NationStates Jolt Archive

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Dateline: Port Agua
Gustav Torcenoff

In a surprise move, the Imperial Government, supported by Patriarch Malcom Frasier, have ordered the Martial Order of St. Michael, also known as the Holy Roanian Inquisition for the Purity of the Faith, to disband. The 300 year-old organisation's work was declared finished by its last Grand Master, Grand Duke Leopold von Agua (who also serves the Divine Empire as Grand Duke of Agua), who said in a rare public statement, "The times are moving on. The Order of St. Michael's work has been finished, and now is the time to show mercy."

And indeed its work has finished. During its existence, the Protestant population of Novar Ohan went from 3.6% of the population in 1720, to 0.0% of the population in 2020. The suppression is believed to be a part of the Zhiosky Reforms, named after the murdered Cardinal Yaakov Zhiosky (who had been a supporter of Church reform for years). However, neither Aguan or Imperial authorities would comment on this possibility, Prime Minister Harold Cartwright saying, "This is purely a matter for the Church, and while we did take action at the Patriarch's request, we will not play any further role."

A leaked report from the Ministry of the Interior says that those members of the Order which choose to disregard the order of disbanding will be asked to form a new Order of Saint Michael, dedicated to assisting the Polizei and RISF in spiritual and so-called supernatural cases. Interior Minister Ivan Merkenoff refused to comment on this report, except to vow speedy and painful vengeance on whoever was spreading rumours. Our reporter was then politely escorted to the door.

However, cracks have been showing in the Catholic Church of Novar Ohan. Archbishop Leon Zollen of Derricks has said that he believes that these reforms will destroy the church, and that the end of the Inquisition has made him lose confidence in Patriarch Malcom Frasier. Appearing today before his supporters, he vowed to fight any attempt by the government to further change his church. We have printed here a portion of his speech:

"They say that they will modernize the Church! They say that we are out of step with Rome! I say it is Rome that is out of step, Rome that is decadent! In the guise of reform, they seek to destroy! That treacherous ArchDemoness, Malissa Black, has forsaken her role as Protector of the Faith, and is forcing her puppet, Patriarch Frasier, to destroy all that is sacred!"

That was the last of his speech, because even though he had more to say, at that moment Polizei and Shadow Angels opened fire on the crowd and the Archbishop. The Archbishop is believed to have escaped justice by quickly retreating with his surviving followers to his Cathedral. The total death-toll is in the hundreds, and Patriarch Frasier is pleading with the other man to recant his position and return to the church, and with the Council to the Imperial Diadem to allow him the chance to do so before they execute him as a traitor.

For more on the Church Reforms:
'Still no news on Cardinal Charles Ver'chan... Vatican Coverup?' P. 11
'What these Church Reforms mean to you: Patriarch Frasier pleads for understanding' P. 12
'The Kaiserine's Position' P. 11

We are very surprised at this development. This event was classified to happen "When Hell freezes".

Queen of Jeruselem
Keeper of the Holy Lands
http://www.whoosh.org/issue28/direct/penelope.jpg

Alliances
* Defenders of The Faith
http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=101677
* United States of Foreign Aid Givers Alliance (USFG)
* New Jewish Alliance (NJA)
* Concordia

Well this is most unexpected, one of the stranger inquisitions is gone, one that I suppect was just an puppet of the Roanian government and not an true church inquisition. Good riddence.

~Grand Inqusitor Bern

This is most unexpected but something doesn't seem quite right.

~Archbishop Vorn.

Patriarch Frasier bowed his head in prayer before his altar, praying for guidance from the Lord. My God, my god... why hast thou forsaken me?

There was a cough. "Your Eminence, we have little choice... but to consult with the Holy Father in Rome." Bishop Toldrum said, entering in a subservient manner. "This has the possibility of splitting the Church."

"It's absurd..." the aged Patriarch said, closing his eyes. "I thought these reforms would be good for the Church..."

"Duke Simon Darquis contacted us, and said that so-far the International Community is in shock. The Priest of the Royal Chapel has also informed me that Malissa is doubting the righteousness of this course of action. We must contact Pope Leo XIV." The Archbishop said, angry at his superior's seeming paralysis. "If we can demonstrate his support for the reforms, then the recalitrants might fall in."

"And if they don't?"

Toldrum paused, and sighed. "If they don't... then there's a very real chance that Merkenoff and his armed thugs will deal with them for us."

Patriarch Malcom Frasier, one of the oldest Churchmen in the Divine Empire, Head of the Catholic Church of Novar Ohan, and advisor pro-tem to Kaiserine Malissa Black closed his eyes and softly whispered the first few lines of the Lord's Prayer. Then he sighed, and nodded his approval to the course of action.

<>

[code:1:fb9557c15e]TO: Pope Leo XIV ((Insert all titles here))
FROM: Bishop Toldrum, the See of Renaus
RE: Nuncio

Holy Father, blessings be upon you. It is my sad duty to inform you that the Church in Novar Ohan is in grave peril, and in urgent need of guidance from The Holy See.

We require a Papal Ruling on the reforms, and a Nuncio to bring it. I apologise for the curtness of this letter, but as strong as the Catholic Church of Novar Ohan may appear to outsiders, it is in very real danger.

Your servant.[/code:1:fb9557c15e]

"You're kidding!?" The Archbishop said (he received the news several minutes before he randomly died while delivering a speech apparently to declare war on some nation)

"Nope... The Roanians seem to have a conscience..." His Foreign Minister replied.

"I must address the state immediately on this startling change of things!"

(Please see this thread (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=143387))

The Opressive Church Government only minutes after the Archbishop's sudden death sent a telegram to the government of Roania:

[code:1:d2f551c995]To the Imperial Government of Roania
From the Most Seren Theocracy of the Opressive Church

Your abolition of the Inquisition is pleased news. Your nation is far revered here in TOC, and with this show of peace and kindness you will continue to be.

With my nation's sincerest admiration,
Foreign Minister of The Opressive Church.[/code:1:d2f551c995]

In a beerhall in Tarchna, a meeting of a very different sort was taking place... "Mein Fuhrer, the Central Democratic Party has announced support for the reforms..."

The Fuhrer of the National Socialist Imperial Worker's Party smiled his thin little smile, already planning a way to turn this to his advantage...

The Imperial Trixian Government is taking this with a pinch of salt, even thought we are all atheist (sp?) we don't understand why it has been disbanded. Very odd.

We in Trixia quite liked the HRI, made for interesting reading :wink:

"You're kidding!?" The Archbishop said (he received the news several minutes before he randomly died while delivering a speech apparently to declare war on some nation)

"Nope... The Roanians seem to have a conscience..." His Foreign Minister replied.

"I must address the state immediately on this startling change of things!"

(Please see this thread (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=143387))

The Opressive Church Government only minutes after the Archbishop's sudden death sent a telegram to the government of Roania:

[code:1:b5e2b293dc]To the Imperial Government of Roania
From the Most Seren Theocracy of the Opressive Church

Your abolition of the Inquisition is pleased news. Your nation is far revered here in TOC, and with this show of peace and kindness you will continue to be.

With my nation's sincerest admiration,
Foreign Minister of The Opressive Church.[/code:1:b5e2b293dc]

Malissa Black looked temporarily confused. "Prime Minister, don't we own them?"

"No, Your Imperial Highness... the proper term is garrison. We have several divisions in their nation in order to give ourselves access to the Indian Ocean."

"Oh... well, they aren't very polite, threatening to go to war with a nation without informing us. So, send the standard reply, and advise them to be more cautious in their dealings with others." The Kaiserine then checked her schedule. "Now, according to this... the Archbishop has requested from Rome a papal nuncio to help guide the reforms... I want an embassy ready for him, and he is to be accorded the same status as a Duke for the time he is here."

In a beerhall in Tarchna, a meeting of a very different sort was taking place... "Mein Fuhrer, the Central Democratic Party has announced support for the reforms..."

