Magisterium of Paxism
The Magisterium of Paxism also known simply as the Magisterium is a religious organisation which was founded in 740 CE by High King Melkezedek to prevent the proliferation of heretical writings and practices within Paxism. It traces its legal identity and mandate to the Bingolian Additions to the Vagumar made by High King Melkezedek and approved by a conference of religious scholars who met in Bingol in 740 CE known as the Council of Bingol.
Important documents
Scripture: According the Magisterium, the only recognised Scripture is the Bas Magdamar. The Bas Magdamar is one of the Writings of Paxism. It which of the Ichtmar, Vagumar and Bingolian Additions made by the Council of Bingol and High King Melkezedek. Scripture is the official and sole religious text recognised for use in temples and universities run by or affiliated with the Magisterium.
Bulls: Bulls are documents which contain a detailed explanation of the interpretation of a religious matter by a recognised Magister. Bulls are binding unless they are overridden by a Bull issued by a Magister who is ranked higher than the Magister who issued it or until the same Magister who issued it issues another Bull which overrides it. When two Magisters of the same rank issue Bulls which contest each other, a more highly ranked Magister is required to decide which one is valid. They do this by issuing another Bull accepting the Bull they approve. The Magisterium has put in place a system of peer review, whereby only Bulls which have been approved by two other Magisters are recognised and added to the Catechism, otherwise they are relegated to Opinions.
Decisions: Decisions are any written document which documents the ruling of a Magister on a case. Whereas Bulls cover an entire topic, Decisions cover a specific case.
Opinions: Opinion is any written document thatis not recognised as part of Paxist religious law. An opinion is written by a Magister and the same Magister can state that it is merely opinion and they do not issue it as a bull.
Hierarchy
Supreme Magister: This is the highest official in the religion. They are elected by other members of the College of Great Magisters. They chair and convene meetings of the College of Great Magisters and their Bulls override Bulls and their Decisions override Decisions issued by all other Magisters thus they have supreme power over the Magisterium.
Great Magisters: Great Magisters are elected by a sitting of the College of the Great Magisters. Great Magisters also outrank all other Magisters except the Supreme Magister. They control a Domain. Which includes appointing and dismissing Magisters, excommunicating adherents, receiving appeals and ruling on cases.
High Magisters: High Magisters are appointed by a Great Magister. They control a Diocese and they outrank all Magisters within their Diocese. They have the power to appoint and dismiss Senior Magisters.
Senior Magisters: Senior Magisters are appointed by a High Magister. A Magister has to be a Senior Magister control a Ward and they outrank all the Magisters within their Ward. Some Senior Magisters do not have control over a specific ward but nevertheless outrank normal Magisters.
Magisters: Magisters are the most basic tier. They have the power to issue Decisions and Bulls. They support and hold Priests under the Magisterium's authority accountable. Priests have to be trained and inducted under a Senior Magister. In most cases, a Senior Magister will be a professor at a university or seminary with authority over the education of Magisters. upon qualifying with a Bachelor degree or equivalent in Paxology, one will be recognised as a Magister.
Priests: Priests are the second oldest religious leaders under Prophets. There are priests who do not fall under the Magisterium's authority. However, a Magister can recognise a Priest and their Parish as though they are approved by the Magisterium. This gives them permission to approach the Magisterium for protection and resources. In the same vein, a Magister can strip them of their recognition. Priests maintain temples and lead their Parish (group of Paxists in an area who meet regularly).
Administrative divisions
The Magisterium contains the following administrative divisions.
A Domain is the highest level and it is governed by a Great Magister. The list of Domains are as follows:
| Domain | Country | Seat | Great Magister |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ukanar-Kemer | Packilvania | Kemer | Yashuhad Tabrash |
| Fidakar | Packilvania | Halaler | Axatuhal Ibahan |
| Rigaryat | Packilvania | Derengol | Yebehed Faduheed |
| Jumhurikesh | Packilvania | Everyet | Kestel Obayahed |
| Ashura | Packilvania | Akas Akil | Jhrahadoon Qasailari |
| Iganar | Packilvania | Zukaril | Akhamast Gurunda |
| Mekedesh-Bingol | Packilvania | Bingol | Ipahad Muran |
| Kharyat | Packilvania | Yukader | Lanad Akidek |
| Codex | Free Pax States | Codexia | Leonard Palmer |
| Oichauvie | Free Pax States | Port Zalebano | Pierre Pruchard |
| Cereneria | Astryon | Sauha Riy | |
| Great Morstaybishlia | Great Morstaybishlia | Sani Bursil | Salazar Manley |
| Western Aurora | Aura | Hayden Stone | |
| Eastern Aurora | Akhalibisi | Viran Ashravili | |
| Greater Concord | Matthews | Evan Lee | |
| Eastern Yasteria | Stromharad | Duran Elendil | |
| Novaris |