Council of Churches
in Loosend
(For clarity Religion = Pantheon i.e. Norse, Church = Gods i.e., Odin)
The original 5 member Council of Churches was expanded to 7 after the power struggles between the primary Religions threatened to tear the city apart. At that point all seats became elected.
Any Church can nominate a candidate but only one member of a Religion can serve on the council at a time. While every Church has Administrators and Heroes that are not Priests, it was long assumed that only Priests could server on the Council. However, in a ruling passed down in 1251 TGR (329 SKR ) it was clarified that only the ability to cast spells was required
The term is for 5 years and any council spot vacated for any reason before the official start of the new election cycle is appointed by the Religion vacated.
While all council members have equal say and voting power, the ranking of the winners by popular vote is seen as a sign of prestige and the most popular council member chairs all meeting. This is also used by some to rank the Religions represented. This has at time caused some instability within some of the larger Religions when multiple Churches within a Religion nominate candidates even against sitting council members causing the wining council member to be lower rank.
Current Council (Term Ends 1270 TGR) by Rank
1. Greek
2. Celtic
3. Sir Renard Harlow - Paladin of Order of Brotherhood (retired) representing Venery of the Kayugan Religion
The first non priest to serve on this council, currently in his third term after loosing a leg in battle. Original considered a favorite to server in the Administrative Council, his devotion to his Religion and the Brotherhood led him to serve his aged years out with the Council of Churches
4. Norse
5. Saesri Sauscha - Human Priestess of Ilmatar representing the Suomi Religion,
6. Terimena GlareStone - Half Elven Priestess representing the Elven Pantheon.
7. Priest of Confabulus representing the Shardik Religion