The Fuhrer of the National Socialist Imperial Worker's Party smiled his thin little smile, already planning a way to turn this to his advantage...

Taggity Tag - watching for this to develop!! - Wombat Bait!!

WN

Cardinal Silvio Umberto Luciani was not best pleased with this particular mission. He understood its importance, of course, and Cardinal Renard had given him a thorough briefing on the Church’s hopes for nudging Roania a centimeter or two closer to something resembling stability.

And he knew why it was important for someone with his knowledge of religious orders to undertake it. But on the other hand, he didn’t really enjoy diplomacy—though he was eminently capable in that realm—and the Roanian situation was just so, so—chaotic.

Luciani hated chaos.

Still, it was for the Church, after all. He reviewed the dossiers on those with whom he hoped to meet: The Kaiserin, of course. That would probably be mostly formal, delivering the Apostolic Blessing from Pope Leo XIV, and saying a few encouraging words. Frasier would be the most important. He hoped to meet with Duke Leopold, too, whose affection for old Yaacov Zhiosky had been the pebble that had started this avalanche of change.

Probably they would want him to meet with some of the less—orthodox—bishops, too. Well, it wouldn’t be fun but then, Cardinal Luciani was not a man who really valued “fun.”

With a sigh, he gathered his things as the plane landed, and made his way to the waiting official transportation.

http://gallery.cybertarp.com/albums/userpics/16929/CardinalLuciani.jpg
Silvio Umberto Cardinal Luciani

As he walked to the waiting limousine, a commissar stepped forward. "Blessings be upon you, Your Eminence..." He said, bowing low to the ground, his greatcoat not hiding a large and heavily muscled frame. "I have been ordered by Minister Simon Darquis to ensure your safety en-route to the Imperial Palace." He gestured to the limousine. "His Eminence Patriarch Frasier and Her Imperial Highness will meet you there. If you have any questions, please, feel free to ask."

The sunlight glinted off his black glasses, and the lilt in his voice didn't hide a polite disdain for this duty.

Luciani nodded, a trifle distractedly. The food on the plane had been the expected quality, and his dyspepsia was flaring up a trifle. He popped a soda mint into his mouth, and gestured for them to bring his luggage. He had only a modest cloak bag and a small trunk for his personal belongings, but several heavy, bulky cases filled with theology and Canon Law books, Papal Encyclicals, and other documents.

“Thank you, my good man. Very kind. Yes, very kind.”

He settled himself into the limousine, and peered vaguely out at the scenery of the Imperial City as it passed.

In the office of the First Speaker.

"Interesting turn of events, I think we should continue to watch this."

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In the office of the head of the Brotherhood of Van Helsing

"Send an offer to any members of the Inquisition that would like to continue doing the good work of the lord. Tell them we have some opening for them"

Lord Calestia nodded his approval to the scribe who broght a hardcopy of the Roania news release. He felt the great weight of years of work fall off his shoulders, knowing a major task to be done.

"About bloody time they packed it in."

~Gerhardt Calestia,
Inquisitor Lord, Ordo Moronicus
Hunting the Heretical Moron since 2023

Grand Inquisitor Misha only one reply to the news in an relased statement. "Thank God and all the blessed saints that the false inquistion is gone and has left only the true church inquistions to do the good lords work."

OOC: Thanks for being so... understanding, HVS. It was such a nice post, too...

IC:

After a quick drive, the Archbishop was brought to the entry-hall. An elaborate greeting ritual happened, which ended with the highest nobles in the Empire bowing before the Papal Representative as they would before His Holiness himself.

Patriarch Frasier tapped the kneeling Kaiserin's ribs with his cane. "Honestly... forgive me if I don't bow, Luciani. It's been a while since I could bend my knees." The old man chuckled mirthlessly as Malissa growled at him and stood up. "No harm was meant, Your Imperial Highness..." Frasier said with the easy confidence of a man who knows that he's the only person in the Empire who can't be sent to the mines tomorrow.

OOC: If Luciani's hoping for a debate on religion, he's in trouble. Frasier has forgotten more about religion than most people will ever know. Sadly, he's still forgotten it. :D He'd have more luck with the priests and Bishops.

============

Damien shook his head. "No, I don't think so... that just won't do." The young prince slammed his fist onto the desk in his office. "I have no intention of seeing this accursed legate of that fool in Rome. And even less of dealing with religious fools. I'll spend the next few days in this room, thank you, Herr Kroenen."

The Fuhrer of the NSIWP blinked in surprise. "But mein Kaiser..."

Damien backhanded Kroenen. "Quiet, you fool! Someone might be listening. Now, you listen to me. As Leader of the Opposition, you have equal right to be at the reception as that oaf Cartwright. Therefore, you will go, and you will report everything. Every detail, am I understood?"

"Yes, mein Prince..." Kroenen backed out, bowing and scraping. At least this time he didn't shoot me...

The weekly staff meeting at the office of the people's representative for foreign affairs & human rights, of course, included the glad tidings from Roania. But after a chorus of surprise, quickly followed by smiles and cheers of relief and a quick drink to celebrate, the diplomatic staff thought it was best to avoid becoming involved, or making any sort of public statement that could in any way be read as a comment on Roanian politics. It was best, many fo them thought, to try to avoid being noticed by Roania at all, given the rather high attrition rate for bishops in the past in that country. And so the foreign office contented itself with sending a fruit basket with a large card saying: "Congratulations and God bless." No one, they were fairly sure, could turn that into a diplomatic incident.

http://www.cotakisni.com/b5/isn/isnlogo.gif

The Menelmacari reaction to ecclesiastical reforms in the former protectorate of Roania has been almost universally positive. Elentari Sirithil was quoted as saying, "Good riddance to bad trash." Menelmacar's most prominent Catholic cleric, Manveru Cardinal Ravion, had more to say in his most recent sermon.

Like the government of Iesus Christi or the scandals in the Archdiocese of Boston in the FMSA, the Roanian inquisition was a horrific embarrassment to the Church and all who believe in God. How, one asks, can members of an organization dedicated to spreading the Good News do such things, especially in this modern age? Truly I say to you all, faith imposed at the point of a monoblade or at the barrel of a gun is no faith at all, and for any Christian to compel conversion by force is not God's work - it is Satan's. For he would like nothing more than to have control over the Church as some would argue he has at times in the past. Let us pray for Patriarch Frasier and Princess Malissa and their people in seeing the foolishness and evil of the Inquisition, and for at last putting a stop to it.

http://www.cotakisni.com/b5/isn/isnlogo.gif

The Menelmacari reaction to ecclesiastical reforms in the former protectorate of Roania has been almost universally positive. Elentari Sirithil was quoted as saying, "Good riddance to bad trash." Menelmacar's most prominent Catholic cleric, Manveru Cardinal Ravion, had more to say in his most recent sermon.

Like the government of Iesus Christi or the scandals in the Archdiocese of Boston in the FMSA, the Roanian inquisition was a horrific embarrassment to the Church and all who believe in God. How, one asks, can members of an organization dedicated to spreading the Good News do such things, especially in this modern age? Truly I say to you all, faith imposed at the point of a monoblade or at the barrel of a gun is no faith at all, and for any Christian to compel conversion by force is not God's work - it is Satan's. For he would like nothing more than to have control over the Church as some would argue he has at times in the past. Let us pray for Patriarch Frasier and Princess Malissa and their people in seeing the foolishness and evil of the Inquisition, and for at last putting a stop to it.

[code:1:7c433eece3]Parliamentary Record[/code:1:7c433eece3]

Prime Minister Cartwright: I take it as my solemn duty as Prime Minister of the Divine Empire of Novar Ohan to thank the Menelmacari people for their support in this time. We know we were doing the right thing by our people, and Her Radient Majesty Elentari Sirithril is quite correct in her approximation of the MOSM as trash. It was archaic, and I thank her for her support.

Many Hon. members: Hear hear!

