N/Organizations/The Panecclesia
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The Panecclesia is the largest organized structure of priests and clergy. The Panecclessia claims roots back to the prophets of the seventh century BD, though there is little evidence for this claim.
Writings are available from the first century AD that show a gathering together of clergy to create a formal structure under the first King Horador. The Panecclesia has dominated religious observance throughout most of history, though its political influence has waxed and waned over time. During some periods of history the Panecclesia has wielded considerable power over political leaders to the point of having more influence than national governments themselves. By the modern era, however, the Panecclesia has lost most of its influence. Most leaders still claim to be a devout follower of the Panecclesia, which appeals to members of agricultural and other conservative communities, but it is largely in name only.
[edit] Theology
The Panecclesia theoretically holds all gods to be worthy of attention, and held in equal esteem. In practice, however, Vayrian and Zamn receive the majority of attention. Which one has dominance has fluxuated throughout history. The historian, Mikradh, in "A Treatise on Deities", has shown a correlation between the level of prosperity and peace and which one is in ascendance. Vayrian historically receives more attention during times of trouble, while Zamn is held in higher esteem during times of prosperity.
This may be due to a desire of people in evil times to worship a god of pure good, while prosperous times afford the luxury to ponder a balance between good and evil.
Lamoth is recognized in the work of the Panecclesia, but has a special place, along with the Lorym and Efini who side with him.
The Panecclesia holds that all gods are worthy of attention, but that there are two major types of attention mortals bestow on gods. The first, worship, is assigned to the gods of good and neutrality. Worship involves positive attention toward the god, with praise, prayer, and sacrifice.
The second form of attention, directed toward the evil gods, is propitiation. Propitiation involves sacrifice in order to keep the evil gods' anger at bay. Praise and prayer, however, are specifically prohibited from being given to evil gods.
The Panecclesia further devides worship into two categories, Adoration and Honor. Adoration is directed toward the good deities, Honor toward the neutral. The difference between Honor and Adoration and how they are practically performed has been an object of much debate throughout Panecclesia history.
[edit] Structure
The Panecclesia is headed by the Prime. The man who holds the office of the the Prime is supernaturally gifted with long life, typically lasting two to three centuries. Though the Prime ages slowly and faces death from old age much later than normal mortal men, he is still subject to death by other means.
Under the Prime are the twelve Elders. Each Elder is responsible for twelve Watchmen, who each oversee a region of the Panecclesia. Below Watchmen are Shepherds responsible for individual temples or monasteries.
The Panecclesia is known for a complex web of politics that controls the actions of the body as a whole. Due to this, it is very difficult even for the Prime himself to move the Panneclesia suddenly or in a new direction. The Panecclesia has faced much criticism for its slow response to occurences in the world.
