adheres to the repo invariants.
 > vitest run --config vitest.config.ts
 
 
- RUN  v4.1.2 /Users/james/git/method
+ RUN  v4.1.2 ./method
 
 
  Test Files  9 passed (9)
diff --git a/docs/method/retro/0021-two-way-github-sync/two-way-github-sync.md b/docs/method/retro/0021-two-way-github-sync/two-way-github-sync.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c0ca961
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/method/retro/0021-two-way-github-sync/two-way-github-sync.md
@@ -0,0 +1,45 @@
+---
+title: "Two-way GitHub Sync"
+outcome: hill-met
+drift_check: yes
+---
+
+# Two-way GitHub Sync Retro
+
+Design: `docs/design/0021-two-way-github-sync/two-way-github-sync.md`
+Outcome: hill-met
+Drift check: yes
+
+## Summary
+
+This cycle delivered full two-way synchronization for the GitHub adapter.
+The `GitHubAdapter` now supports both `push` (updating remote issues
+from local changes) and `pull` (updating local docs with remote labels,
+comments, and status). The `method sync github` command was enhanced
+with `--push` and `--pull` flags, and the MCP server now exposes a
+`method_sync_github` tool. This ensures the filesystem remains the
+authority while benefiting from the rich context of the GitHub forge.
+
+## Playback Witness
+
+- [Verification Witness](./witness/verification.md)
+
+## Drift
+
+- None recorded.
+
+## New Debt
+
+- Comment synchronization is additive-only and uses a simple string
+  check to avoid duplicates; it does not track individual comment IDs.
+
+## Cool Ideas
+
+- Support deleting local items if the remote issue is deleted.
+- Sync GitHub milestones to backlog lanes or tags.
+
+## Backlog Maintenance
+
+- [x] Inbox processed
+- [x] Priorities reviewed
+- [x] Dead work buried or merged
diff --git a/docs/method/retro/0021-two-way-github-sync/witness/verification.md b/docs/method/retro/0021-two-way-github-sync/witness/verification.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..29380b3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/method/retro/0021-two-way-github-sync/witness/verification.md
@@ -0,0 +1,36 @@
+---
+title: "Verification Witness for Cycle 21"
+---
+
+# Verification Witness for Cycle 21
+
+This witness proves that `Two-way GitHub Sync` now carries the required
+behavior and adheres to the repo invariants.
+
+## Test Results
+
+```text
+> method@0.2.0 test
+> vitest run --config vitest.config.ts
+
+
+ RUN  v4.1.2 ./method
+
+
+ Test Files  9 passed (9)
+      Tests  104 passed (104)
+   Start at  22:32:53
+   Duration  594ms (transform 710ms, setup 0ms, import 1.48s, tests 395ms, environment 1ms)
+```
+
+## Drift Results
+
+```text
+No playback-question drift found.
+Scanned 1 active cycle, 5 playback questions, 116 test descriptions.
+Search basis: exact normalized match in tests/**/*.test.* and tests/**/*.spec.* descriptions.
+```
+
+## Manual Verification
+
+- [x] Automated capture completed successfully.
diff --git a/src/adapters/github.ts b/src/adapters/github.ts
index 1eee8cb..8fb205d 100644
--- a/src/adapters/github.ts
+++ b/src/adapters/github.ts
@@ -1,16 +1,20 @@
 import { resolve } from 'node:path';
 import { readBody, readHeading, type Workspace } from '../index.js';
+import { type WorkspaceStatus } from '../domain.js';
 
 export interface GitHubIssue {
   id: number;
   number: number;
   url: string;
+  state: 'open' | 'closed';
+  labels: string[];
 }
 
 export interface GitHubSyncResult {
   path: string;
   issue?: GitHubIssue;
   skipped: boolean;
+  action: 'create' | 'push' | 'pull' | 'skip';
   error?: string;
 }
 
@@ -32,11 +36,34 @@ export class GitHubAdapter {
     this.repo = options.repo;
   }
 
-  async syncBacklog(): Promise<GitHubSyncResult[]> {
+  async pushBacklog(): Promise<GitHubSyncResult[]> {
     const status = this.workspace.status();
     const results: GitHubSyncResult[] = [];
 
-    const allItems = [
+    const allItems = this.getAllBacklogItems(status);
+
+    for (const item of allItems) {
+      results.push(await this.pushItem(item.path));
+    }
+
+    return results;
+  }
+
+  async pullBacklog(): Promise<GitHubSyncResult[]> {
+    const status = this.workspace.status();
+    const results: GitHubSyncResult[] = [];
+
+    const allItems = this.getAllBacklogItems(status);
+
+    for (const item of allItems) {
+      results.push(await this.pullItem(item.path));
+    }
+
+    return results;
+  }
+
+  private getAllBacklogItems(status: WorkspaceStatus) {
+    return [
       ...status.backlog.inbox,
       ...status.backlog.asap,
       ...status.backlog['up-next'],
@@ -44,67 +71,150 @@ export class GitHubAdapter {
       ...status.backlog['bad-code'],
       ...status.backlog.root,
     ];
+  }
 
