Church of Oren

The Church of Oren is the official religion of Sutherland. The Church is probably the most revered and important institution in Sutherland. Even the king must be blessed by the council of bishops before he is recognized. The Church is headed by a council of 5 bishops. Four are from the major cities of Sutherland, Orenfeld, Norfell, Barr, and Erwickshire. The fifth is appointed by the High King and presides over the council. The church is divided into regional jurisdictions headed by high priests. There are also high priests for every official monastic order in Sutherland. Local parishes are headed by priests, who are often assisted by acolytes. Acolytes are the most numerous rank of the clergy, with every monastic beginning monastic life by being ordained as an acolyte. Monasticism is highly honored in Sutherland, as the prayer and service to the gods of the monastics are believed to provide great blessing to Sutherland. The monastic life provides many paths. Acolytes can live in monasteries in communities, providing services to the communities they live with, in distant, remote hermitages, contemplating and praying, or as warrior-monastics, fighting the enemies of Sutherland and the gods, like the Knights of the Fry.