Clergy Structure
“Organized Faith”
Constellation Clergy
Hierarchy
Hierarchy
High Constellation Council
Composition: 13 bishops (8 constellation representatives + 5 at-large)
Role: Supreme authority (doctrine, appointments, policy)
Selection: Elected by regional bishops (lifetime terms)
Current Crisis: Paralyzed by divine silence (no consensus on response)
Regional Bishops
Scope: Major settlements (Skyport Eos, Ironhold, Constellation’s Reach, etc.)
Role: Manage regional clergy, perform major rites, report to Council
Appointment: By High Constellation Council
Notable: Bishop Ardent Vael (Constellation’s Reach)
Priests
Scope: Individual temples/chapels
Role: Daily services, healing, counseling, local leadership
Training: 5-year seminary (theology, healing, administration)
Notable: Priest Valeria (Skyport Eos)
Acolytes
Status: Trainees (5 years apprenticeship)
Activities: Assist priests, learn practices, study theology
Outcome: Ordained as priests (if complete training)
Lay Clergy
Status: Non-ordained helpers
Roles: Temple maintenance, administrative support, community organizing
Voluntary: Devout believers serving part-time
Specialized Roles
Healers: Medical + spiritual healing
Scholars: Theological research, historical preservation
Observers: Astronomical monitoring (constellation behavior)
Counselors: Life guidance, crisis support
Administrators: Manage Clergy resources, organize activities
Training
Seminary: 5-year program
Curriculum: - Theology (constellation doctrines) - Healing arts (medicine + prayer) - Counseling (psychological support) - Administration (running temple) - Languages (ancient texts) - Astronomy (constellation observation)
Standards: Rigorous (30% fail)
Ordination: Ceremony conferring priestly authority
Organization
Centralized Leadership: High Constellation Council
Regional Autonomy: Bishops have local authority
Individual Practice: Priests adapt to community needs
Balance: Unity of doctrine, flexibility of application
Resources
Funding: Donations, tithes, endowments
Property: Temples, observatories, seminaries, libraries
Personnel: ~2,000 ordained clergy + thousands of lay supporters
Current Challenges
Divine Silence: Undermining authority
Internal Doubt: Many clergy questioning (secretly)
Declining Attendance: Youth especially leaving
Resource Strain: Refugee crisis overwhelming services
Theological Crisis: No consensus on response