-    for (const item of allItems) {
-      results.push(await this.syncItem(item.path));
-    }
+  async pushItem(relativePath: string): Promise<GitHubSyncResult> {
+    try {
+      const frontmatter = this.workspace.readFrontmatter(relativePath);
+      const fullPath = resolve(this.workspace.root, relativePath);
+      const title = readHeading(fullPath);
+      let body = readBody(fullPath);
 
-    return results;
+      // Strip local GitHub Comments block if present to avoid mirroring them back
+      const commentHeader = '## GitHub Comments';
+      if (body.includes(commentHeader)) {
+        body = body.split(commentHeader)[0]?.trim() ?? body;
+      }
+
+      if (frontmatter.github_issue_id === undefined || !/^\d+$/u.test(frontmatter.github_issue_id)) {
+        // Fallback to creation if ID is missing or invalid
+        const issue = await this.createIssue(title, body);
+        this.workspace.updateFrontmatter(relativePath, {
+          github_issue_id: String(issue.number),
+          github_issue_url: issue.url,
+        });
+        return { path: relativePath, issue, skipped: false, action: 'create' };
+      }
+
+      // Update existing issue
+      const issueNumber = Number.parseInt(frontmatter.github_issue_id, 10);
+      const issue = await this.updateIssue(issueNumber, title, body);
+      return { path: relativePath, issue, skipped: false, action: 'push' };
+    } catch (error: unknown) {
+      return {
+        path: relativePath,
+        skipped: false,
+        action: 'push',
+        error: error instanceof Error ? error.message : String(error),
+      };
+    }
   }
 
-  async syncItem(relativePath: string): Promise<GitHubSyncResult> {
+  async pullItem(relativePath: string): Promise<GitHubSyncResult> {
     try {
       const frontmatter = this.workspace.readFrontmatter(relativePath);
-      if (frontmatter.github_issue_id !== undefined) {
-        return { path: relativePath, skipped: true };
+      if (frontmatter.github_issue_id === undefined || !/^\d+$/u.test(frontmatter.github_issue_id)) {
+        return { path: relativePath, skipped: true, action: 'skip' };
       }
 
-      const fullPath = resolve(this.workspace.root, relativePath);
-      const title = readHeading(fullPath);
-      const body = readBody(fullPath);
+      const issueNumber = Number.parseInt(frontmatter.github_issue_id, 10);
+      const remoteIssue = await this.fetchIssue(issueNumber);
+      const remoteComments = await this.fetchComments(issueNumber);
 
-      const issue = await this.createIssue(title, body);
-      
+      // Update local frontmatter
       this.workspace.updateFrontmatter(relativePath, {
-        github_issue_id: String(issue.number),
-        github_issue_url: issue.url,
+        github_issue_url: remoteIssue.url,
+        github_labels: remoteIssue.labels.join(','),
       });
 
-      return { path: relativePath, issue, skipped: false };
+      // Update local body with comments if any
+      if (remoteComments.length > 0) {
+        const fullPath = resolve(this.workspace.root, relativePath);
+        const localBody = readBody(fullPath);
+        const commentSection = '\n\n## GitHub Comments\n\n' + remoteComments.map(c => `**@${c.user}**: ${c.body}`).join('\n\n---\n\n');
+        
+        // Simple avoid-duplication check
+        if (!localBody.includes('## GitHub Comments')) {
+          this.workspace.updateBody(relativePath, localBody + commentSection);
+        }
+      }
+
+      // Handle closed status
+      if (remoteIssue.state === 'closed') {
+        const currentLane = relativePath.split('/')[3] || 'root';
+        if (currentLane !== 'graveyard') {
+          this.workspace.moveBacklogItem(relativePath, 'graveyard');
+        }
+      }
+
+      return { path: relativePath, issue: remoteIssue, skipped: false, action: 'pull' };
     } catch (error: unknown) {
       return {
         path: relativePath,
         skipped: false,
+        action: 'pull',
         error: error instanceof Error ? error.message : String(error),
       };
     }
   }
 
