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{{Template:Caphiric Catholicism sidebar}} | {{Template:Caphiric Catholicism sidebar}} | ||
The '''Caphiric Catholic Church''', formerly and commonly known as the '''Imperial Church of Caphiria''', is a particular church in full communion with the [[Pope]] and the worldwide [[Catholic Church]]. It is by far the largest particular church, with over one billion congregants, and the only one to worship in the Caphiric rite. It is the established church and was the de facto state religion of the [[Imperium of Caphiria]] for over three centuries. The primate of the church is the Patriarch of Venceia and All Sarpedon. | The '''Caphiric Catholic Church''', formerly and commonly known as the '''Imperial Church of Caphiria''', is a particular church in full communion with the [[Pope]] and the worldwide [[Catholic Church]]. It is by far the largest particular church, with over one billion congregants, and the only one to worship in the Caphiric rite. It is the established church and was the de facto state religion of the [[Imperium of Caphiria]] for over three centuries. The primate of the church is the Patriarch of Venceia and All Sarpedon. | ||
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==Diocesan administration== | ==Diocesan administration== | ||
Much like the [[Catholic Church]] globally, the Caphiric Church is divided into jurisdictions under the control of a single bishop known as dioceses. The Caphiric Church employs many moderately small dioceses, unlike most other countries abroad. During the schismatic era, the bishops were viewed as a means of oversight and influence throughout the country. They were employed as a kind of quasi-civil service, providing both teaching and material benefits alongside the civil government. Accordingly, within the Caphiric Church in modern Caphiria, there are 1,092 dioceses, nearly 200 more than [[Urcea]] despite Caphiria being half the size in terms of population. A minority of dioceses have become effectively titular dioceses as the geographical area has depopulated in the last 400 years. | Much like the [[Catholic Church]] globally, the Caphiric Church is divided into jurisdictions under the control of a single bishop known as dioceses. The Caphiric Church employs many moderately small dioceses, unlike most other countries abroad. During the schismatic era, the bishops were viewed as a means of oversight and influence throughout the country. They were employed as a kind of quasi-civil service, providing both teaching and material benefits alongside the civil government. Accordingly, within the Caphiric Church in modern Caphiria, there are 1,092 dioceses, nearly 200 more than [[Urcea]] despite Caphiria being half the size in terms of population. A minority of dioceses have become effectively titular dioceses as the geographical area has depopulated in the last 400 years. | ||
==Monastic orders== | ==Monastic orders== | ||
Within the Caphiric Church, monasticism is generally prohibited, with a few notable exceptions. Monastic orders were standard in [[Caphiria]] before the schism. Still, with the schism, their lands were seized, and the monks within were pressed into service as military chaplains and other similar duties. The orders were not reestablished following the end of the schism. | Within the Caphiric Church, monasticism is generally prohibited, with a few notable exceptions. Monastic orders were standard in [[Caphiria]] before the schism. Still, with the schism, their lands were seized, and the monks within were pressed into service as military chaplains and other similar duties. The orders were not reestablished following the end of the schism. | ||
=Doctrine= | =Doctrine= | ||
==Trinity== | ==Trinity== | ||
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==Church== | ==Church== | ||
consists of all believers | consists of all believers | ||
== | ==Grace, Predestination, and Free Will== | ||
The Caphirian Church, in its official statements on grace laid out in the Imperial Catechism and the several synods of Venceia, claims to adhere closely to the doctrine of grace laid out by the Church Father St. Augustine. While St. Augustine is of the foremost importance throughout the universal Catholic Church, the Caphiric church developed before and during the schism with Urceopolis a particular attachment to the teachings of Augustine. Moreover, debates over justification played an important role in galvanizing the support of the Caphiric clergy for the Imperator's efforts to gain governorship over the church. Many theologians of the Renaissance, such as Elmo of Bridhavn, had softened or rejected Augustine's teachings on grace in favor of a stronger view of free will and merit. The Protestant Reformation in Levantia had prompted further opposition to Saint Augustine's doctrines, as they became associated with the views of Protestant reformers like Jean Cauvin. The Caphiric church, largely isolated from these developments, felt increasingly alienated from Levantine soteriology. Growing discontent came to a head in 1608, when the Holy See abolished the Congregatio de Auxiliis, a commission originally established to development and clarify the view of the Catholic Church regarding justification, by declaring that both the strict supporters of the traditional