Leader of Her Imperial Highness's Loyal Opposition Grigori Hans Kroenen: This is just another demonstration of elven disregard for our rights as an independent nation. Who are they to approve or disapprove of our actions? This is doing naught but showing that elven arrogance is alive, and well.

The Member for Nova Alaitoc, HO Elrond Mekbelleth, storms out in protest

And there we have another example. Who are these inhumans to tell us how to run this nation? Who is this Manveru Ravion to call himself a Cardinal?

Shouts of argument from Imperial Party and CDP benches; murmurs of approval from NSIWP benches

====================

The weekly staff meeting at the office of the people's representative for foreign affairs & human rights, of course, included the glad tidings from Roania. But after a chorus of surprise, quickly followed by smiles and cheers of relief and a quick drink to celebrate, the diplomatic staff thought it was best to avoid becoming involved, or making any sort of public statement that could in any way be read as a comment on Roanian politics. It was best, many fo them thought, to try to avoid being noticed by Roania at all, given the rather high attrition rate for bishops in the past in that country. And so the foreign office contented itself with sending a fruit basket with a large card saying: "Congratulations and God bless." No one, they were fairly sure, could turn that into a diplomatic incident.

The sound of violent sneezing could be heard throughout the Palace as Cartwright suffered a violent allergic reaction to the apples in the fruit-basket. After disposing of the fruit basket, his Ministers issued a press-statement condemning the fruit basket, but thanking its anonymous senders for their consideration.

"It's almost a pity they didn't put the old man out of action," James Gray muttered to Otto von Klyne. They both chuckled.

http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0TgAAABYY9bxM!TxPhVUgL85giwbXgiuvGW*Yc036RMdpEBxZzjB0fezx*UcmMCUqmkHxZCRgg4HQxMAGcvG*gQZciK56ny00JbT iMqZC*Grhky7Lcios5g/Mr.%20Johnson.jpg
Minister for Health and Social Security James Gray
11th Earl of Talongrad
Divine Empire of Novar Ohan
"Yes, Prime Minister."

Luciani meticulously gave the Apostolic Blessing, raised the Kaiserin to her feet, and bowed respectfully. He nodded amiably to Frasier, before turning back to the Kaiserin.

“It is a great honor and pleasure to be able to greet you on the Holy Father’s behalf, your Majesty. He wishes me to convey his personal greetings, and his warmest appreciation of your support in bringing the Roanian Church into conformity with the accepted magisterium of the Church.”

“If you have questions, or would like advice on continuing efforts in this area, I am happy to make myself useful.”

Excerpt from KNN radio

...today confirmed that there were ongoing talks to reopen relations with the Divine Empire of Roania. The Prime Minister stressed that sentient rights would be at the forefront of any policy towards Roania. Opposition parties did complain however that negotiations are done by the ministry of Economic Affairs and not Foreign Affairs...

*returns TG*

Malissa curtsied. "Your Eminence... I am worried... did I do the right thing? By approving this action?" She said, softly. "I'm worried... I thought it would make the Empire a better nation, but... it's tearing the Imperial Church apart, and..." she looked around. "And tearing my parliament apart as well... I don't know what I should do..." she seemed to be concerned both by this and with other matters.

Frasier indicated that he would need to speak to Luciani in private on the reforms. "I hope that the Holy Father's support will... put an end to this conflict amongst the priests and nobles of this empire..." he said, both to the Legate and to Malissa. "I, myself, feel that the Imperial Church has been wasting its energy on illegally persecuting our misguided brothers in Christ when there are actual pagans and idolators within the Empire's borders." He looked up when there was the sound of someone being bodily forced into the room.

Prince Daniel looked up. Well, well, well... if it isn't my brother's lapdog... he thought as the leader of the NSIWP was shoved through a door. Kroenen muttered something, and then gasped as he saw everyone staring at him in disapproval. The Leader of Her Imperial Highness's Loyal Opposition coughed, apologetically. "Sorry, my lords and ladies..." he said, and then gave Luciani a fascist salute.

Prime Minister Cartwright chuckled as his rival made an utter ass of himself. Malissa, on the other hand, turned a mottled red with fury and embarrasment.

This is just another demonstration of elven disregard for our rights as an independent nation.

OOC: Actually, just out of curiosity, when did Menelmacar grant you independance :?:

* Secret IC to Roania *

Unemployed Inquisitors

Should any of the member of Roanian Inquisition feel they are lost for direction in their lives and seek employment elsewhere in the service of a Catholic Church, we invite them to send applications to Jeruselem Inquisition for positions. They will all be considered but we can reject any candidate due their past history or indiscetions.

The final candidates will be notified when the time comes and interviewed before final acceptance.

Grand Inquisitor Lucius

OOC

Can't pass up grabbing unemployed Inquisitors ...

And there we have another example. Who are these inhumans to tell us how to run this nation? Who is this Manveru Ravion to call himself a Cardinal?
OOC: He thinks he's a Cardinal because he *is* one... he's Archbishop of the Diocese of Vinyatirion and was created Cardinal by Pope Sixtus VI shortly before his death.

Ctan: About the same time they agreed to pay a trillion credits a year for the privilege. :twisted:

~Siri

And there we have another example. Who are these inhumans to tell us how to run this nation? Who is this Manveru Ravion to call himself a Cardinal?
OOC: He thinks he's a Cardinal because he *is* one... he's Archbishop of the Diocese of Vinyatirion and was created Cardinal by Pope Sixtus VI shortly before his death.
~Siri

OOC: I know that, and you know that, and he knows that. But the thing is, he is a Nazi. Piddling things like that aren't going to make a difference in his view of the universe.

Luciani listened gravely to the Kaiserin’s concerns. While the Church’s vast store of theology and doctrine on the issues specific to temporal rulers and their actions had gathered a certain amount of dust in the last century or so, that did not mean he was ignorant of it—quite the contrary.

He nodded slowly. “Your Majesty’s concern is very appropriate. As the ruler of Roania, your position is slightly different from that of an ordinary citizen who is Catholic. Such a citizen’s first duty to God is to simply do that which they know from Church teachings, and in their conscience most sincerely believe, is morally correct, and leave the results to Divine Providence. In God’s eyes, we are truly responsible only for our actions, not necessarily for any unforeseen consequences.

“By virtue of the extra power vested in a ruler, however, they bear an extra weight of responsibility—‘To whom much is given, of him much is required.’ A fact which must weigh upon all who bear legitimate responsibility for the spiritual or temporal well-being of their people. Your concern shows a very proper sense of this responsibility, and God will doubtless take note of your conscientiousness.”

“Yet in the matter of facilitating the Roanian Church’s greater conformity to established Catholic doctrine, you must share this responsibility with the Roanian Church, and, indeed, with the Apostolic See itself. Only the Church itself bears the ultimate responsibility for the Deposit of Faith, and the souls of the faithful. If you truly believe that what you are doing is in accordance with your understanding of the Divine Will, you are then obligated to implement it to the best of your ability, and to assist the work of Patriarch Frasier and the orthodox bishops in whatever way you can.”

“This is not to say, however, that you cannot take such measures in civil jurisdiction to both implement the change, and to ease the resulting discomfort among those whose consciences sincerely disagree. If you wish, we can discuss those matters in more detail in a less formal setting, perhaps with the advice of Patriarch Frasier.”

He smiled warmly. “In the mean time, your Majesty, I have a special gift for you, from the Holy Father, himself, which might help to reassure you and offer you spiritual comfort and direction in these difficult times.”

From a portfolio under his arm, he brought out a slender volume bound in exquisitely hand-tooled, gilt-embossed leather, with the Papal Arms stamped upon the cover. Inside, the cover page included a picture of the Pope…

http://gallery.cybertarp.com/albums/userpics/16929/LeoXIV.jpg

…and a blessing in the famous blue ink, hand signed, and a hand-written quote from the words within:

“The truth cannot impose itself except by virtue of its own truth, as it makes its entrance into the mind at once quietly and with power.”