   private async createIssue(title: string, body: string): Promise<GitHubIssue> {
-    const response = await fetch(
-      `https://api.github.com/repos/${this.owner}/${this.repo}/issues`,
-      {
-        method: 'POST',
-        headers: {
-          Authorization: `Bearer ${this.token}`,
-          Accept: 'application/vnd.github+json',
-          'X-GitHub-Api-Version': '2022-11-28',
-          'User-Agent': 'METHOD-CLI',
-        },
-        body: JSON.stringify({ title, body }),
-      }
-    );
+    const data = await this.ghFetch(`/repos/${this.owner}/${this.repo}/issues`, {
+      method: 'POST',
+      body: JSON.stringify({ title, body }),
+    });
+    return this.mapIssue(data);
+  }
+
+  private async updateIssue(number: number, title: string, body: string): Promise<GitHubIssue> {
+    const data = await this.ghFetch(`/repos/${this.owner}/${this.repo}/issues/${number}`, {
+      method: 'PATCH',
+      body: JSON.stringify({ title, body }),
+    });
+    return this.mapIssue(data);
+  }
+
+  private async fetchIssue(number: number): Promise<GitHubIssue> {
+    const data = await this.ghFetch(`/repos/${this.owner}/${this.repo}/issues/${number}`);
+    return this.mapIssue(data);
+  }
+
+  private async fetchComments(number: number): Promise<{ user: string; body: string }[]> {
+    const data = (await this.ghFetch(`/repos/${this.owner}/${this.repo}/issues/${number}/comments`)) as any[];
+    return data.map((c: any) => ({
+      user: c.user.login,
+      body: c.body,
+    }));
+  }
+
+  private async ghFetch(endpoint: string, options: RequestInit = {}): Promise<any> {
+    const url = endpoint.startsWith('http') ? endpoint : `https://api.github.com${endpoint}`;
+    const response = await fetch(url, {
+      ...options,
+      headers: {
+        Authorization: `Bearer ${this.token}`,
+        Accept: 'application/vnd.github+json',
+        'X-GitHub-Api-Version': '2022-11-28',
+        'User-Agent': 'METHOD-CLI',
+        ...options.headers,
+      },
+    });
 
     if (!response.ok) {
       const errorBody = await response.text();
       throw new Error(`GitHub API error: ${response.status} ${response.statusText}\n${errorBody}`);
     }
 
-    const data = (await response.json()) as any;
+    return response.json();
+  }
+
+  private mapIssue(data: any): GitHubIssue {
     return {
       id: data.id,
       number: data.number,
       url: data.html_url,
+      state: data.state,
+      labels: data.labels.map((l: any) => l.name),
     };
   }
 }
diff --git a/src/cli-args.ts b/src/cli-args.ts
index acb66d5..efdc4be 100644
--- a/src/cli-args.ts
+++ b/src/cli-args.ts
@@ -10,7 +10,8 @@ export type ParsedCommand =
   | { command: 'drift'; cycle?: string }
   | { command: 'status' }
   | { command: 'mcp' }
-  | { command: 'sync'; adapter: 'github' | 'ship' };
+  | { command: 'sync'; adapter: 'github'; push?: boolean; pull?: boolean }
+  | { command: 'sync'; adapter: 'ship' };
 
 export function parseCliArgs(argv: readonly string[]): ParsedCommand {
   const [command, ...rest] = argv;
@@ -51,10 +52,26 @@ export function parseCliArgs(argv: readonly string[]): ParsedCommand {
       }
       return { command: 'mcp' };
     case 'sync':
-      if (rest[0] !== 'github' && rest[0] !== 'ship') {
-        throw new MethodError('Usage: method sync github|ship');
+      if (rest[0] === 'github') {
+        const flags = rest.slice(1);
+        const allowedFlags = ['--push', '--pull'];
+        for (const flag of flags) {
+          if (!allowedFlags.includes(flag)) {
+            throw new MethodError(`Unknown sync github option: ${flag}\n\n${usage('sync')}`);
+          }
+        }
+        const push = flags.includes('--push');
+        const pull = flags.includes('--pull');
+        const finalPush = push || (!push && !pull);
+        return { command: 'sync', adapter: 'github', push: finalPush, pull };
       }
-      return { command: 'sync', adapter: rest[0] };
+      if (rest[0] === 'ship') {
+        if (rest.length > 1) {
+          throw new MethodError(`\`sync ship\` does not take any arguments.\n\n${usage('sync')}`);
+        }
+        return { command: 'sync', adapter: 'ship' };
+      }
+      throw new MethodError(`Usage: method sync github|ship\n\n${usage('sync')}`);
     default:
       throw new MethodError(`Unknown command: ${command}`);
   }
@@ -90,7 +107,15 @@ export function usage(topic?: string): string {
   }
 
   if (topic === 'sync') {
-    return 'Usage: method sync github|ship\n\nSynchronize the backlog with GitHub Issues or perform a Ship Sync.';
+    return [
+      'Usage: method sync github|ship [options]',
+      '',
+      'GitHub Options:',
+      '  --push                      Update GitHub issues with local changes (default).',
+      '  --pull                      Update local backlog with GitHub changes (labels, comments, status).',
+      '',
+      'Perform Ship Sync or synchronize the backlog with GitHub Issues.',
+    ].join('\n');
   }
 
   return [
@@ -104,7 +129,8 @@ export function usage(topic?: string): string {
     '  drift [cycle]               Check active cycle playback questions against tests.',
     '  status                      Show backlog, active cycles, and legend health.',
     '  mcp                         Start the MCP server over stdio.',
-    '  sync github|ship            Sync backlog with GitHub Issues or perform Ship Sync.',
+    '  sync github [--push|--pull] Sync backlog with GitHub Issues.',
+    '  sync ship                   Perform Ship Sync.',
     '',
     'Run `method help <command>` for command-specific usage.',
   ].join('\n');
diff --git a/src/cli.ts b/src/cli.ts
index e81a820..99688c9 100644
--- a/src/cli.ts
+++ b/src/cli.ts
@@ -109,15 +109,35 @@ export async function runCli(
           repo: repo!,
         });
 
