Church of Dodd
| Church of Dodd Æglasta Dódursk | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Theology | Orthodox Pribyterianism |
| Headquarters | Pontevedra, Argévia |
| Founder | William D. "Spanky" von Oxnard |
| Origin | 21188 Escarda, Devahoma |
| Separations | See heretical groups below |
| Members | 4,612 |
| Ministers | 420 |
| Missionaries | 420 |
| Tax status | Exempt |
The Church of Dodd, also known as the Church of Prib and the Cult of Prib Dodd is a religious movement dedicated to the worship of Daxian leader Prib Dodd, whom Doddfolk consider to be a divine being. Although the object of its worship is a Daxian citizen, the movement is based primarily in Kiravia and most of its scriptures are written in Coscivian.
History
The Doddist movement began in Escarda in 21188 when Spanky von Oxnard, a stateless immigrant cab driver of unknown origins, began preaching to his passengers that a rising political figure in Daxia named Prib Dodd was "a god among men" who would one day conquer the world following a global cataclysm known as the Big Slump, and reward those loyal to him with an endless supply of beef jerky, coke, and hookers. Initially, few of Oxnard's passengers were receptive to his message, but on weekends he usually managed to cram a couple of Xeroxed pamphlets into drunk people's pockets, and soon a movement was born. Oxnard formally established the Church of Dodd while serving a 60-day jail sentence for a public urination charge as his followers struggled to come up with bail money. During his time in prison, Oxnard converted several of his cellmates to the faith, successfully petitioned for a Doddist worship timeslot in the jail's chapel, and found time to scrawl the Compendium of Most Decent Scriptures onto napkins and cigarette cartons.
Practices
Doddfolk engage in daily glorification of the One, prostrating themselves in the direction of Mirzak and singing praises unto Dodd. The church exalts Mirzak, of which Prib Dodd was once the Mayor, as the "Anointed Capital" in recognition of Dodd's executive order moving the Daxian capital back to Mirzak after a 25-year interlude in Korell. They also participate in communal worship services "every couple of weeks" in accordance with the Most Decent Scriptures.
The church encourages pilgrimage to Mirzak for Doddfolk who are able to make the journey, and offers several travel packages through the CoD-owned Anointed Capital Tours Incorporated. Pilgrims who are true of heart may see the One in his living glory during his scheduled public appearances, but are forbidden to approach or speak to him, following Oxnard's commandment to "not bother the guy".
The political wing of the church, the Party of Kiravian Democrats, advocates a pro-Dodd and by extension pro-Daxia foreign policy, domestic policies modelled on those of the Party of Daxian Democrats, withdrawal from the League of Nations, and strong support for the Kiravian colonial effort in Punth. PKD candidates have stood in elections for the Argévian Assembly, Pontevedra City Commission, and County Dannen School Board without success.
Doddfolk are required to keep an image of the One in their homes and on their person at all times.
Heretical groups
The orthodox Church of Dodd has come into conflict with a number of breakaway heretical groups promoting false doctrines, and has attempted to correct their beliefs through proselytism, theological debate, and drive-by shootings. These heretical groups include:
- Pilgrims of Dodd - A millenarian sect of Pribyterians who believe that the Big Slump is imminent, and that it is incumbent upon all believers to emigrate to Mirzak to live in the presence of Dodd, whereas orthodox doctrine teaches that Pribyterians should "remain forever in thy homes, refinancing thine mortgages and plunging thine toilets" until the Great Slump, at which time Dodd will maybe come to liberate them. No promises, though.