Augustinian-Thomistic position and those with a stronger view of the will, the Molinists, would be permitted in perpetuity to hold and to promote their opinions. This decision, and a concomitant decree of the Inquisition that forbid the circulation of books discussing efficacious grace, was received with great dismay in Caphiria. It was believed that this move had turned a heretofore established doctrine of the Catholic Church into a matter of opinion, and was the first step in a broader conspiracy, spearheaded by the Jesuits, to revive the heresy of Pelagianism. Bosseutus, the Bishop of Meldis, and preacher to the imperial court, wrote in a missive to the Imperator that "if the doctrine contrary to Augustine's comes to be established in the episcopate, all is lost! It is up to you to destroy that doctrine, and following your orders I will do all in my power to help; I consecrate my life to that work." | |||
WIP | |||
==Judgement == | ==Judgement == | ||
==Law and Gospel== | ==Law and Gospel== | ||
==Theology of the Cross== | ==Theology of the Cross== | ||
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==Mary== | ==Mary== | ||
The Caphiric Church holds a high {{wp|Mariology}}, ascribing to her the title of {{wp|Theotokos|Mother of God}} while ascribing to the ideas of the {{wp|Assumption of Mary|Assumption}}, {{wp|Immaculate Conception}}, and {{wp|perpetual virginity of Mary}}. | The Caphiric Church holds a high {{wp|Mariology}}, ascribing to her the title of {{wp|Theotokos|Mother of God}} while ascribing to the ideas of the {{wp|Assumption of Mary|Assumption}}, {{wp|Immaculate Conception}}, and {{wp|perpetual virginity of Mary}}. | ||
==Sacraments== | ==Sacraments== | ||
The Caphiric church teaches that the sacraments are efficacious signs of grace instituted by Jesus Christ in the New Covenant for the succor of his Church on earth. The numbering of the sacraments was controversial in the early post-Reformation church. Ritualists argued that there were seven sacraments (though within this group, there were divisions on whether all sacraments were equal), while pietists, more closely aligned with the theology of the Levantine Reformation, argued that only the Eucharist and Baptism were sacraments. The ritualist party was eventually victorious with the support of the imperial government and eventually reached a compromise on the division of the sacraments into ecclesiastical sacraments: Confirmation, Extreme Unction, and Matrimony, which they saw as instituted by the Church, and evangelical sacraments: Ordination, Baptism, the Eucharist, and Penance, which they saw as instituted clearly by Jesus Christ in Sacred Scripture. The Caphiric Church has always taught that only presbyters ordained in the line of the Apostles can administer valid sacraments and that sacraments are valid ''ex opere operato'', regardless of the spiritual state of the presbyter administering them. | The Caphiric church teaches that the sacraments are efficacious signs of grace instituted by Jesus Christ in the New Covenant for the succor of his Church on earth. The numbering of the sacraments was controversial in the early post-Reformation church. Ritualists argued that there were seven sacraments (though within this group, there were divisions on whether all sacraments were equal), while pietists, more closely aligned with the theology of the Levantine Reformation, argued that only the Eucharist and Baptism were sacraments. The ritualist party was eventually victorious with the support of the imperial government and eventually reached a compromise on the division of the sacraments into ecclesiastical sacraments: Confirmation, Extreme Unction, and Matrimony, which they saw as instituted by the Church, and evangelical sacraments: Ordination, Baptism, the Eucharist, and Penance, which they saw as instituted clearly by Jesus Christ in Sacred Scripture. The Caphiric Church has always taught that only presbyters ordained in the line of the Apostles can administer valid sacraments and that sacraments are valid ''ex opere operato'', regardless of the spiritual state of the presbyter administering them. | ||
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The changes made to the sacrament were viewed as defective by the global [[Catholic Church]], and the priesthood orders of the Imperial Church were considered invalid. A central point of the [[Eight Points Agreement]] required all Imperial clergy to be reconsecrated or reordained, as appropriate, using the sacrament used by the global Catholic Church. Since the reconciliation of the churches, the Caphiric Church has adopted the form of ordination used abroad. | The changes made to the sacrament were viewed as defective by the global [[Catholic Church]], and the priesthood orders of the Imperial Church were considered invalid. A central point of the [[Eight Points Agreement]] required all Imperial clergy to be reconsecrated or reordained, as appropriate, using the sacrament used by the global Catholic Church. Since the reconciliation of the churches, the Caphiric Church has adopted the form of ordination used abroad. | ||
===Ecclesiastical sacraments=== | ===Ecclesiastical sacraments=== | ||
==Melchisedechianism== | ==Melchisedechianism== | ||
=Worship and Practice= | =Worship and Practice= | ||
==Liturgy== | ==Liturgy== | ||