-        const results = await adapter.syncBacklog();
-        for (const result of results) {
-          if (result.skipped) {
-            continue;
+        if (!parsed.push && !parsed.pull) {
+          stderr.write(`${alert('No sync direction specified. Use --push and/or --pull.', { variant: 'error', ctx })}\n`);
+          return 1;
+        }
+
+        if (parsed.push) {
+          const results = await adapter.pushBacklog();
+          for (const result of results) {
+            if (result.skipped) continue;
+            if (result.error) {
+              stderr.write(`${alert(`Error pushing ${result.path}: ${result.error}`, { variant: 'error', ctx })}\n`);
+            } else if (result.action === 'create' || result.action === 'push') {
+              const issueLabel = result.issue?.number ?? '<unknown>';
+              const verb = result.action === 'create' ? 'Created' : 'Updated';
+              stdout.write(`${alert(`${verb} GitHub Issue #${issueLabel} for ${result.path}`, { variant: 'success', ctx })}\n`);
+            }
           }
-          if (result.error) {
-            stderr.write(`${alert(`Error syncing ${result.path}: ${result.error}`, { variant: 'error', ctx })}\n`);
-          } else if (result.issue) {
-            stdout.write(`${alert(`Synced ${result.path} to GitHub Issue #${result.issue.number}`, { variant: 'success', ctx })}\n`);
+        }
+
+        if (parsed.pull) {
+          const results = await adapter.pullBacklog();
+          for (const result of results) {
+            if (result.skipped) continue;
+            if (result.error) {
+              stderr.write(`${alert(`Error pulling ${result.path}: ${result.error}`, { variant: 'error', ctx })}\n`);
+            } else if (result.action === 'pull') {
+              const issueLabel = result.issue?.number ?? '<unknown>';
+              stdout.write(`${alert(`Pulled remote changes from GitHub Issue #${issueLabel} into ${result.path}`, { variant: 'success', ctx })}\n`);
+            }
           }
         }
         return 0;
diff --git a/src/index.ts b/src/index.ts
index df188d0..153097d 100644
--- a/src/index.ts
+++ b/src/index.ts
@@ -3,11 +3,12 @@ import {
   mkdirSync,
   readdirSync,
   readFileSync,
+  renameSync,
   unlinkSync,
   writeFileSync,
 } from 'node:fs';
 import { execSync } from 'node:child_process';
-import { dirname, relative, resolve } from 'node:path';
+import { basename, dirname, relative, resolve } from 'node:path';
 import {
   BACKLOG_DIR,
   type BacklogItem,
@@ -319,6 +320,56 @@ export class Workspace {
     return result;
   }
 
+  updateBody(path: string, newBody: string): void {
+    const fullPath = resolve(this.root, path);
+    const content = readFileSync(fullPath, 'utf8');
+    let frontmatter = '';
+
+    if (content.startsWith('---\n')) {
+      const end = content.indexOf('\n---\n', 4);
+      if (end !== -1) {
+        frontmatter = content.slice(0, end + 5);
+      }
+    }
+
+    const title = readHeading(fullPath);
+    const newContent = frontmatter 
+      ? `${frontmatter}\n# ${title}\n\n${newBody.trim()}\n`
+      : `# ${title}\n\n${newBody.trim()}\n`;
+    writeFileSync(fullPath, newContent, 'utf8');
+  }
+
+  moveBacklogItem(path: string, targetLane: Lane | 'graveyard'): string {
+    const fullPath = resolve(this.root, path);
+    if (!existsSync(fullPath)) {
+      throw new MethodError(`Backlog item not found: ${path}`);
+    }
+
+    const fileName = basename(fullPath);
+    let targetDir: string;
+    if (targetLane === 'graveyard') {
+      targetDir = resolve(this.root, 'docs/method/graveyard');
+    } else if (targetLane === 'root') {
+      targetDir = resolve(this.root, BACKLOG_DIR);
+    } else {
+      targetDir = resolve(this.root, BACKLOG_DIR, targetLane);
+    }
+    
+    mkdirSync(targetDir, { recursive: true });
+    const targetPath = resolve(targetDir, fileName);
+    
+    if (fullPath === targetPath) {
+      return relative(this.root, targetPath);
+    }
+
+    if (existsSync(targetPath)) {
+      throw new MethodError(`Destination already exists: ${relative(this.root, targetPath)}`);
+    }
+
+    renameSync(fullPath, targetPath);
+    return relative(this.root, targetPath);
+  }
+
   openCycles(): Cycle[] {
     return this.allCycles().filter((cycle) => existsSync(cycle.designDoc) && !existsSync(cycle.retroDoc));
   }
@@ -708,7 +759,7 @@ export function readBody(path: string): string {
     }
   }
 
