Church of Xathos

This page (or section) is a work in progress by its author(s) and should not be considered final.

History

Formation

The Church started at some time somewhere

1st Reformation

Main points: Establishment of the hierarchy (up to Bishop) Canon Law first established Tomes of Xaethos Canon established

2nd Reformation

Main Points:
Restructure of the Church
Establishing the Head Bishop(later to be renamed Archbishop)

Schism

Main Points:
"The Sect" breaks from the Church over Doctrine issues
massive controversy about Canon Law and Doctrine

Third Reformation and the Modern Church

Main points:
After schism, massive revision
Establishment of continental churches, giving voice to more Xaethosi around Urth

Heirarchy of the Church of Xaethos

Archbishop

The position of Archbishop is granted authority over the Central Church of Xaethos. The authority of the Archbishop extends over any church that is Communion with the Central Church, while also enjoying Primus inter pares with churches that are not in full communion, but still follow Canon Law. In the case of a schismatic church or a church that elects to fall outside canon law, the title Archbishop is granted to the leader of that church.

Currently, there are 3 churches that have an Archbishop: The Alksearian Church, the Ursine Church, and Xaethos's Chosen.

High Elder

A High Elder is in charge of a continental church. This title is only given as more of a symbolic title than one of actual power. The position doesn't have much sway or authority other than being afforded the privilege of Primus inter pares with the elders of continental churches. They are also awarded one seat within the College of Bishops, but High Elders are not eligible to serve as advisors to the Archbishop.

Branches of Church of Xaethos

Ursine Church

In 1988, the Ursine Church split from the Central Church over disagreements over the Archbishopric. In a controversial move, the College of Elders voted to deny the writ of nomination from King Eldras V, allowing the College to elect a member themselves. Two candidates eventually came to be: the now-Archbishop Rhea III and High Elder Vorg’rath Tel’kum. After an unprecedented 10 rounds of voting, Archbishop Rhea was named the new Archbishop. The Balistrian Church took offense as High Elder Tel’kum had been around for longer, and had served on the previous Archbishop’s council. The Ursine Church declared itself sovereign from the Alksearian Church, and instituted their own Archbishop. The Ursine Church only has a following within Balistria, however, recent tensions between Balistria and Alksearia have resulted in the Ursine Church starting to decline.

In late 2019, the Ursine College of Bishops voted on a resolution to bring themselves back into full communion with the Alksearian Church. The vote failed 88-89, with the Archbishop casting his first vote within the college. A similar resolution was brought up in August 2020, however, the resolution was never brought for a full vote as the College was placed on an indefinite hiatus due to recent political events in Balistria. The Ursine Church is expected to return to session on January 1st, 2021, but may come back earlier.