Unitarianism
Overview
The Unitarian Church represents the reformist wing of the Nemeiran Synod, having originated from the revelations of High Rector Mordred Janus. Central to their theology is the unwavering devotion to the Mother, a central deity whose pre-eminence is undisputed within the Unitarian faith. This devotion is rooted in the belief that the Soldier and the Merchant, once integral figures within the Triumvirate, had died long ago. The Unitarians hold that the demise of these two deities was not simply an end but a transformative event through which their divine essences were absorbed by the Mother. This absorption is believed to have not only rejuvenated her power but also solidified her position as the sole focus of worship within the Unitarian doctrine.
The movement is composed of various sects, each interpreting the core tenets of their faith in unique ways while maintaining the central doctrine of the Mother's supreme divinity. These sects often differ in their liturgical practices, community organisation, and interpretations of the Mother's teachings, contributing to a large variation of belief and worship within the Unitarian Church. Despite this diversity, there is no official central authority within the church itself; instead, it relies on the Nemeiran Synod as its unifying body.
History
The Unitarian Church was formed relatively recently, catalysed by the doctrinal revelations and leadership of High Rector Mordred Janus during the onset of the second Church Schism. The schism was triggered by what Janus presented as, and believed to be, compelling evidence of the deaths of the Soldier and the Merchant, based on historical conversations between Arch Rector Ignatius I and Saint Leto. This evidence, which he laid before the Triumite Synod, led to a faction within the synod siding with Janus, ultimately causing a deep rift within the church.
As tensions escalated, the situation would take a dangerous turn when Janus took the majority of the Triumite Synod hostage, leading to the formation of an emergency Triumite Synod and subsequently, a full-blown war between the newly formed Holy Synod, led by Janus, and the remnants of the Triumite Synod. During this conflict, Janus orchestrated a siege on the City of Col Viluciat. Upon capturing the city, he offered the inhabitants a choice to convert from Triumism to the Unitarian faith. Those who refused were tragically killed in what would later be infamously known as the "Massacre of the Triumites."
The war reached its peak when Janus accepted a duel from High Rector Leto II in the capital city of Arandous—a duel that would lead to Janus's death and mark a turning point in the conflict. Following his demise, the leadership vacuum was filled by the election of a Chairman for the Holy Synod. Interventions by the crown and government to quell the violence and restore order eventually brought the war to a close.
Following these events, the Holy Synod continued to exist as an independent entity. Though later agreed to become part of the newly established Nemerian Synod.
Key Doctrines
Sole worship of the Mother
The Unitarians' dedication to the sole worship of the Mother is rooted in an event that occurred during their history, vividly detailed in the documents presented by Saint Mordred to the Triumite Synod. They believe that continuing to worship the Soldier and the Merchant would not only be futile but would also dilute the focus and strength of their devotions. They argue that the dispersal of worship across multiple deities had historically weakened each deity's ability to combat evil effectively. With the essences of the Soldier and Merchant absorbed, the Mother now embodies their attributes and strengths, positioning her as the sole divine force capable of battling against evil.
Iconoclasm
Iconoclasm reflects the Unitarian’s reverence for purity in worship, derived directly from their exclusive devotion to the Mother. The Unitarians claim that the original use of icons in worship played a detrimental role in the fate of the Triumvirate—comprising the Mother, the Soldier, and the Merchant. They argue that these icons, rather than serving as conduits for divine connection, became vulnerabilities. According to Unitarian theology, the spiritual energy directed towards these icons could be intercepted or manipulated by malevolent forces, thereby weakening the gods they were meant to honour.
This belief is rooted in the historical narrative where the Triumvirate was believed to have been slowly weakened over time, becoming susceptible to dark forces due to the misdirected worship through icons. The Unitarians contend that this misdirection diluted the purity of the worship and the spiritual strength that should have been directly bestowed upon the deities. As a result, when the Soldier and the Merchant were ultimately overwhelmed by these dark forces and shattered, the Mother absorbed their essences not only to consolidate her power but to restore the sanctity and directness of worship that was lost.
In response to these historical interpretations, the Unitarians have vigorously opposed the use of any religious imagery in their practices. They believe that true divine connection comes from an unmediated, icon-free worship, where no physical object stands between the devotee and the divine.
Anti-Slavery
Unitarians view slavery not only as a profound moral wrong but also as a theological violation against the sacred teachings of the Mother. They uphold the belief that every individual is endowed with a spark of the divine, reflecting the essence of the Mother.
Driven by these convictions, Unitarians actively campaign for the abolition of slavery in all its forms. They are often at the forefront of abolitionist movements aimed at dismantling slavery systems Empirewide. Their missions frequently involve rescue operations to free individuals from bondage, as well as providing support and integration into free societies. Moreover, the Unitarian Church's anti-slavery advocacy extends into the political arena, where they lobby for laws and policies that outlaw slavery. They challenge both religious and secular institutions that perpetuate or condone slavery, positioning themselves as moral and ethical leaders in the fight against the practice.
However, within the Unitarian framework, there is a nuanced distinction between slavery and indentured servitude. While staunchly opposed to the former, the Unitarians allow for the practice of indentured servitude under specific conditions, such as the conscription of prisoner labour.
Other Beliefs
Marriage - Monogamous.
Divorce - Allowed under scrutiny.