-  const lines = body.split(/\r?\n/u);
+  const lines = body.trim().split(/\r?\n/u);
   const bodyLines = lines[0]?.startsWith('# ') ? lines.slice(1) : lines;
   const result = bodyLines.join('\n').trim();
   return result.length > 0 ? result : 'TBD';
@@ -741,10 +792,6 @@ function titleCase(value: string): string {
     .join(' ');
 }
 
-function basename(path: string): string {
-  return path.split('/').at(-1) ?? path;
-}
-
 function fileStem(path: string): string {
   const name = basename(path);
   return name.endsWith('.md') ? name.slice(0, -3) : name;
diff --git a/src/mcp.ts b/src/mcp.ts
index 78e8c5d..afeea06 100644
--- a/src/mcp.ts
+++ b/src/mcp.ts
@@ -1,10 +1,8 @@
 import { Server } from '@modelcontextprotocol/sdk/server/index.js';
-import {
-  CallToolRequestSchema,
-  ListToolsRequestSchema,
-} from '@modelcontextprotocol/sdk/types.js';
+import { CallToolRequestSchema, ListToolsRequestSchema } from '@modelcontextprotocol/sdk/types.js';
 import { relative } from 'node:path';
 import { Workspace } from './index.js';
+import { GitHubAdapter } from './adapters/github.js';
 import type { Outcome } from './domain.js';
 
 export function createMcpServer(cwd: string = process.cwd()) {
@@ -75,6 +73,17 @@ export function createMcpServer(cwd: string = process.cwd()) {
           description: 'Perform the Ship Sync maneuver (update CHANGELOG.md and BEARING.md)',
           inputSchema: { type: 'object', properties: {} },
         },
+        {
+          name: 'method_sync_github',
+          description: 'Synchronize backlog with GitHub Issues',
+          inputSchema: {
+            type: 'object',
+            properties: {
+              push: { type: 'boolean', description: 'Update GitHub issues with local changes (default: true)' },
+              pull: { type: 'boolean', description: 'Update local backlog with GitHub changes' },
+            },
+          },
+        },
         {
           name: 'method_capture_witness',
           description: 'Automate terminal evidence capture for a cycle',
@@ -135,6 +144,67 @@ export function createMcpServer(cwd: string = process.cwd()) {
         return { content: [{ type: 'text', text }] };
       }
 
+      if (request.params.name === 'method_sync_github') {
+        const args = request.params.arguments as { push?: boolean; pull?: boolean } | undefined;
+        const push = args?.push || (!args?.push && !args?.pull);
+        const pull = args?.pull || false;
+
+        const token = workspace.config.github_token;
+        const repoFull = workspace.config.github_repo;
+
+        if (!token) {
+          throw new Error('GitHub token missing in .method.json or environment.');
+        }
+        if (!repoFull || !repoFull.includes('/')) {
+          throw new Error('GitHub repo invalid; must be owner/repo in .method.json or environment.');
+        }
+
+        const [owner, repo] = repoFull.split('/');
+        const adapter = new GitHubAdapter({
+          workspace,
+          token,
+          owner: owner!,
+          repo: repo!,
+        });
+
+        const log: string[] = [];
+        let hasError = false;
+
+        if (push) {
+          const results = await adapter.pushBacklog();
+          for (const r of results) {
+            if (r.skipped) continue;
+            if (r.error) {
+              log.push(`Error pushing ${r.path}: ${r.error}`);
+              hasError = true;
+            } else {
+              const issueLabel = r.issue?.number ?? '<unknown>';
+              const verb = r.action === 'create' ? 'Created' : 'Updated';
+              log.push(`${verb} GitHub Issue #${issueLabel} for ${r.path}`);
+            }
+          }
+        }
+
+        if (pull) {
+          const results = await adapter.pullBacklog();
+          for (const r of results) {
+            if (r.skipped) continue;
+            if (r.error) {
+              log.push(`Error pulling ${r.path}: ${r.error}`);
+              hasError = true;
+            } else {
+              const issueLabel = r.issue?.number ?? '<unknown>';
+              log.push(`Pulled remote changes from GitHub Issue #${issueLabel} into ${r.path}`);
+            }
+          }
+        }
+
+        return { 
+          content: [{ type: 'text', text: log.join('\n') || 'No changes.' }],
+          isError: hasError,
+        };
+      }
+
       if (request.params.name === 'method_capture_witness') {
         const args = request.params.arguments as { cycle?: string } | undefined;
         const path = workspace.captureWitness(args?.cycle);
diff --git a/tests/docs.test.ts b/tests/docs.test.ts
index 9e86b9d..972ca84 100644
--- a/tests/docs.test.ts
+++ b/tests/docs.test.ts
@@ -140,6 +140,37 @@ describe('METHOD docs', () => {
     }
   });
 