The following pages, unparalleled examples of small-press artistry, with hand-engraved type face and individually colored capitals and margin flourishes, were a copy of the Declaration on Religious Freedom, “Dignitatis Humanae” (the updated version, of course.)

(Link: http://www.cin.org/v2relfre.html )

He turned then to Frasier, and his tone became a trifle drier as he said, “For you, your Eminence, I have brought an entire case of study guides to the Declaration, in conformity with the current usage in the Major Seminary in Rome. I am sure you will know how to distribute them to best advantage; and of course you may feel free to reproduce the Declaration and the study guide as needed.”

As the latecomer entered and offered the fascist salute, Luciani regarded him with a sort of amiable wonder, as of a connoisseur studying a rare specimen. He nodded politely to the man when he was introduced, and returned to Frasier. “With regards to how your Eminence chooses to deal with the matter of recalcitrant bishops, the Holy Father wishes me to reaffirm his support for your use of any of the many sanctions legitimately available under canon law.”

“And the general consensus in Rome is, that a gentle reminder about the power of martyrs would not be inappropriate at this time.”

Luciani hoped that this formal meeting would not drag on too long; he was prepared to be blandly polite for as long as was required, but it had been a long journey from Rome and his dyspepsia was acting up again.

Malissa smiled as she took the slim volume, and opened her mouth to say more, when Frasier coughed. "Ma'am, his eminence has had a long flight, I'm sure... I think it would be best if I took him to the rooms I had had prepared at the college..." his eyes twinkled as he gestured at the Prime Minister.

Cartwright blinked, and then rose to his feet rapidly. "Your Imperial Highness, there is still the matter of the Sunset Isles to attend to..." he coughed. "Sorry, sore throat..."

Another man looked up, wildly. "Oh, ,yes... I had some forms all drawn up about annexation and the purification of the villagers..." he looked over at a man wearing an ornate uniform. "First Marshal?"

"Oh, indeed..." Michael took Malissa by the hand. "Ma'am, there will be plenty of time to question His Eminence later..." he said, leading her back up the stairs. "Isn't that right, Prince John..." he said, looking at Malissa's husband.

"Oh, but I... absolutely, First Marshal. Absolutely." He ran up and took Malissa's other hand. "Come along, dear... only so many hours in the day..."

The Kaiserin stared at both of them as if they had gone insane. Her face returned from its spectral fury when John whispered something in her ear. She turned around, and curtsied. "Forgive me, Your Eminence... but it seems my Council and Cabinet want me to take a hand in their work..." she glared at Cartwright, who wilted before her gaze. "I hope this will be... interesting..."

She swept from sight. The Prime Minister mumbled his own apologies, and ran off. Frasier waited a few seconds, and then collapsed into a wall with a dry, rasping laugh. "Oh, those poor men... it's not always like that, but if we gave her a chance she'd keep you awake for the next three days asking you about Rome and The Holy Father..." his eyes narrowed when he saw Kroenen glide silently over to the two Churchmen, like an over-sized vampire bat. "Can we help you, Lieutenant?"

Kroenen looked around. "I'm sorry, Your Grace, Your Eminence... but I was wondering what, if anything, I had missed..." his words were cut off by a stern glare from the Patriarch.

"Don't try to be cunning, Kroenen... it suits you about as much as a dress would suit your master. You missed nothing, and if you interrupt a conversation between your betters one more time I will ask His Highness Prince Damien to deal with you sharply." The Patriarch drew himself up to his full height, scarcely leaning on his cane. "Now go away."

Kroenen sneered, and turned, marching from the room. After he had left sight, the sound of a man running could be heard. Frasier sighed. "I'm getting too old for this... The Kaiserin's frightened of her own power, the current Prime Minister is afraid of trying anything new, that Nazi is the man most likely to succeed him... Prince Daniel is too honourable, and Prince Damien is evil..." he leaned against the pillar, seeming very old and vulnerable. "In my own turf, the Fransicans and Dominicans in Novar Ohan have started up that argument about the Blood of Christ again, I have Internal Security men wanting to kill half of my bishops, the other half are split between those who want me to 'retire' and allow someone younger to be Patriarch, those who are in the Church only for the temporal power, people too cowardly to point out things I'm doing wrong, and those who are so full of doctrinal fervor that the idea of trying something new never occurs to them..." He took a deep breath, and continued.

"I'm being constantly asked to send for new missionaries to send into the jungle, despite the fact that we lost the last batch, in what I'm sure is a *unique* occurence I have more people applying to the seminaries than they can take..." He closed his eyes. "You are looking at the busiest man in Christendom... and losing Ver'chan to a place in southern France didn't make my life easier... I had such high hopes for him..." Frasier said, sadly.

Wombat News Report (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=3151732#3151732)

Ctan: About the same time they agreed to pay a trillion credits a year for the privilege. :twisted:

~Siri

And they say Siri's not generous. I'd have charged them several times that at least. :twisted:

As her retinue closed about her, Luciani met the Kaiserin’s eyes in a surprisingly warm and direct gaze, and said. “Do not worry, your Majesty. The Lord will give you all the strength you need to do His will, and I will be available to meet with you at any time.”

Then he turned to Fraisier, and with a return of his usual urbanely noncommittal manner, he listened to the litany of problems poured forth by the aging Patriarch.

When he finished, Luciani murmured, “Of course the decision by Cardinal Ver’Chan to retire to a cloistered order to study theology leaves a vacancy in your Church leadership. However, it was an admirable decision in light of the serious lacunae in his theological knowledge.”

“While this,” the Cardinal nodded at the crowd of ministers and VIPs surrounding them, “is hardly the appropriate place for a more in-depth discussion, I should at least tell you that there is some concern in Rome about the overall quality of theological and catechetical training in the Roanian Church, as well as a distinct uneasiness over the divergence between Roanian theology and the orthodox magisterium of the Church. It has not yet progressed to the point of a formal examination, but it is definitely a subject that should be explored while I am here.”

“Of course, while it would be most improper for Rome to interfere directly in your local Episcopal organization and the Provincial administration issues that appear to be absorbing so much of your time, we do want to be as helpful as possible in assisting you to find ways to ease that administrative burden. We can also discuss these matters at a later point.”

Luciani smiled rather drily, looking around the room. It appeared that at least some of the VIPs were drifting slowly toward the doors… perhaps this public occasion was soon to wrap up, and he could get some rest. There would likely be much to discuss in private meetings.

Patriarch Frasier barked a short laugh. "Theology... my dear Cardinal, the last time I had a chance to open a bible was when I was a Bishop! When I became an Archbishop, I was forced to spend all my time running temporal lands, and dealing with Premiers and Dukes and Princes... now that I'm a Patriarch, I'm lucky if I get a chance to recite the Mass!" He chuckled. "And you'll find it's the same wherever you go in the Empire. The Church here is too powerful, and its sucking up our energies." He shook his head. "Ver'chan was a perfect Abott... he kept quiet about things the government wanted him to keep quiet about...he managed his Monastery's temporal lands... do you know what the Dukes ask me for when its time for an Archbishop to be appointed? They don't want a man of God! They want a businessman! Someone who knows the rites of coronation and nothing else... unlike any where else in the Church, in Novar Ohan the spiritual knowledge is kept in the lower ranks of the Church. If you want to be a proper churchman here, you don't rise above Bishop."

He rubbed his eyes. "God, my childhood faith... my childhood faith... what have they done to my childhood faith... what have I done to my childhood faith? I never thought I would see the day when I yearned for Richelieu, but that day is coming... Johannes was an evil man, but he was a Good Christian. He Believed in the Lord's Word... I... I don't... not any more." The aged man rubbed the cross around his neck. "Do you know how old I am? I'm 85 years old... and in that I've seen more death than any man, of the cloth or not, has ever, or ever should... I try to believe... but I'm losing my faith, as all around me I see sacreligious fools who never believed! People who considered the Church to be purely a route to temporal power... people who scorn the spirit while following the words!" His body shook, the eyes glowing white hot with rage.