{{Main|Caphiric Rite}} | {{Main|Caphiric Rite}} | ||
The liturgy of the Caphiric Church is the [[Caphiric Rite]], a form unique to the Church. It has the same theological basis as the conventional global [[Catholic Church|Catholic]] mass but with many enculturated elements gained during the schismatic period. The liturgical service in the Caphiric Church is known as a ''hostia''. Hostia in the Caphiric Church also deemphasizes the communal shared element of the liturgy while emphasizing its sacrificial nature, with language centering on the true sacrifice at Calvary as being represented on the altar. While this belief is in line with the teaching of the Church, the phrasing of the Caphiric liturgy makes it the focal point. Accordingly, scripture is deemphasized within the Caphiric liturgy. Unlike the reformed global Catholic mass, the Gospel reading is accompanied only by a reading of the {{wp|Old Testament}}, of which many additional references are made within the liturgy. | The liturgy of the Caphiric Church is the [[Caphiric Rite]], a form unique to the Church. It has the same theological basis as the conventional global [[Catholic Church|Catholic]] mass but with many enculturated elements gained during the schismatic period. The liturgical service in the Caphiric Church is known as a ''hostia''. Hostia in the Caphiric Church also deemphasizes the communal shared element of the liturgy while emphasizing its sacrificial nature, with language centering on the true sacrifice at Calvary as being represented on the altar. While this belief is in line with the teaching of the Church, the phrasing of the Caphiric liturgy makes it the focal point. Accordingly, scripture is deemphasized within the Caphiric liturgy. Unlike the reformed global Catholic mass, the Gospel reading is accompanied only by a reading of the {{wp|Old Testament}}, of which many additional references are made within the liturgy. | ||
The emphasis on the sacrificial element of the hostia was the result of two distinct developments during the schismatic period. Socially and politically, the newly independent Imperial Church began to re-emphasize a kind of transactional religion similar to the mythological religions of pre-Christian times, namely that if the whole people offered the sacrifice, God would continue to bless and protect [[Caphiria]];. At the same time, teachings on this subject have been deemphasized since the [[Eight Points Agreement]], and the concept of {{wp|quid pro quo}} remains the popular conception of the function of religion among a majority of Caphirians. The second development was a period of "ressourcement" in the late 1600s which "reintroduced" to the liturgy elements of the Old Testament temple sacrifices. Accordingly, many additional references to temple practices were introduced within the liturgy's text, the clothes of the clergy were changed to reflect contemporary understandings of ancient Jewish practice, decoration mirrored descriptions of the temple, and critically the Altar of Burning was introduced into the liturgy and churches. This Altar, a protruding indented slab, is where the central Eucharistic sacrament occurs. Still, following the distribution of communion, most of the remaining consecrated bread is burned in what the Caphiric Church calls "a way for the people to participate in the eternal sacrifice of the Son to the Father in the timeless tradition given to Moses and the prophets"; this process creates [[Sacred Ash]], a substance used throughout Caphirian religious life. As a result, only a tiny amount of the consecrated bread is stored within the tabernacle. The bread used in the Caphiric Rite is leavened bread as opposed to the unleavened bread used within the Latin Rite. | The emphasis on the sacrificial element of the hostia was the result of two distinct developments during the schismatic period. Socially and politically, the newly independent Imperial Church began to re-emphasize a kind of transactional religion similar to the mythological religions of pre-Christian times, namely that if the whole people offered the sacrifice, God would continue to bless and protect [[Caphiria]];. At the same time, teachings on this subject have been deemphasized since the [[Eight Points Agreement]], and the concept of {{wp|quid pro quo}} remains the popular conception of the function of religion among a majority of Caphirians. The second development was a period of "ressourcement" in the late 1600s which "reintroduced" to the liturgy elements of the Old Testament temple sacrifices. Accordingly, many additional references to temple practices were introduced within the liturgy's text, the clothes of the clergy were changed to reflect contemporary understandings of ancient Jewish practice, decoration mirrored descriptions of the temple, and critically the Altar of Burning was introduced into the liturgy and churches. This Altar, a protruding indented slab, is where the central Eucharistic sacrament occurs. Still, following the distribution of communion, most of the remaining consecrated bread is burned in what the Caphiric Church calls "a way for the people to participate in the eternal sacrifice of the Son to the Father in the timeless tradition given to Moses and the prophets"; this process creates [[Sacred Ash]], a substance used throughout Caphirian religious life. As a result, only a tiny amount of the consecrated bread is stored within the tabernacle. The bread used in the Caphiric Rite is leavened bread as opposed to the unleavened bread used within the Latin Rite. | ||