+  it('enforces sponsor abstractness in design documents', () => {
+    const designs = walkMarkdownFiles('docs/design');
+    const literalNames = /^(Gemini|Claude|James|Bard|GPT|GPT-\d+|@.*)$/i;
+    const singleCapitalizedWord = /^[A-Z][a-z]+$/u;
+
+    for (const designPath of designs) {
+      const content = readRepoFile(designPath);
+      if (!content.includes('## Sponsors')) continue;
+
+      const sponsorsMatch = /## Sponsors\n\n- Human: (?<human>[\s\S]*?)\n- Agent: (?<agent>[\s\S]*?)(?=\n\n##|$)/u.exec(content);
+      
+      expect(sponsorsMatch, `${designPath} has a ## Sponsors heading but does not match the expected format:
+- Human: Role
+- Agent: Role`).not.toBeNull();
+
+      if (sponsorsMatch?.groups !== undefined) {
+        const human = (sponsorsMatch.groups.human ?? '').trim();
+        const agent = (sponsorsMatch.groups.agent ?? '').trim();
+        
+        for (const [label, name] of [['human', human], ['agent', agent]]) {
+          expect(name, `${designPath} ${label} sponsor should not be TBD`).not.toBe('TBD');
+          expect(name, `${designPath} ${label} sponsor should not be a literal name: ${name}`).not.toMatch(literalNames);
+          
+          if (!name.includes(' ') && !name.includes('\n')) {
+            expect(name, `${designPath} ${label} sponsor should be a descriptive role, not a single name: ${name}`).not.toMatch(singleCapitalizedWord);
+          }
+        }
+      }
+    }
+  });
+
   it('keeps this repo inbox aligned with the current legend split', () => {
     const untaggedItems = inboxItemNames().filter((entry) => !/^(PROCESS|SYNTH)_/u.test(entry));
 
@@ -189,9 +220,10 @@ describe('METHOD docs', () => {
   });
 
   it('sanitizes personal absolute paths from committed verification witnesses', () => {
-    const readmeRevisionVerification = readRepoFile('docs/method/retro/0003-readme-revision/witness/verification.md');
-    const visionRefreshVerification = readRepoFile('docs/method/retro/0004-readme-and-vision-refresh/witness/verification.md');
-    const driftDetectorVerification = readRepoFile('docs/method/retro/0005-drift-detector/witness/verification.md');
+    const witnesses = walkMarkdownFiles('docs/method/retro')
+      .filter((relativePath) => relativePath.includes('/witness/verification.md'));
+
+    expect(witnesses.length, 'expected at least one verification witness').toBeGreaterThan(0);
 
     const personalPathPatterns = [
       '/Users/',
@@ -201,10 +233,11 @@ describe('METHOD docs', () => {
       'C:\\Users\\',
     ];
 
-    for (const pattern of personalPathPatterns) {
-      expect(readmeRevisionVerification).not.toContain(pattern);
-      expect(visionRefreshVerification).not.toContain(pattern);
-      expect(driftDetectorVerification).not.toContain(pattern);
+    for (const witnessPath of witnesses) {
+      const content = readRepoFile(witnessPath);
+      for (const pattern of personalPathPatterns) {
+        expect(content, `${witnessPath} contains personal path: ${pattern}`).not.toContain(pattern);
+      }
     }
   });
 
@@ -321,6 +354,7 @@ describe('METHOD docs', () => {
       'lane',
       'github_issue_id',
       'github_issue_url',
+      'github_labels',
     ];
 
     const docs = walkMarkdownFiles('docs');
@@ -479,9 +513,9 @@ describe('METHOD docs', () => {
     expect(vision, 'generator should name the cycle that produced the summary').toContain('0009-generated-signpost-provenance');
   });
 
-  it('`docs/VISION.md` summary is accurate for the current closed-cycle state (cycles 0001-0020).', () => {
+  it('`docs/VISION.md` summary is accurate for the current closed-cycle state (cycles 0001-0021).', () => {
     const vision = readRepoFile('docs/VISION.md');
-    expect(vision).toContain('Twenty cycles are already closed:');
+    expect(vision).toContain('Twenty-one cycles are already closed:');
     expect(vision).toContain('0005-drift-detector');
     expect(vision).toContain('0006-ci-gates');
     expect(vision).toContain('0007-cli-module-split');
@@ -493,6 +527,7 @@ describe('METHOD docs', () => {
     expect(vision).toContain('0018-ship-sync-automation');
     expect(vision).toContain('0019-config-management');
     expect(vision).toContain('0020-automated-witness-capture');
+    expect(vision).toContain('0021-two-way-github-sync');
   });
 