"And all those years, I plead to Patriarch Richelieu... and he did nothing, and all those years, I plead to Rome... and no help came..." he looked past Luciani, seeing something else, speaking to someone else. "Is it any wonder that the people are turning to extremists like the Archbishop of Derricks? Or seeking their faith in... other sources, like that devil Kroenen?...I see a darkness for the church... and I am but a man... filling a role I had never wanted, being all things to all people... trying to slow the inexorable fall into destruction..." he looked around, at the emptying room. "All these people... they don't believe, not really... what they believe in is the temporal power of the Catholic Church in Novar Ohan..." he shuddered, and tears flowed hot from his eyes as he beckoned to a man in a black cassock. "Brother Baylaer, his Eminence is, I'm sure, tired... please, take him to the Benedictine College near my Cathedral..." he turned back to Luciani. "The Dominicans and Franciscans both have more comfortable visiting quarters... but I can't be seen as to take sides in that interminable argument over the Blood of Christ..."

Luciani hid his shock at the Patriarch’s startling admission of neglect of his spiritual responsibilities. Clearly, the state of the Roanian Church was worse than anyone in the Vatican had imagined. Indeed they seemed barely even Catholic, at this point. He faced the ugly necessity of including on his option list a review of the status of the communion between the Roanian Rite and the mother Church.

The old Patriarch’s rambling was disturbing. The notion of “an evil man” being “a good Christian” was, he thought, symptomatic of the entire problem in the Roanian Church. Still, he seemed to want to restore the real character of the Church.

He wondered, if the prelates of the Church spent all their time at the moneychangers’ table, what the average Roanian made of his or her religion? Not much, probably. Lip service, legalities… the niceties of ritual observance… But where was the Indwelling Christ? The message of redemptive love and compassion?

A public meeting was not the time to ask difficult questions. He heard the Patriarch’s explanation about the Dominicans and the Franciscans with bemusement. It would be comic relief, if it did not betoken such tragic ignorance and misdirection. Still, easily enough dealt with. Unlike the ordinary Roanian Rite church institutions, the Religious Orders were under the authority of their Provincial and General Superiors, reporting directly to Rome. All that would be needed there was to draw the attention of the General Superiors to the ridiculous and tragic situation here, and do a little housecleaning. Painful, and lengthy, no doubt, but the Dominicans, at least, would act with dispatch and firmness. And once you goaded them up to it, the Franciscans could manage well enough.

His report would be sufficient goad. “Blood of Christ,” indeed. They were really reaching for it, if they had to plow into ridiculous old controversies from the fifteenth century. Clearly, they had nothing better to do—like looking after the poor, the sick, the elderly indigent, and other missions of charity. There would be housecleaning, most definitely.

He felt genuine compassion for the old man’s distress. “Please, dear Brother. Remember, to God, nothing is impossible. Have faith in Divine Providence, set your shoulder to the wheel with a single mind, and you can yet save your Church, I am certain.” He nodded to Brother Baylaer. “I admit, I am weary. I will be glad of a rest. Perhaps tomorrow, your Eminence, you can arrange for me to tour some of the local parish Churches and charitable institutions, and we can meet to discuss your goals for the Roanian Church in more detail.”

There was a soft cackle as Kroenen listened in. So, the old fool actually said that? he thought as he clicked off his recorder. Damien will reward me for this...

==========

The Priest nodded, and then walked the Cardinal back to the limousine. "It's not all like that... but Patriarch Frasier has a habit of only seeing the bad in people. And even if it was, it's a wider problem in all faiths in this empire..."

=========

Damien smiled. "Religion... how sweet it is when I hear the sound of it crashing down around their heads..." He listened to the recording another time, the pleasure within bubbling up. He actually giggled then, as he heard the Patriarch's litany of complaints. "Good work on getting the Dominicans and Franciscans at eachother's throats, Kroenen."

"It was nothing, Your Grace..."

"It's a pity this rot seems to be only at the top... the priests and Bishops still believe, and so do the lower orders of the gentry. And all the commoners... there must be something we can do." Damien thought for a second, and then laughed.

Luciani glanced at Brother Baylaer curiously as they entered the limosine. “The Patriarch ‘only sees the bad in people?’ A curious viewpoint, for a man in his position.” He shrugged, and abandoned the subject.

“We have actually had quite favorable reports of the ordinary diocesan priesthood and the lay Faithful in Roania. There seems to be a solid undercurrent of real communion in works of charity, education of the young, and participation in the Mass and the Sacraments.”

“Tell me, Brother—how does the ordinary priesthood view the Episcopal hierarchy in Roania. And the people—how do they regard their bishops?”

KNN Radio news service

…Riots in the poor neighbourhood continues in the second day as police struggle to control the strikers. A police cordon has been formed to protect the nearby upper-class suburban district from the rioters…

…in other news, the ministry of Economic Affairs announced it has reached an agreement to end the mutual embargoes between the Divine Empire of Roania and Knootoss. Restricted trade has been opened with the empire, and a Knootian embassy will be established in the Roanian city of Port Agua.

The ministry stressed that sentient rights and political freedoms had been key in the talks. A ministry spokesman stated as a success that several books that had been banned recently have been removed from the banning list. The spokesman stressed that the ministry would continue to use trade as a policy tool to improve civil and political rights abroad. Major corporations have expressed satisfaction with the development and have announced that investment plans may be forthcoming…

(OOC: I hope this is okay, in the way you intended it ;) ))

Bayleur started to chuckle, but stopped himself. "Begging your eminence's forgiveness... it isn't the bishops that are really the problem, well, not most of them. It's the 4 Archbishops and their closer allies that are the real problem." He shook his head. "The Archbishop of Derricks is anti-liberalist, and supports violence as a tool of spreading and defending the faith. The Archbishop of Agua is a pawn for the Grand Duke. The Archbishop of Roan is arrogant and conceited. And the Archbishop of Altara is older than the Patriarch, and all his daily business is handled by Bishop Cazertov. The various local heads of the orders are almost as bad, though something's been stirring them up..."

He paused, and thought for a second. "Most people in the Divine Empire have little-to-no respect for the upper levels of the Hierarchy. As churchmen, that is. They just consider them to be slightly more polite nobles, landowners... and *that* is an empire-wide problem." He looked around, as if nervous about eavesdroppers. "Don't tell the Patriarch about this, but I'm friends with a monk from one of the Orthodox Orders, and he said that his Metropolitan is less of a churchman then a dignitary. I think the only faith in the empire where there's no distraction by profane concerns at the upper level would be... um... Buddhism..."

"I'm just a Monk, sir...I don't know too much about how the priests feel about the Bishops and Archbishops... I think that they just nod politely when they meet their superiors in the Church Hierarchy, and carry on doing what they had been doing before..."

The car pulled into a park. A Golden Cross stood on a hill, and around the corner was a large white building. "Welcome to the College of the Order Benedictine, Your Eminence."

Luciani listened to Brother Bayleur with interest. The thumbnail sketches of the Archbishops pretty much confirmed the briefing he’d had from the Secretariat of State. An unpleasant bunch, to be sure—especially Derricks.

He grinned when he heard the monk’s description of how the priests regarded their bishops: “..they just nod politely and carry on doing what they had been doing before.” That pretty much described 98% of the priests Luciani knew, who considered bishops relevant only when there were confirmations to be scheduled or some dispensation to be demanded from Rome. And that arrangement had pretty much ensured that the real business of the Church—the ministry to the billions of Catholic souls—managed to get carried on, day in and day out, for more than 2,000 years now.

“Ahhh… a Benedictine College—very suitable,” said Luciani obscurely. It was a reference to his own youthful education, but the monk couldn’t know that. Still, if Luciani had a soft spot (a question hotly disputed in the Curia) for any Order, it was probably the Benedictines. However, he never showed a preference in any way. He thanked the monk politely, and went to settle in.

An hour later, he was on the phone to the General Superior of the Franciscans, followed by a similar call to Peter Nemarni, the Dominican. By the next day, they’d have representatives on their way to Roania to straighten out the nonsense among their Orders. A good start on the assignment, but the real work would begin tomorrow.