==Devotions== | ==Devotions== | ||
The Caphiric Church embraces many of the same devotions of the global [[Catholic Church]], including those from before the schism and many miraculous ones during the schism. | The Caphiric Church embraces many of the same devotions of the global [[Catholic Church]], including those from before the schism and many miraculous ones during the schism. | ||
==Disciplines == | ==Disciplines == | ||
=Texts= | =Texts= | ||
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==The Credo== | ==The Credo== | ||
The {{wp|Credo}} - the statement of orthodox faith within the liturgy formulated by early Church councils - remains in use in the Caphiric Church and is repeated at each liturgy. During the schismatic era, various minor alterations were made to the creed. The most dramatic was the alteration of the conclusion of the creed, which added a paragraph known as the "Imperial Credo" after the profession of belief in the {{wp|Holy Spirit}} but before that of the profession of belief in the Church. This language was included to coincide with the adoption of the [[Caphiric Pyramid]] as church dogma in 1810 but remained in the creed after its removal from church teaching. The pre-2017 Caphiric credo is reproduced below in Ænglish, with schismatic additions in italics. | The {{wp|Credo}} - the statement of orthodox faith within the liturgy formulated by early Church councils - remains in use in the Caphiric Church and is repeated at each liturgy. During the schismatic era, various minor alterations were made to the creed. The most dramatic was the alteration of the conclusion of the creed, which added a paragraph known as the "Imperial Credo" after the profession of belief in the {{wp|Holy Spirit}} but before that of the profession of belief in the Church. This language was included to coincide with the adoption of the [[Caphiric Pyramid]] as church dogma in 1810 but remained in the creed after its removal from church teaching. The pre-2017 Caphiric credo is reproduced below in Ænglish, with schismatic additions in italics. | ||
:I believe in one God, | :I believe in one God, | ||
:the Father almighty, | :the Father almighty, | ||
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:and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead | :and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead | ||
:and the life of the world to come. Amen. | :and the life of the world to come. Amen. | ||
== Writings of the Latter Fathers== | == Writings of the Latter Fathers== | ||
In addition to the writings of the {{wp|Church Fathers}} that are held in esteem throughout Catholicism, a series of writings from the generation of the time of the schism, as well as from the time immediately before it, are revered by Caphiric Catholics. These texts, known as the Writings of the Latter Fathers, dealt with Catholicism in Caphiria and its relationship to the contemporary world of the 16th and 17th centuries. The texts include treatises refuting certain elements of Protestantism while leaving the door open for others, as well as condemnations of the errors of Islam and {{wp|ultramontanism}}. Many of these texts were prohibited or refuted by orthodox [[Catholic Church|Catholic]] authorities and writers at the time, but since the schism, many of these texts have been allowed. Most of them have been reconciled with orthodox belief, though a handful of writers - the strictest adherents of [[Venceism]] - have been removed from scholarly and spiritual circulation. | In addition to the writings of the {{wp|Church Fathers}} that are held in esteem throughout Catholicism, a series of writings from the generation of the time of the schism, as well as from the time immediately before it, are revered by Caphiric Catholics. These texts, known as the Writings of the Latter Fathers, dealt with Catholicism in Caphiria and its relationship to the contemporary world of the 16th and 17th centuries. The texts include treatises refuting certain elements of Protestantism while leaving the door open for others, as well as condemnations of the errors of Islam and {{wp|ultramontanism}}. Many of these texts were prohibited or refuted by orthodox [[Catholic Church|Catholic]] authorities and writers at the time, but since the schism, many of these texts have been allowed. Most of them have been reconciled with orthodox belief, though a handful of writers - the strictest adherents of [[Venceism]] - have been removed from scholarly and spiritual circulation. | ||