   it('`docs.test.ts` validates that `docs/VISION.md` frontmatter contains all mandatory fields (`generated_at`, `generator`, `generated_from_commit`, `provenance_level`, `witness_ref`, `source_files`).', () => {
diff --git a/tests/github-adapter.test.ts b/tests/github-adapter.test.ts
index b2850be..97a0262 100644
--- a/tests/github-adapter.test.ts
+++ b/tests/github-adapter.test.ts
@@ -1,8 +1,8 @@
-import { mkdtempSync, rmSync, writeFileSync } from 'node:fs';
+import { existsSync, mkdtempSync, readFileSync, rmSync, writeFileSync } from 'node:fs';
 import { tmpdir } from 'node:os';
 import { join } from 'node:path';
-import { afterEach, beforeEach, describe, expect, it, vi } from 'vitest';
-import { initWorkspace, Workspace } from '../src/index.js';
+import { afterEach, describe, expect, it, vi } from 'vitest';
+import { initWorkspace, Workspace, readBody } from '../src/index.js';
 import { GitHubAdapter } from '../src/adapters/github.js';
 
 const tempRoots: string[] = [];
@@ -16,43 +16,31 @@ afterEach(() => {
 });
 
 function createTempRoot(): string {
-  const root = mkdtempSync(join(tmpdir(), 'method-github-'));
+  const root = mkdtempSync(join(tmpdir(), 'method-github-two-way-'));
   tempRoots.push(root);
   return root;
 }
 
-describe('GitHub Adapter', () => {
-  it('A new `method sync github` command (or tool) identifies backlog items missing a GitHub issue and creates them.', () => {
-    // Verified by the syncBacklog test below.
-  });
-
-  it('The created GitHub issue contains the title and body from the backlog markdown file.', () => {
-    // Verified by the syncBacklog test below.
-  });
-
-  it('The markdown file is updated with the `github_issue_id` in its frontmatter.', () => {
-    // Verified by the syncBacklog test below.
-  });
-
-  it('`src/index.ts` (or a new module) provides a synchronization interface.', () => {
-    expect(GitHubAdapter).toBeDefined();
-  });
-
-  it('`tests/github-adapter.test.ts` proves that the sync logic correctly identifies "missing" issues and calls the GitHub API (mocked) to create them.', async () => {
+describe('GitHub Adapter Two-way Sync', () => {
+  it('`method sync github --push` (or default) updates the title and description of an existing GitHub issue if the local file changes.', async () => {
     const root = createTempRoot();
     initWorkspace(root);
     const workspace = new Workspace(root);
 
-    // Create a backlog item
-    const itemPath = workspace.captureIdea('Test idea for GitHub', 'PROTO', 'GitHub Sync');
-    
-    // Mock fetch
+    // Create item with existing ID
+    workspace.captureIdea('Local Title', 'FEAT', 'My Item');
+    const itemPath = 'docs/method/backlog/inbox/FEAT_my-item.md';
+    workspace.updateFrontmatter(itemPath, { github_issue_id: '42' });
+
+    // Mock GitHub PATCH
     const mockResponse = {
       ok: true,
       json: async () => ({
         id: 12345,
         number: 42,
         html_url: 'https://github.com/owner/repo/issues/42',
+        state: 'open',
+        labels: [],
       }),
     };
     const fetchSpy = vi.fn().mockResolvedValue(mockResponse);
@@ -65,31 +53,53 @@ describe('GitHub Adapter', () => {
       repo: 'repo',
     });
 
-    const results = await adapter.syncBacklog();
+    const results = await adapter.pushBacklog();
     
     expect(results.length).toBe(1);
-    expect(results[0].skipped).toBe(false);
-    expect(results[0].issue?.number).toBe(42);
+    expect(results[0].action).toBe('push');
     expect(fetchSpy).toHaveBeenCalled();
-
-    // Verify frontmatter was updated
-    const frontmatter = workspace.readFrontmatter(results[0].path);
-    expect(frontmatter.github_issue_id).toBe('42');
-    expect(frontmatter.github_issue_url).toBe('https://github.com/owner/repo/issues/42');
+    const [url, options] = fetchSpy.mock.calls[0];
+    expect(url).toContain('/issues/42');
+    expect(options.method).toBe('PATCH');
+    expect(JSON.parse(options.body)).toEqual({
+      title: 'My Item',
+      body: 'Local Title',
+    });
   });
 
-  it('The sync logic correctly handles existing `github_issue_id` fields by skipping creation.', async () => {
+  it('`method sync github --pull` updates local backlog files with data from GitHub (labels, status, comments).', async () => {
     const root = createTempRoot();
     initWorkspace(root);
     const workspace = new Workspace(root);
 
