Clergy in your nation

[Nui-ta]

This question is aimed at nations with religious institutions incorporated into the society (basically, secular nations probably won't have an answer for this).

The dominant religion in Nui-ta is something called Stalari. Stalari is indigenous to the nation, but has evolved and modernized overtime. The primary emphasis is not on the gods, but on duty and good works. Also, there is no heaven or hell in Stalari: you get reincarnated until you live a good enough life to escape the cycle of life completely and be at total peace (think Hinduism or Buddhism).

Men and women can be clergy within this religion, with equal rights and responsibilities. There are two types of clergy, priests/priestesses, and monks/nuns.

The distinction between the two is that a priest reaches out to the community (leads worship in the temples, counsels people, manages orphanages and other good works that directly involve people), while a monk is more cloistered (makes goods for charity work away from the private eye, counsels people if they are sought out, maintains temples when the public isn't around...)

This is what a typical Stalari priest or priestess dresses like:





And this is what a monk or a nun dress like:

[Hibernion (Ancient)]

The official religion of Hibernion is Protestant Christianity. The preacher wears a regular dress suit and though the Bible 'supposedly' says women cannot be preachers, we still let them preach anyway. The main denomination of Protestantism in our nation is Baptism. The preachers reach out to the public and can baptize people, while the private preachers can help people with their issues in private and are usually in charge of tithes and charity.

[Reptus]

Reptus is a secular nation, but many Reptese practice Reptilism, a religion similar to Hinduism. They acknowledge the existence of the Great Dragon who has several different personalities. The temples to the Great Dragon resemble ancient Greek temples like Parthenon. The priests wear red robes, jade jewelry, and gold. To become a priest, one most have been appointed by the Dragon Priest. The afterlife is called Pangaea where both good and evil people go.

[Zarodia]

the official religion of the Empire is Vernasi, a religion that bears much resemblance to the monotheistic earthling religions in basic beliefs and values, however there are definite differences that keep them from being comparable. while the earthling religions believe in a "savior" that may or may not have already come and may or may not be the basis for their entire religion, Vernasi has nothing of the sort. also, it is odd in that there is no official book or readings used; what's read and taught from is based off of set ideals and point conveyed by God through prophets in visions or direct possession of said prophet. as there is nothing official, which of these ideals/points should be emphasized is at times argued by bored clergy, and indeed which of them are emphasized usually differs slightly from temple to temple. Vernasi also includes belief of an afterlife, consisting of three parts, Heaven, Hell, and Stitai( a purgatory-like phase); which one is entered after death depends on how pleased God is with what one has done during one's life. however, unlike the earthling religions, Vernasi beliefs are that one can graduate from hell to stitai to heaven if one deserves it in God's eyes.

there are no prohibitions to serving as clergy based on what gender one may or may not have, and those serving as clergy or in purely religiously-affiliated roles wear all white, with the exception of silver jewelery or decorations if they so desire. those serving as priests or other clergy wear a long and heavy robe secured under their chin with a silver and sapphire pin, generally regardless of gender, although some prefer lighter but no more revealing dresses during warmer parts of the year, in which case the pin is then put in the center of the neckline/collar. each rank of clergy has a slightly differently styled robe/dress, although usually the differences are barely noticeable to those not looking for them. the head priest of a temple has slightly more freedom with their garments, and a silver and sapphire circlet is worn to distinguish them as the head. other than this there are no other requirements for appearance, although it is generally accepted that one's appearance should be kept such that it does not disturb or distract visitors and worshipers in the temple, ie; bathe regularly, no excessive/extreme piercings or make-up, etc.

and then half-wall of text even though I should definitely be studying for finals
edited because grammar fail.

[Awesomeland]

While we do not have an actual state religion, the dominant "religion" of our people is "SCIENCE!", and to this end, the traditional clergical garb is therefore a labcoat. Someone wearing a labcoat immediately looks more authoritative here and tends to command obedience and respect. Some 60% of people here would torture a puppy merely because a guy in a lab coat asked them to. Strangely, this is actually a lower rate of compliance than seen in more religious nations where wearing a lab coat does have the same effect.

[Saurisisia]

The dominant religions are Saurism and Drakonism.