He’d have to try and meet as many ordinary bishops as possible, see if there were some that would make suitable candidates for advancement. It sounded likely that there would be a vacancy in the Archepiscopate soon.

Patriarch Frasier spent the night looking through various books of legal precedents. What to do with the Inquisition...what to do with the inquisition...

His private secretaries didn't like this. They muttered to eachother, "He's working himself to death...and there's no clear successor."

But none of them took action.

In the morning, he was found sound asleep, lying on an obscure book of twentieth century law.

(OOC: Please note—due to an unfortunate confluence of travel plans and a bug-infested network being taken offline for some days, it is unlikely that the muns of the Holy Vatican See will be doing much posting for the next week. We apologize for the inconvenience; please feel free to move events along and we will try to catch up.)

A polite knock came at the door of Luciani's dormitory, a monk standing outside the room. The sun rose over the mountains, its light peeking through his windows. Outside, monks wandered the avenues of the university, starting to chant the morning prayers in a call to action for the Roanian monks still sleeping.

Luciani didn’t sleep much, these days. He didn’t really seem to need it. So he was up and dressed when the knock came, and had already finished saying Lauds and Prime. He nodded to the monk, uncertain whether this monastery kept pre-Mass silence, and followed him to the chapel to hear the first Mass of the day.

The Benedictines, at any rate, seemed to have their Rule intact and their practice in conformity.

After Mass, he joined the community for breakfast, then requested a guide to his meeting with the Patriarch.

The limousine left the university, carrying Cardinal Luciani to the Imperial Central Cathedral. The immense gothic spires reared from the ground, visible even alonside the massive tower of Omega Corporation.

The car pulled into the lot, and Luciani was politely escorted into the vestry. Stained glass windows were everywhere a normal window could be placed, and scenes of catholic heroism and Imperial valour were everywhere.

Above the door into the main chapel, a large window showed a man standing in medieval armour, a crown on his head, and 4 precious stones under him. The monk bowed low to Luciani, and coughed. "Your Eminence, Patriarch Frasier is... indisposed. He has asked the Archbishop of Roan to take his place, and begs your leave."

The Cardinal looked concerned. “I am very sorry to hear of the Patriarch’s indisposition. I will offer Mass, this afternoon, for his comfort and recovery. And of course,” he said with an unreadable expression, “I am very pleased to meet with Archbishop Darsage. I wonder, too, if the Patriarch has someone in charge of maintaining the records of the Church. Would it be possible for me to have a meeting with that individual?” he asked, as he followed the monk.

"Why yes...the Patriarch's private secretary, Father Du Tilh... it would be very easy to arrange a meeting between you and him..." the door was opened to Darsage's office-suite, in one of the upper rooms of the massive Cathedral.

The Archbishop of Roan was a small man, with a very angular looking face. His eyes pierced wherever they looked, and they seemed particularly interested on the robes of Luciani. His eyes seemed to be saying 'yes, I am a mere Archbishop now...but soon, I will be Patriarch.' "Blessings be upon Your Eminence..." Darsage said, nodding his head and rising from his paperwork.

Luciani, who was wearing only a simple cassock and the crimson zucchetto of a Cardinal, surveyed the Archbishop with a politeness that had something of the jaded in it. His biliousness was acting up a touch, and it gave him a rather lackluster outlook today. He noted the egotism that the Archbishop projected unenthusiastically. It appeared that the monk who had given him such pithy capsule sketches of the Roanian church leaders had a penetrating insight.

However, his manner was diplomatically correct and neutral. “Good morning, your Excellency. A pleasure to meet you, although I am sorry that it must be under the circumstances of the Patriarch’s indisposition. Still, I am looking forward to hearing your views on the state of the Church in Roania, and the recent changes.”

Darsage smiled. "Ah, I am so pleased you asked that...these reforms have been taken on my advice, over the protestations of that troglodyte in Derricks...I think they all turned out well, don't you?" He clasped his hands together. "Yes...it's truly terrible about his Eminence the Patriarch... I fear that there may be a vacancy in the See of Tarnaqin before long..."

Cardinal Luciani smiled thinly. “I’m so glad to hear that you are a committed supporter of the, ah, reforms, your Excellency. Doubtless you are energetically implementing them in your own See? It could be very inspirational, to have Roan provide a model for the re-orientation of the Roanian Church. I’m sure your colleagues would find it most edifying. And helpful to them, as they work to implement the reforms in their own Sees.”

“We must certainly hope that Patriarch Frasier is spared to see the fruition of his leadership,” Luciani watched the Archbishop keenly, “but in the sad event that an Election becomes necessary, Rome, of course, would hope that his successor would be a man who could carry on the work of reform, balancing it with, ah… sensitivity… to local issues. The Holy Father is greatly concerned about the condition of the Church in Roania, particularly with regards to theological studies and the education of the clergy.”

“Abbott Ver’Chan, of course, was an unfortunate representative. But that any man could reach a level of such responsibility in the Church, with such—eccentric—theology, makes an examination of the Roanian seminaries and theological institutes imperative. It appears that there is virtually no understanding of post-Vatican II theology or doctrine. These are serious omissions.”

“The Roanian episcopacy must accustom itself to the contemporary mission of the Church, and the leadership style it demands of its prelates. We are the servants of the People of God. Our authority is given us only that we may in our turn give all that we have for the Faithful—especially the poor, the sick, the desolate, and those lost in the dark maze of worldliness, materialism, and pride—our care is to them, first and greatest. Not to temporal position, powers, and honors.”

“I’m glad that your Excellency is prepared to take leadership in these matters. Can you give me some idea of the steps you are taking within your own household and administration, to live these reforms?”

Darsage smiled, thinly, and pulled out a thin file of paper. "Well, I've implemented the reforms in my own Episcopal See of the Stronghold...I intend to bring the bishops of my archepiscopal see of Roan into line as well."

He pulled out some sheets of paper revealing an increase in budget spent on theology, and detailing purchases of abandoned houses to turn into half-way houses and rehabilitation centres. He also spoke on charity drives being increased, and proudly announced that he had won from the central government permission to renovate some of the churches in the city itself.

"The problem is that the nobility stands in the way of actually helping the poor. Despite recent democratic changes, the majority of the Roanian nobility considers the poor to be their property, and will occasionally take violent stands against interference..."

“These are very worthy measures of progress, certainly,” Luciani commented, studying the materials Darsage provided. “What percentage of the Stronghold’s resources is represented here? Please forgive my ignorance—I’ve not had time to absorb as much detail as I could wish, regarding Roanian Church affairs.”

“As regards the nobility,” the faintest stirring of humor might possibly have appeared in his eyes for a moment, quickly banished, “if reminders about camels and the needle’s eye are not sufficient to assure greater cooperation—as they seldom are, alas—you might look at subtler methods.”

He sat back, and surveyed the Archbishop shrewdly. “For instance, it might be interesting to examine the effects of vigorous positive reinforcement. The Kaiserin, for example, appears to be a charitably-minded leader. Or perhaps another member of the royal family or influential nobility can be persuaded to show leadership in this area. Then your task is to render that leadership highly visible—and highly admirable. Doubtless there are any number of spiritual benefits—not to mention any possibly worldly favor—that can be highlighted with regard to a particularly exemplary leader or two, among the nobility.”

He sighed. “I know that you have a very considerable task before you, Archbishop, and certainly the Church does not with to burden you and your colleagues with unrealistic expectations. However, certain theological matters really must proceed with the minimum possible delay. For instance, the 1992 Catechism must promptly replace all prior usages. This must be true not only in Catholic school settings, but in adult instructions and extra-scholastic religious education of all kinds.”

“And secondly, the widest possible distribution, and the most vigorous possible promotion by all Bishops and Archbishops, must be given to “Dignitatis Humanae,” as soon as possible. I’ve brought with me sufficient copies for every Roanian parish, as well as originals for reproduction in electronic and paper formats.”