-    // Create a backlog item with frontmatter already set
-    const itemPath = workspace.captureIdea('Existing idea', 'PROTO', 'Existing');
-    workspace.updateFrontmatter('docs/method/backlog/inbox/PROTO_existing.md', {
-      github_issue_id: '100',
+    // Create item with existing ID
+    workspace.captureIdea('Local Title', 'FEAT', 'My Item');
+    const itemPath = 'docs/method/backlog/inbox/FEAT_my-item.md';
+    workspace.updateFrontmatter(itemPath, { github_issue_id: '42' });
+
+    // Mock GitHub GETs (Issue and Comments)
+    const fetchSpy = vi.fn().mockImplementation((url) => {
+      if (url.endsWith('/issues/42')) {
+        return Promise.resolve({
+          ok: true,
+          json: async () => ({
+            number: 42,
+            html_url: 'https://github.com/owner/repo/issues/42',
+            state: 'open',
+            labels: [{ name: 'bug' }, { name: 'priority' }],
+          }),
+        });
+      }
+      if (url.endsWith('/comments')) {
+        return Promise.resolve({
+          ok: true,
+          json: async () => [
+            { user: { login: 'user1' }, body: 'First comment' },
+          ],
+        });
+      }
+      return Promise.reject(new Error('Unknown URL'));
     });
-
-    const fetchSpy = vi.fn();
     vi.stubGlobal('fetch', fetchSpy);
 
     const adapter = new GitHubAdapter({
@@ -99,10 +109,65 @@ describe('GitHub Adapter', () => {
       repo: 'repo',
     });
 
-    const results = await adapter.syncBacklog();
+    const results = await adapter.pullBacklog();
     
     expect(results.length).toBe(1);
-    expect(results[0].skipped).toBe(true);
-    expect(fetchSpy).not.toHaveBeenCalled();
+    expect(results[0].action).toBe('pull');
+
+    // Verify local updates
+    const frontmatter = workspace.readFrontmatter(itemPath);
+    expect(frontmatter.github_labels).toBe('bug,priority');
+
+    const body = readBody(join(root, itemPath));
+    expect(body).toContain('## GitHub Comments');
+    expect(body).toContain('**@user1**: First comment');
+  });
+
+  it('Local files reflect GitHub status (e.g., if an issue is closed on GitHub, the local file is updated or moved).', async () => {
+    const root = createTempRoot();
+    initWorkspace(root);
+    const workspace = new Workspace(root);
+
+    // Create item with existing ID
+    workspace.captureIdea('Closed Item', 'FEAT', 'Closed');
+    const itemPath = 'docs/method/backlog/inbox/FEAT_closed.md';
+    workspace.updateFrontmatter(itemPath, { github_issue_id: '99' });
+
+    // Mock GitHub GETs (Closed state)
+    const fetchSpy = vi.fn().mockImplementation((url) => {
+      if (url.endsWith('/issues/99')) {
+        return Promise.resolve({
+          ok: true,
+          json: async () => ({
+            number: 99,
+            html_url: 'https://github.com/owner/repo/issues/99',
+            state: 'closed',
+            labels: [],
+          }),
+        });
+      }
+      if (url.endsWith('/comments')) {
+        return Promise.resolve({ ok: true, json: async () => [] });
+      }
+      return Promise.reject(new Error('Unknown URL'));
+    });
+    vi.stubGlobal('fetch', fetchSpy);
+
+    const adapter = new GitHubAdapter({
+      workspace,
+      token: 'fake-token',
+      owner: 'owner',
+      repo: 'repo',
+    });
+
+    await adapter.pullBacklog();
+
+    // Verify file was moved to graveyard
+    const graveyardPath = join(root, 'docs/method/graveyard/FEAT_closed.md');
+    const inboxPath = join(root, 'docs/method/backlog/inbox/FEAT_closed.md');
+    
+    expect(existsSync(graveyardPath), 'file should exist in graveyard').toBe(true);
+    expect(existsSync(inboxPath), 'file should no longer exist in inbox').toBe(false);
+    expect(readFileSync(graveyardPath, 'utf8')).toContain('Closed Item');
   });
 });
diff --git a/tests/witness.test.ts b/tests/witness.test.ts
index 0207238..60203ca 100644
--- a/tests/witness.test.ts
+++ b/tests/witness.test.ts
@@ -31,11 +31,11 @@ describe('Automated Witness Capture', () => {
   });
 
   it('`method close` (or a sub-command) automatically generates a `verification.md` with real test and CLI results.', () => {
-    // Verified by the internal call in closeCycle and the captureWitness test.
+    // Verified by the internal call in closeCycle and the captureWitness test below.
   });
 
   it('The generated witness matches the actual state of the repository at close.', () => {
-    // Verified by the captureWitness test.
+    // Verified by the captureWitness test below.
   });
 
   it('`tests/witness.test.ts` proves that the automated capture correctly pipes terminal output and test results into the witness markdown.', async () => {