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The largest of the unique devotional cults of the Caphiric Church is that of the cult of "Saint" {{wp|Pontius Pilate}}, the official responsible for condemning Jesus to his crucifixion despite hesitancy to do so. According to popular Caphiric legend, Pilate later repented of his failure to save Jesus but was told by a vision of Christ that he was necessary to accomplish his will. After that time, Pilate became a committed Christian. The Saint Pilate cult and legends emphasize the struggle of earthly authority always to choose rightly while stating that even poor decisions by civic leaders may serve God's will in some form, teaching emphasized by the Caphiric Church. | The largest of the unique devotional cults of the Caphiric Church is that of the cult of "Saint" {{wp|Pontius Pilate}}, the official responsible for condemning Jesus to his crucifixion despite hesitancy to do so. According to popular Caphiric legend, Pilate later repented of his failure to save Jesus but was told by a vision of Christ that he was necessary to accomplish his will. After that time, Pilate became a committed Christian. The Saint Pilate cult and legends emphasize the struggle of earthly authority always to choose rightly while stating that even poor decisions by civic leaders may serve God's will in some form, teaching emphasized by the Caphiric Church. | ||
==Architecture== | ==Architecture== | ||
Most Caphiric churches eschew the traditional basilica or long cruciform designs standard in churches in [[Levantia]], instead opting for "short" cruciform designs, making most of the body of the church essentially a square. Many ancient churches, and a few modern builds, are constructed in the round, having been adaptations of pre-Christian temples. The basic layout of a Caphiric church is not essentially different than that of the rest of the Occidental [[Catholic Church]], with a location for the lay faithful to stand, an elevated altar typically facing eastward, and a tabernacle for retaining the consecrated bread. | Most Caphiric churches eschew the traditional basilica or long cruciform designs standard in churches in [[Levantia]], instead opting for "short" cruciform designs, making most of the body of the church essentially a square. Many ancient churches, and a few modern builds, are constructed in the round, having been adaptations of pre-Christian temples. The basic layout of a Caphiric church is not essentially different than that of the rest of the Occidental [[Catholic Church]], with a location for the lay faithful to stand, an elevated altar typically facing eastward, and a tabernacle for retaining the consecrated bread. | ||
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Pews are uncommon in most Caphiric churches despite becoming the norm in [[Levantia]]. Accordingly, the [[Caphiric Rite]] liturgy has looser but still defined rubrics for participation by lay people. In their place, most Caphiric churches have benches, typically of stone or marble, lining the interior walls of the church building. During most parts of the liturgy, the elderly, children, and others may remain seated as the need presents itself. | Pews are uncommon in most Caphiric churches despite becoming the norm in [[Levantia]]. Accordingly, the [[Caphiric Rite]] liturgy has looser but still defined rubrics for participation by lay people. In their place, most Caphiric churches have benches, typically of stone or marble, lining the interior walls of the church building. During most parts of the liturgy, the elderly, children, and others may remain seated as the need presents itself. | ||
==Art== | ==Art== | ||
==Music== | ==Music== | ||
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==Marriage== | ==Marriage== | ||
Within the Caphiric Church and according to its canon law as a particular church within the [[Catholic Church]], priests can marry before ordinating to the priesthood. During the schismatic period, it became legal for priests to take wives, and it also became socially expected that the first son of a priest would also become a priest. It was the legal norm for sons to succeed fathers as the heads of parishes. Accordingly, more than two-thirds of priests in Caphiria are "hereditary priests." Any additional sons of priests were expected, as members of the equite class, to enter public service or some other high-level social obligation. | Within the Caphiric Church and according to its canon law as a particular church within the [[Catholic Church]], priests can marry before ordinating to the priesthood. During the schismatic period, it became legal for priests to take wives, and it also became socially expected that the first son of a priest would also become a priest. It was the legal norm for sons to succeed fathers as the heads of parishes. Accordingly, more than two-thirds of priests in Caphiria are "hereditary priests." Any additional sons of priests were expected, as members of the equite class, to enter public service or some other high-level social obligation. | ||
==Dress== | ==Dress== | ||
Priests and clergy of the Caphiric Church have two styles of dress that are wholly unique to the Caphiric Rite. Outside of hostia or other church functions, priests - as magistrates - are entitled to wear a {{wp|toga}} for everyday use. The clerical toga has a bright scarlet fringe, symbolizing the role of the clerics in the sacrifice of the altar, calling to mind both the blood of the Old Testament sacrifice and the fire employed within the Caphiric Rite. | Priests and clergy of the Caphiric Church have two styles of dress that are wholly unique to the Caphiric Rite. Outside of hostia or other church functions, priests - as magistrates - are entitled to wear a {{wp|toga}} for everyday use. The clerical toga has a bright scarlet fringe, symbolizing the role of the clerics in the sacrifice of the altar, calling to mind both the blood of the Old Testament sacrifice and the fire employed within the Caphiric Rite. | ||