(The document in question is here:
http://www.cin.org/v2relfre.html
It refers to the Church’s declaration that freedom from all forms of religious coercion is a doctrinal necessity, that governments should not “command or inhibit” religious acts, the desirability of the separation of Church and state and the freedom of the Church from governmental action or interference in all its normal religious and administrative functions, the Church’s emphatic views on securing universal human rights, and the requirement of all Catholic clergy to maintain the independence of the Church from any kind of state interference or domination.)

“Perhaps a special initiative to distribute the Declaration, and to preach on it, should be scheduled for some upcoming Sunday. Doubtless you will know best how to ensure that the message is vigorously borne throughout the Church.”

The Cardinal smiled, finally. It was a rather tight-cornered smile—that was simply how Luciani’s face was shaped—but a genuine one. “A challenge, I am aware. Still, I have great confidence in your Excellency and your colleagues to put across any matter which you truly regard as important.”

He sighed, and rose. “And now, perhaps, I can take a moment to look over some of the Patriarchal archives?”

“These are very worthy measures of progress, certainly,” Luciani commented, studying the materials Darsage provided. “What percentage of the Stronghold’s resources is represented here? Please forgive my ignorance—I’ve not had time to absorb as much detail as I could wish, regarding Roanian Church affairs.”

"Church property...consists of around 1% of the city proper, at this moment in time. The priests within the See might have more information, but including halfway houses and soup-kitchens and the like, it might be 1.5% of total property in the Stronghold itself...I'm unsure of Churchlands and property in the Archepiscopal See of Roan, though I think that it's again 1%. Churchland in Tarnaqin, which is geographically within the Archepiscopal see, might be 10%, mostly Academies and Church schools."

“As regards the nobility,” the faintest stirring of humor might possibly have appeared in his eyes for a moment, quickly banished, “if reminders about camels and the needle’s eye are not sufficient to assure greater cooperation—as they seldom are, alas—you might look at subtler methods.”

He sat back, and surveyed the Archbishop shrewdly. “For instance, it might be interesting to examine the effects of vigorous positive reinforcement. The Kaiserin, for example, appears to be a charitably-minded leader. Or perhaps another member of the royal family or influential nobility can be persuaded to show leadership in this area. Then your task is to render that leadership highly visible—and highly admirable. Doubtless there are any number of spiritual benefits—not to mention any possibly worldly favor—that can be highlighted with regard to a particularly exemplary leader or two, among the nobility.”

Darsage made a brief note, clearly finding the idea of working with the Kaiserin, or gaining influence with the Kaiserin, to be attractive. "I can certainly manage that...for too long have the Churchmen of this Imperium been content to pay only lipservice to the need for kindness and justice...perhaps if the Altaran church had paid more heed to its duty, there wouldn't be an Internal People's Republic and the Altaran nobles might still be around..." this was clearly a sticking point with the Roanian, but he wouldn't let himself be drawn any further. If old Kurstow was capable of more than meaningless mumbling, he'd have put an end to this 'keeping the peasants under control with both prayer and lash' business.

Darsage had no similar illusions. He was ambitious, perhaps cravenly so, but he had maintained his morals and had no wish to seek power only for himself. Instead, he viewed any power he attained as a position from which to aid more people...whose support he could than use to reach even higher.


He sighed. “I know that you have a very considerable task before you, Archbishop, and certainly the Church does not with to burden you and your colleagues with unrealistic expectations. However, certain theological matters really must proceed with the minimum possible delay. For instance, the 1992 Catechism must promptly replace all prior usages. This must be true not only in Catholic school settings, but in adult instructions and extra-scholastic religious education of all kinds.”

The Archbishop raised his hand, slowly. "Concerns have been raised about the...suitability of the 1992 catechism... none in Roan or Agua, of course...but the Church in Altara has had social revolution and reaction to deal with, and is thus trying to preserve the core of the Faith before it evolves...and Derricks...well, I'm sure you've heard. I believe that my honoured colleague has this time endangered himself...but I'd hate for him to become a martyr to h...sorry, the faith. Sends the wrong message..." Darsage didn't want to reveal his suspicions of the Archbishop of Derricks. "Still, I have some minor influence with the bishops of the Imperium, even in the other Archepiscopal sees and I personally feel that the 1992 catechism is demonstrative of the true face of the church...I will do my best to convince His Eminence that sterner action should be taken against those who old tight to the old, decadent, ways..."

“And secondly, the widest possible distribution, and the most vigorous possible promotion by all Bishops and Archbishops, must be given to “Dignitatis Humanae,” as soon as possible. I’ve brought with me sufficient copies for every Roanian parish, as well as originals for reproduction in electronic and paper formats.”

(The document in question is here:
http://www.cin.org/v2relfre.html
It refers to the Church’s declaration that freedom from all forms of religious coercion is a doctrinal necessity, that governments should not “command or inhibit” religious acts, the desirability of the separation of Church and state and the freedom of the Church from governmental action or interference in all its normal religious and administrative functions, the Church’s emphatic views on securing universal human rights, and the requirement of all Catholic clergy to maintain the independence of the Church from any kind of state interference or domination.)

“Perhaps a special initiative to distribute the Declaration, and to preach on it, should be scheduled for some upcoming Sunday. Doubtless you will know best how to ensure that the message is vigorously borne throughout the Church.”

"Absolutely..." Darsage smiled now. With threats of damnation to ward away those who feel that the role of the church is still to kill those who don't believe...which in itself might be... He crushed *that* thought fairly quickly. "I can promise you that next Sunday, every priest in Roan will be speaking about the need for universal human rights and the elimination of state interference...including, I should think, mine...I've been neglecting my duties in my own Cathedral for too long...so much organising and work and arguments and..." he paused. "No...no...I'll do a sermon in the palace chapel... have all the nobility come to hear it..." the weaselly man chuckled drily. "If I walk out of the palace without some noble's stilleto in my back, then Agua and Derricks will sit up and take notice. Altara, of course, has already independently started to preach such things as universal human rights...equal pay..." He noticed Luciani's expression. "I was joking...no noble will really try to kill me, even if I do shatter their comfortable misconceptions about the church backing them up...putting it into practice and spreading the word might be a bit of..." With this as what the Pope desires, even Agua will stand up to his puppet-master and deliver that sermon...

The Cardinal smiled, finally. It was a rather tight-cornered smile—that was simply how Luciani’s face was shaped—but a genuine one. “A challenge, I am aware. Still, I have great confidence in your Excellency and your colleagues to put across any matter which you truly regard as important.”

He sighed, and rose. “And now, perhaps, I can take a moment to look over some of the Patriarchal archives?”

"Those which are here, yes," Darsage said, checking his books once more. "The older papers are up in Tarnaqin, but with the Patriarch down here for constant medical attention..." a bit of sadness, only partially forced, came into the Archbishop's voice then. Frasier had been a rock for the faith for 50 years, Archbishop and Patriarch. "We've been praying for him, but...I think he considers his work to be done..." He cleared the bleariness from his voice. "Anyway, the recent papers are in my Cathedral Library, with the Patriarchal Secretary, Father Robin Du Tilh..."

Luciani’s eye narrowed momentarily as the Archbishop’s definition of Church “resources” carefully limited it to real estate. No mention of personnel assignments, no mention of cash or other assets. Interesting. He made a note in his personal shorthand, regarding audit recommendations for a future Patriarch. Or Frasier, of course, if he recovered. Which didn’t at this point sound likely.

But he let the matter pass. Either the answer was deliberately evasive, or the Archbishop didn’t have a clue regarding the realities of Episcopal administration and leadership. Whichever it was, it fingered Darsage clearly as a man more interested in pursuing his personal agenda than in doing the work of God—though he clearly wasn’t above using God’s work in the process. How wise in their time are the children of the world, thought Luciani, while we, who make ourselves fools for the love of God, must stand helplessly by and consign the outcomes to Divine Providence, trusting in the infinite power and mercy of God to write straight with crooked lines.