Saurist priests are typically dressed plainly with white robes, red, purple, or green belts, and carry wooden staffs with them both for support and for helping in spreading the Word of Saur to non-believers.



Drakonist priests, on the other hand, are typically clad in more extravagant outfits, with robes colored more vibrant colors, such as purple, red, or blue. They are also renown for their adeptness in the practice of magic. Many male priests also tend to go bare-chested while their female counterparts wear what is basically a bra or a loose sleeveless shirt made from fabric due to the hot climate of their homeland.

[Maraque]

The dominant belief in Tsvarchi is Xanthaiyanism, a non-theistic philosophy created by the great philosopher His Serene Royal Majesty Zerake Xanthaiyan. The primary sect of Xanthaiyanism does not believe in the afterlife or a supreme creator, but has many of the foundations and institutions of a theistic religion.

While anyone can be a follower of Xanthaiyanism, to become an active participant in the inner workings of the philosophy one must be admitted into the Xanthaiyan School of Philosophy, in His Serene Royal Majesty's own namesake city-state of Zerake, and graduate from the school after a strict and disciplined education and apprenticeship in the school. How one becomes admitted to the school is through a community temple, where one must prove themselves a devout Xanthaiyanist and perform to satisfaction of the administering Krea Fuschakei, wherein he will go before the Council of Krea Fuschakeis and argue his case for why the individual should be granted admission to the school.

As such, there are four levels of the institution; His Serene Royal Majesty Adalayani, the overseer of the Xanthaiyanist philosophy, popularly elected among the next highest clergy; the Council of Krea Fuschakei, which are appointed by His Serene Royal Majesty, followed by the Temple Krea Fuschakei (of which His Serene Royal Majesty chooses to succeed a deceased member of the Council), and finally Krea Fuschakein, which are the aforementioned Krea Fuschakei in training.

The garb depends on the rank of the individual. His Serene Royal Majesty wears a beige silk robe, whereas Council members wear dark purple silk robes, with the temple Krea Fuschakeis wearing orange silk robes, and finally the Krea Fuschakei in-training wear royal blue silk robes.

Both men and women can become clergy, and there are a nearly equal number of men vs. women in the hierarchy. Many women have been elected to the top post in the past; although it remains a male dominated spot, despite the country historically being a matriarchy.

[Cruciland]

Clergy and other holy figures are elaborately dressed, and possess certain psychic powers that normally only the military has access to. By possessing such powerful abilities, they can persuade, re-educate, and convert anyone they look at to Cruciland's faith.

[Esperantigxiujo]

Same as priests in any catholic church. Same is priests in any Episcopalian church. Same as Imams in any Shia/Sunni mosque. Same as any rabbi in any temple. They just speak our languages.

[Astara (Ancient)]

We have Clergy for the Astarese Orthodox Church, but church and state are separate here

[Urmanian]

The dominant and official state religion is Harmonism, a religion focused on worship of the Goddesses of the Sun and Moon, adherence to six moral principles known as the Elements of Harmony and generally living a life in harmony and friendship with nature and one's peers.

Both males and females can be Harmonist clerics.

During their duties, that being conducting services, collective meditation and worship, Harmonist clerics usually wear black robes, sometimes golden-trimmed and wear various jewelry of religious designation. Monastics wear black robes most of the time and decorate themselves much more ascetically. Military chaplains and war priests wear clerical robes with their unit's patches and shoulder straps on them to differentiate from civilian clerics.

[Teddy Bear Republic]

In the past, when religion was more common than it is now, the clergy of Teddistic Paganism was not limited to gender, and in general wore the national dress with the symbol of the religion imprinted upon them. We're a secular state, now, and 85% of the population are irreligious.

[Greater Mackonia]

The Mackonian clergy are all dead but this is what they looked like while they lived and ruled over Mackonia.

[Anacasppia]

Interestingly, 'clergy' exists to some extent, even in our secular nation with a population that is 42% atheist.

The Freethinkers Association of Anacasppia or FAA, is so large and influential that some have compared its influence to that of an actual religious organization. The clergy, then, would be the various staff members of the FAA, ranging from the Director who sits at the top of the organization's hierarchy, to the various clerks and part-time volunteers of the FAA.

[Kamaynilaan]

Same as any Roman Catholic clergyman or member of a religious order*; bishops, however, may become titular noblemen under the Customs of Kamaynilaan concerning Clergymen.

