NationStates Jolt Archive

"Father Johnson, if we don't do something the Church will close down by the end of the year!"

"We must not compromise our principles!"

Father Ward Johnson looked at the financial profile Deacon Geoff Helmsley handed him. The numbers were staggering, if not surprising. The Catholic Church diocese in Woodstock barely had enough money to pay the rent for the property they were on with the donations it received. Heavy taxes and minimal outside income meant the Church's landlords could foreclose at any time.

Even though there wasn't a cardinal to be found anywhere in Sarzonia, the Archbishop of Woodstock was considered the de-facto religious leader in Sarzonia and he had his headquarters right there at that diocese. If the diocese were closed down, the parishoners would be forced to meet elsewhere, likely in their own homes.

Deacon Helmsley warily removed the framed letter from its mooring on the wall and gave it a languid glance. He read the sentence that started the Church on its predicament over and over: Unless the various religious entities throughout Sarzonia endorse full marriage rights for all couples regardless of sexual orientation, marriage shall not receive any civil recognition from the several Governments of Sarzonia.

Rather than cave in on an issue that Church leaders were stridently opposed to, they agreed to the compromise that would give full civil recognition to civil unions instead of marriages and would allow religious leaders to determine their own fate. However, the compromise came at a price. Churches were no longer allowed to receive tax exempt status and had to pay taxes like everyone else. Within a short period of time, smaller churches around the country closed their doors. If the Archbishop of Woodstock didn't act soon, the diocese in Woodstock would be next.

"It looks like I don't have a choice in the matter," Archbishop Brian Stinson said. "I must get a direct address with the President." Fearing a string of red tape that could discourage a lesser man, his hands shook as he picked the phone up. He was about to put everything on the line to save his Church, even if it meant giving up a prohibition against same sex marriage that alienated the Church with the government.

"Mr. President, you have a phone call."

"Who is it Becky?"

"Archbishop Stinson."

Stinson! Sarzo groaned at the sound of his name. The exchange of letters between him and Stinson after Sarzonia eliminated marriage's legal status was one for the ages. The debate between the two men got so heated that secret service agents were forced to separate the two men when a witness claimed that Stinson told Sarzo he would "burn in hell," and Sarzo allegedly replied, "I'll see you there," and added an unprintable epithet.

But the decision, as controversial as it was, led to the Church's loss of influence. Other religions that did not allow same-sex marriage fell by the wayside, but many of them had minimal presences in Sarzonia. Reform Judaism was one religion that thrived since then, as their leaders continued to enjoy tax breaks that were eliminated with the new law.

Sarzo and First Partner Jay Tyler hadn't even taken part in a civil union ceremony, but were hoping to do that and follow it with a Church wedding. However, the Church denied the President and his partner that right even though he was the leader of the country. Now Stinson was calling Sarzo again for the first time since they were physically separated.

"I'll take it, Becky," Sarzo said warily.

Becky forwarded the call to Sarzo's private line and then rolled herself in her chair near the door. She figured the fur was going to fly any moment and she wanted to hear her boss go off on Stinson. She figured it was going to be worth mentioning at the dinner table.

"Sarzo."

"Mr. President, I would like a direct audience with you."

"What for?"

"We need to discuss your policies regarding the Church."

"Archbishop Stinson, you know my stance on the matter and that hasn't changed since the last time we spoke," Sarzo asserted.

"I'm aware of that," Stinson sighed. "But still, I would like to discuss matters with you and perhaps come to an understanding." Sarzo didn't answer for nearly half a minute, so Stinson said, "please, Mr. President. I'm willing to discuss whatever you have in mind as well."

"Very well, Archbishop Stinson. Be at my office first thing tomorrow morning. Seven thirty."

"Understood."

bump

OOC: Not sure where this is going but Ill jump in anyway...

IC: As General Wilson sat in his plush leather office chair contemplating what he was going to have for dinner that night the phone suddenly rang awaking him from his reverie. "What the devil do you want?" he said to the terrified aid on the other end of the line. "Sir! We have reports from Sarzonia that several churches are having to compromise their beliefs to stay open". "How exactly are they compromising their beliefs" said the general as he eyed the clock. "Well sir, the situation is this. Ever since the government legalized same sex marriage many small churches have been closing their doors because they lost all their tax breaks." "Its that damn president I tell you... no one should up and change what they believe in under threat of going out of business.... Can a church go out of business?" "Im sure its possible sir." "Well quit sitting on your ass and find out what we can do about it!" With those last words the general hung up the phone.