The little bait he’d thrown out regarding the Royal Family had been so eagerly snapped up! A social climber, interested in making his way up the ladder of worldly power and influence, playing politics every step of the way. Roania seemed to have an abundant supply of them. He continued the conversation as the two men paced toward the Cathedral Library.

“Given the particular reforms in the 1992 Catechism, I would expect that the administration of a, er… socialist-oriented… province would find it far more congruent with the unique challenges of their environment than the older versions. Perhaps the problem in Altara is simply that they have not had sufficient opportunity to review and study the matter. They can be assured—nothing in the 1992 Catechism alters the core of the Faith, which is as the magisterium of the Church defines it, received from the hands of the Saviour himself, and the Fathers of the Church, through two thousand years of study and revelation.”

“As for Derricks…” he shrugged. “…that is a problem only the Patriarch can resolve. For now, it must rest in abeyance. However, I will be including a formal recommendation in my report to Rome that the Holy Father bring up the matter with the Patriarch. It may well prove to be a pivotal issue.”

“I will look forward to hearing your sermon on Dignitatis Humanae,” he said politely. “And, while I understand your reference to possible consequences to yourself to be in the nature of a jest, I am not unaware of the level of controversy that is likely to be generated around the matter. We don’t wish to provoke any kind of violent reaction, or expose the clergy to, ah… opportunities for needless martyrdom, as it were. Do look after yourself.”

He turned, as they entered the library, and focused on the man seated at a large desk.

Father Du Tilh was a dignified man with a white crown of hair. He rose and bowed slightly to the Cardinal as Luciani entered. "Yes...they told me you might be coming, Your Eminence..." the man spoke with the soft, slow voice of an Altaran. He waved his hand towards a pile of books lying open on the table. "I took the liberty of setting out a variety of works...Roanian Ligature, church expenditure...everything down to the names of most priests in the Imperium."

Du Tilh looked a bit worried for a moment. "Did the Lord Archbishop say anything about my Patriarch?" He asked, worried. "He had been taken away this morning, and..."

Luciani scrutinized the Patriarchal Secretary closely for a moment, then shook his head gravely. “I know no more than you. We can only pray, Father.”

He approached the table, and looked over the materials. “Ah… Thank you, Father. I was hoping for something on the Provincial organization of the Patriarchate; this is most helpful.”

After a moment’s review of the documents, he looked up again at the Secretary. “Tell me, Father… Did the Patriarch share with you any of his plans for the continuing reformation of the Roanian Church?”

Du Tilh bowed his head in apology. "I am most sorry...His Eminence rarely confided details in me...all I know is that he was planning to increase charity drives," he paused, pulling a number out of memory," by...ten percent, yes... re-organise the personell assignments in the Church Academies so that another Ver'Chan doesn't slip through the net, and start ecumenical and inter-faith ventures in the Imperium...there was also talk of removing the Archbishop of Derricks and having him take silence..." the Secretary walked to the desk, and flipped open a manila folder.

He paused, and then looked Luciani directly in the eye. "Please, your eminence...I haven't spoken to him in two days, you must have seen him yesterday...how did he look?" The Patriarchal Secretary was worried now. Was his Patriarch going to...going...he couldn't even think it. It was inconsciable, a Church without Frasier in it. And who ever else got became Patriarch would be worse, oh so much worse... He remembered scanning the notes the Patriarch had made on his likely successors, and sighed. Archbishop Manfred Zhiosky, the brother of the murdered Yaakov, would have been wonderful...but there was doubt he'd live through the year. Archbishop Darsage would send the Church back to the days of Patriarch Richelieu II, hardly a nice prospect. Archbishop James Ebert would undo every positive reform of the last 200 years, and order priests to preach the goodness of serfdom, if the Grand Duke ordered him to. And the Archbishop of Derricks...Du Tilh shuddered at the thought.

Luciani was touched by the man’s concern for the Patriarch. “I did see Patriarch Frasier at the reception yesterday. He seemed a bit—tired. He is a very elderly man,” he added gently, “…and has given greatly of himself for the sake of the Church.” He tried to convey, by his tone, an indication of what he believed was the truth: That the Patriarch was on his deathbed.

Which was appallingly inconvenient, as well as very sad. He considered what the secretary told him about the Patriarch’s plans. In spite of his demurral, it seemed that Patriarch Frasier must have had enormous confidence in his secretary. Ecumenical and inter-faith ventures—even if they were only gestures—were a bold step indeed, and one that would certainly generate considerable controversy. And the removal of an Archbishop from his See… Well, it’s what Luciani would have recommended, himself, given the man’s recalcitrance and possibly (probably, even) heretical actions—but not a step to be undertaken lightly.

He sat down, and gestured for the secretary to do so, as well. “I think Patriarch Frasier had considerable trust in you, Father, and apparently a good deal of respect for your judgment, to share such information with you. I will take this unspoken recommendation from him, then, and share a little of my information with you, asking that you hold it in reasonable confidence—although ultimately, all of my recommendations will be in writing, and they will doubtless be shared with the Patriarch.”

“There are serious failures of leadership in the Roanian Church, and these as you are aware have allowed error and even heresy to creep into practice and doctrine here in Roania. Nevertheless, from what I can tell, there remains a base that can be turned to restoration, if the will materializes among the leadership. The Faithful, the ordinary diocesan priests, the professed among the religious Orders, appear to have a sincere desire to live according to the pattern revealed by our dear Lord Jesus. The Kaiserin, too, seems to have a sincere appreciation of, and will to live in accordance with, the Faith. So there is something to work with. But the situation is grave. The shepherds have tended, not to the flock, but to their own worldly or political ends, as far as I can tell.”

“Truly, I would be delighted if you could contradict this—prove me wrong in this estimation. I would happily accept correction. But if I am not wrong, there are serious issues to resolve between the Roanian Rite and Holy Mother Church. The Church will to all we can to assist and to resolve these issues, but they must be resolved. And, in the final analysis, it is only the Roanian Church, its Faithful and its leaders, who can truly resolve them.”

“I will be communicating with the Superior Generals and Presidents of the various religious Orders, to look to their housekeeping in Roania. There may well be some depositions, some elections, certainly some changes in leadership. Any brethren who can waste their time spewing rancor at each other based on centuries-old esoteric theological niggling, when there is so much serious work to be done here in Roania, need new leadership.” His mouth tightened, briefly.

“As to the Episcopal Council, Patriarch Frasier had already anticipated one aspect—to engage in a serious disciplinary action with the most intractable and heretical of his colleagues, in the hope that it might convince the others to look to their real work, and mend their ways. With the support of the Kaiserin and the Church behind him, the Patriarch can do great good. A measured, but assertive, action is appropriate now.”

He watched the man as he spoke. “I do not wish to put you on the spot, Father, nor yet to impose on your very admirable loyalty to Patriarch Frasier. But I would be obliged if you could give me—without prejudice—your comments upon these steps, and your perceptions about how they might be implemented, and what the responses are likely to be.”

Du Tilh gave an anguished gasp when Luciani had told him about Frasier's condition on the day before. He reached for the cross around his neck, and held it tightly, seeming to draw comfort from its presence. He listened carefully to the Cardinal, and shook his head, sadly. "I...I was told this information in strictest confidence...I'd be...I'd be...well...I feel they can only do the Church good..."

The Cardinal watched the Secretary steadily for a moment, then nodded. “Well, a good deal will depend on how effectively Roanian clergy can understand, and communicate, what is needed.”

With that, he bent his head over the materials the priest had prepared, reviewing the rosters, the financial statements, and other documents.

(BTW, Roania, is Luciani going to hear about the Cathedral getting whacked?)

((Which Cathedral? Kroenen's rather unfortunate adventures in Agua? Or did I blow up a Catholic Cathedral? :eek: ))

Du Tilh patiently hovered nearby, awaiting further orders from his Eminence. Only his distracted clasp of his cross and his distant gaze gave any hint of his internal concerns.