Open Relationships - Disallowed.
Homosexuality - Disallowed.
Homosexual Marriage - Disallowed.
Gender Roles - Male head of family.
Clergy Gender - Male only, except nuns.
Alcohol Consumption - Allowed in moderation.
Drug Use - Medicinal and Ritualistic use only.
Sorcery - Disallowed.
Other Faiths - Tolerant to a degree, viewing other faiths as misguided or their gods to be lessers of the Mother.
Sects
Walderianism
The Walderians are a puritan movement, emphasising simplicity, piety, and a decentralised form of church governance. They stand in opposition to the powerful centralised church establishment advocated by sects like the Divinists. Walderians favour local township governance and grassroots initiatives, believing that true spiritual and communal harmony is achieved through local governance rather than a top-down hierarchical structure. They advocate for a return to the basics of faith, focusing on personal piety and community-based decision-making. This sect is often seen as the grassroots counterbalance to the more hierarchically organised factions within the Unitarian Church, promoting a form of religious practice that is deeply embedded in the day-to-day lives of its adherents.
Wilhelmism
The Wilhelmists centre their beliefs around the ethnic and cultural superiority of the Fell people, intertwining their religious faith with deep-seated nationalistic elements. They staunchly support the ruling Friedrich dynasty, proposing that the head of this dynasty should also be the spiritual leader of the church. This sect advocates for a merger of church and state under the Friedrich leadership, creating a theocratic monarchy that reflects their interpretation of divine order and governance.
Divinsim
The Divinists represent the militant extremists within the Unitarian Church, advocating for a transformative role of the church from a purely spiritual entity to a governing body. They form the core of the Holy Synod, which aims at unification and representation across the church. However, the structure of the Synod raises questions about its fairness, as all members defer their decisions and actions to an elected Chairman, concentrating considerable authority in a single individual.
Typically intertwined with the Divine Inquisition, Divinist members wield significant power and influence throughout the Wetlands and Heartlands. They hold the belief that the secular state is inherently corrupt and that moral and ethical guidance from the church is necessary to govern effectively. The Divinists envision a society where the church replaces traditional state structures, ensuring governance that aligns with the divine will as interpreted through their strict, orthodox practices. This vision often puts them at odds with other factions within the Unitarian Church, as their rigorous enforcement of doctrine and discipline frequently leads to conflicts.
Recognised Saints
Saint Amalgatarius
Saint Amalgatarius was a pivotal figure in the history of the faith, instigating the first schism within the church. Rejecting the concept of a centralised ecclesiastical authority, he advocated for the sole worship of the Mother. His belief in her paramount importance was based not on traditional evidence but on a profound personal conviction of her supreme divinity. He established Amalgatarius’ Divine Inquisition, a body that aimed to purify the faith and enforce his doctrinal views.
Saint Nikodemius
Saint Nikodemius emerged as a courageous voice against the oppression of the Elven Empire, urging humanity to cast off their subjugation and embrace the Mother as their true saviour. His outspoken stance and inspirational messages galvanised a significant movement among humans, seeking liberation from Elven rule. Tragically, his commitment to the cause led to his execution by the Elves, cementing his status as a martyr whose legacy would inspire future generations to fight for their freedom.
Saint Ludwik
Saint Ludwik was a warrior-saint and Grand Inquisitor who played a crucial role in the Confederation of Man during their battles against the final remains of the Elven Empire on Reveian soil. His dual contributions on the battlefield and as a provider of religious guidance helped to forge the first Empire from the Confederation. Saint Ludwik met his heroic end during the Demontide, where he died defending the City of Wakendor and its faith.
Saint Ehmyr
Like Saint Ludwik, Saint Ehmyr was instrumental in the defeat of the Elven Empire and the establishment of the first Corinfyre Empire. His valour and strategic acumen were critical in the battles fought on Reveian soil, contributing to the eventual victory of the Confederation of Man. Saint Ehmyr’s life was cut short during the Demontide, where he perished combating the demonic forces that threatened his people and their faith.
Saint Hector
Saint Hector's legacy is particularly distinguished; he not only fought valiantly alongside the Confederation of Man against the Elves but was also crowned the first Corinfyre Emperor after their victory. His reign, however, was short-lived as he too fell during the Demontide, battling the demonic hordes that invaded.
Saint Leto
Saint Leto is revered as a living saint who was miraculously brought back to life by the Mother herself. His legendary feats include battling against the servants of Valthour in hell itself and directly communicating with the Mother to secure her freedom from Valthour’s clutches. Saint Leto's extraordinary experiences and divine interactions underscore his profound connection with the Mother and his pivotal role in the spiritual and literal battles for the faith.
Saint Wilhelm
Saint Wilhelm, known as the valiant defender of the faith, embodied the spirit and tenacity of a true Unitarian. His dedication was so profound that he lost an eye in defence of his beliefs. His sacrifices and unyielding spirit continue to serve as a symbol of the sacrifices one must be willing to make in the pursuit of faith and righteousness.
Saint Mordred
Saint Mordred is credited with the founding of the Unitarian Church, a monumental achievement in the history of the faith. His leadership and vision set the foundation for the church’s teachings and structure. Tragically, his life was cut short by what was officially recorded as a murder by Inquisition records, committed by High Rector Leto II.