OOC: Great idea, Sarz... :)

IC:

Through our various religious channels of communication with the Sarzonian branch of the Catholic Church, we have heard they have fallen upon hard times. As we are brothers and sisters of this holy flock, we would like to offer to support them financially and to help them elect another Cardinal for our ally, Sarzonia. We would also be willing to help try to get the Sarzonian people back into the Holy Communion.

We hope the Sarzonian Church accepts this act of Christian charity.

For God and Saint Peter,

Cardinal Delange,
Head of the Guilder Catholic Church,
Member of the Holy Synod,

Official Message from the Doomingsland Catholic Church

We have noted with much distress that our Sarzonian brothers and sisters are struggling to operate and maintain their churches. Generous contributions from the people of Doomingsland (OOC:and the government) allow for us to send aid in the form of finnance to help you to keep your doors open to those in need. A total of one hundred billion dollars will be wired immediatly in the hopes of preserving Christaindom.

May you stand strong in the face of the Sodomite Heretics, Brothers and Sisters!

To the office of Mike Sarzo (SIC):

"I'll give you $500 billion to prevent any of these wackos from giving money to the Catholic Church."-The Great Leader Li.

ooc: tag
Also interested to see you say Judaism is thriving. If its above 25% or if its the state religion, you can join the New JDA, I'd love to have you join if you want.

ooc: note to Sarz. Yes my leader is trying to bribe you. The money shall be called "Profit sharing between allies" if the media ever finds out.

ooc: note to Sarz. Yes my leader is trying to bribe you. The money shall be called "Profit sharing between allies" if the media ever finds out.

And the Government of Greater Valia will double that ammount to not take any bribes that are not in the Valian Unions interest. (I.E. taking money from MP to keep people from saving churches)

President Williamson, of the Constitutional Republic, sat looking over the international reports.... A notice about Sarzonia caught his eye...

"Sarzonian churches closing due to lift of taxation for failure to endorse same sex marriages...", he reads to himself...

'What?' he thinks to himself... 'Now, here is a group that doesn't understand compromise...'

He then goes and drafts a letter to the President of Sarzonia...


**** Message ****
TO: President Sarzo, of Sarzonia
FRM: President Williamson of the Constitutional Republic of Tekania
SUBJ: Present situation regarding same-sex marriage...

Esteemed fellow President,

I am writting not in an official capacity, but only as a person concerned of present activities in your nation.

In the Constitutional Republic, we never found it necessary to impose upon religions who do not necessarily endorse same-sex marriage. We found that the provision of law in allowing civil marriages negates the necessity of enforcing morality contrary to the dictates of particular religious institutions.

I would caution, that singling out groups based upon particular moral view-points, can be construed as a violation of those groups civil liberties as regarding religion and beliefs.

Thus, we would regard ballance in this issue of crucial importance. And that removing such institutions tax-exempt status, due to particular view-points, which are non-prohibitive upon others (that is, why should a group be forced into positions contrary to their own private morality)... And would regard your actions as being biased towards one side than the others, at the expense of overall civil liberties.

The Constitutional Republic has followed the principles of sanctioning gay-marriage, without the need to step upon the personal convictions of her citizens which may morally oppose said life-styles. That being said, perhapse your levy of tax upon the institutions to their detriment, based singularly upon their religious convictions, is construed as an act of bias against the religious liberty of your people. Perhapse, with this wisdom, you can develope compomise between both parties in your nation in regards to this issue.

I hope this wisdom provides you with insite into how to handle this situation best.

With Sincere Regard,
Eric David Williamson
President, Constitutional Republic of Tekania
**** END ****

ooc: did it ever occur to you that Sarzonia may not actually have freedom of religion built into its constitution?

ooc: did it ever occur to you that Sarzonia may not actually have freedom of religion built into its constitution?
OOC: Yes, but that still does not prevent one governmnet possessing such, to plead on behalf of such to another country which may not... It is obvious that "personal liberty" is a position held by such state because of the reasoning behind the principle of the levy... Thus to plead with them based upon such, to offer and construct a compromising position in which all parties may be satisfactorily appeased, for the betterment of the all, is in no way contrary to their obvious intentions as a state...

<OOC>
WOOT!

Interesting thread.


TEO

*tagged!*

Tag

Tag, and if you need my involvement in the RP as per the whole Catholic thing, then just say the word.

Krioval would like to congratulate Lord President Sarzo and his partner on their intent to solemnify their union. It is truly a blessing in this day and age to see love triumph over prejudice and bigotry. Regarding the situation in Sarzonia, and the policies of the Church there, I would like to personally offer the couple the hospitality of Krioval, and the opportunity to be married either under the Pantheon of Krioval or the Kriovalian Catholic Church. We are also willing to extend immediate agreements on trade at your convenience.

Commander Raijin Dekker
Armed Republic of Krioval