*This example is used because Roman Catholicism is the State Religion of Kamaynilaan.

[New Vinland]

The Royal Dominion of Provinces of New Vinland is an overwhelmingly Protestant nation. Our official state religion is the Presbyterian Reformed Protestant Church whose Moderator of the church's General Assembly holds a non-voting seat in our upper house of Parliament, The House of Squires.

Here is a picture of a typical Presbyterian minister dressed in the typical Presbyterian Reformed Protestant clerical clothing known as the Geneva gown http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geneva_gown.

[Xoriet]

The official religion of Xoriet is called Fate's Mandate by outside visitors. During the rise of religion, the people withdrew from the concept of Gods and instead turned to the Higher Being called Fate to dictate the rules of Xoriet society. Fate's Mandate tends to be passive but it is intolerant of all theology. Other faiths are outlawed due to the oldest custom of Xoriet and their skepticism regarding any God or Gods. It is run by a High Priestess, usually given the surname of Eridian or Kanalyr depending on her abilities.

They abide by the Doctrine of Equality and the Doctrine of Order. Fate is perceived to prefer order and equality in the world, and as a result the collective writings upon what Fate has 'revealed' are a large part of how the Empire is run.

Typically there is a High Priestess to counterbalance the Emperor, but if there is an Empress instead, there is a High Priest.

The Priestesses and Priests wear slim-fitting robes of satin in the color crimson with a soft golden sash about the waist, while their Acolytes (junior clergy members) wear a more subdued shade of red with copper-colored sashes about the waist.

[Bodarkia]

We believe in Norse mythology.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-gi9-aqp4gWhat our priestesses look like. {Yes, the naked one.}

[Winslavia]

Public Praying And Churches Are Strictly Illegal And You May Be At Risk Of A Large/Heavy Fine

[Minroz]

The dominant and official state religion is Ajaran-Murrnism, a polytheistic religion focused on worship of God, adherence to principles of emphasising on peace, prosperity, unity and harmony in the name of God. Ajarist version of hell is the black void where all the wicked souls are judged by Khumaak, god of the underworld and darkness. Minrozian clergymen are reputed to be dutiful, hard-working, patient, incorruptible and compassionate, highly-regarded by imperial citizens.

[Premislyd]

The official religion of the United Hellenic Republics is Hellenic Paganism, commonly referred to as the "Hellenic Cult" by foreigners. Like it's father religion, Tarisimi Paganism, Hellenic Paganism is a polytheistic religion in which there are over 50 or so gods and goddesses of different important and value. While members of both sexes are allowed to become members of the clergy, it is more commonly dominated by females than males.


Typical Priest garb, this one is of the god, Nereaus



Typical Priestess garb

[Dagnia]

The primary religion of Dagnia is out own home-grown religion described here. The clergy typically dress in black hooded robes. In some rituals however, they sometimes dress in something revealing, particularly for fertility or love rites.

[Vallermoore]

We tend to be Ponyist.Priests/Priestesses of Celestia wear gold and white robes, and Priests/Priestesses of Luna wear purple and black ones.

[Vulpae]

the big three monotheist faiths are present in Vulpae, but after the Naldistan civil war and the tribal wars Islam has fallen out of favor with many people in both rural and urban.
generally priests tend to dress in their own garb as assigned by their religion, all faiths that premote the enlightenment of mankind are legal. so long as you do not break the law, and your faith is not going to preach the voilent overthrow of our government (reform is fine, blowing up trains... not so much.) your faith is legal.

Paganism and polytheistic faiths do not exist in any large community in vulpae, for the simple reason that while not outlawed, they are concidered rustic, backward, and uncivilized. it is a cultural thing.

[Costa Fiero]

The dominant religion in Costa Fiero is Roman Catholicism although animist beliefs are still practiced and even incorporated into some Christian practices and beliefs. Whilst more mainstream Catholicism is based on "charity" and heaven, hell, redeeming sins etc. the "hybrid" version is more environmentally and community orientated i.e charity work, environmental protection and awareness as well as harmony between the Earth and The Heavens. Priests/priestesses wear the same clothing as any other Catholic clothing. Monks and nuns wear different coloured clothing depending on the convent/monastery.