Within the liturgy, there are several different pieces of clothing worn, mainly attempting to reproduce the vestments of the high priest as described within the Old Testament and adapted within the Christian setting, but without headwear of any kind. In this setting, a priest wears an {{wp|alb}} - a long white garment symbolizing the pristine state of the soul after baptism. Above the alb but below the rest of the vestments, the priest wears a blue {{wp|stole}}, symbolizing the blue robes of the priests as described in the book of {{wp|Exodus}}. Above these, the priest wears linen {{wp|chausble}} which is reminiscent of the ephod as described in the Old Testament, with alternating patterns of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet. The chasuble-ephod, which does not extend over the arms or shoulders of the priest, is often embroidered with different patterns such as crosses and scriptural scenes. The priest also wears a sash in the form of a belt in the same material as the chasuble. In addition to these vestments, which are to be worn by all clergy during a hostia, the celebrant wears a {{wp|priestly breastplate}} based on the one described in Exodus. The Caphiric Breastplate has nine stones within it rather than twelve, and the breastplates do not have any required type of stones. On the stones, a matrix of words is written in Latin, with the top row reading "FATHER - SON - SPIRIT," the second row reading "SON - SPIRIT - FATHER," and the third-row reading "SPIRIT - FATHER - SON," with the overall matrix of the words symbolizing the infinite nature of the Trinity. In most cases, the breastplate is secured to the chasuble through faux onyx stones, emulating Exodus. Still, in prestigious churches, it is not uncommon to find elaborate onyx shoulder pieces. | Within the liturgy, there are several different pieces of clothing worn, mainly attempting to reproduce the vestments of the high priest as described within the Old Testament and adapted within the Christian setting, but without headwear of any kind. In this setting, a priest wears an {{wp|alb}} - a long white garment symbolizing the pristine state of the soul after baptism. Above the alb but below the rest of the vestments, the priest wears a blue {{wp|stole}}, symbolizing the blue robes of the priests as described in the book of {{wp|Exodus}}. Above these, the priest wears linen {{wp|chausble}} which is reminiscent of the ephod as described in the Old Testament, with alternating patterns of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet. The chasuble-ephod, which does not extend over the arms or shoulders of the priest, is often embroidered with different patterns such as crosses and scriptural scenes. The priest also wears a sash in the form of a belt in the same material as the chasuble. In addition to these vestments, which are to be worn by all clergy during a hostia, the celebrant wears a {{wp|priestly breastplate}} based on the one described in Exodus. The Caphiric Breastplate has nine stones within it rather than twelve, and the breastplates do not have any required type of stones. On the stones, a matrix of words is written in Latin, with the top row reading "FATHER - SON - SPIRIT," the second row reading "SON - SPIRIT - FATHER," and the third-row reading "SPIRIT - FATHER - SON," with the overall matrix of the words symbolizing the infinite nature of the Trinity. In most cases, the breastplate is secured to the chasuble through faux onyx stones, emulating Exodus. Still, in prestigious churches, it is not uncommon to find elaborate onyx shoulder pieces. | ||
==Priestly magisterial duties== | ==Priestly magisterial duties== | ||
All clerics within the Caphiric Church are invested with a minor [[Magistrates of Caphiria|magistracy of Caphiria]] upon their ordination, symbolizing their responsibility to the State but also their role as a "minister of the public good." The magistracies vary based on the level of the cleric, with most priests being invested as [[Magistrates_of_Caphiria#Pro-Aediles|pro-aediles]], though rarely some are invested instead as nominal decemvirs or other positions. | All clerics within the Caphiric Church are invested with a minor [[Magistrates of Caphiria|magistracy of Caphiria]] upon their ordination, symbolizing their responsibility to the State but also their role as a "minister of the public good." The magistracies vary based on the level of the cleric, with most priests being invested as [[Magistrates_of_Caphiria#Pro-Aediles|pro-aediles]], though rarely some are invested instead as nominal decemvirs or other positions. | ||
=Social Teaching and Role= | =Social Teaching and Role= | ||
==Economics and social justice== | ==Economics and social justice== | ||
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Though the Caphiric Church teaches and professes the position of the global Church on these issues, Church leadership has made a pastoral decision to deemphasize these teachings to remain relevant within Caphirian society. | Though the Caphiric Church teaches and professes the position of the global Church on these issues, Church leadership has made a pastoral decision to deemphasize these teachings to remain relevant within Caphirian society. | ||
=Oecumene= | =Oecumene= | ||
==Missionary work== | ==Missionary work== | ||