Council in Jerusalem (AMW)

[Nova Gaul]

Those representing the Vatican concur absolutely with Darian Rhodes: now was the time for the Faithful to study the issuances of this council, for, motivated by the Holy Spirit, it would change all their lives here and after forever.

Nevertheless the Vatican felt their draft proposal was cogent and firmly based in Church history and upon the doctrine of all the Church Fathers. Once the churchmen and political magnates had a chance to study the document, and once clarifications had been made to everyone’s satisfaction, His Holiness Pope Leo truly believed that this was the vellum which would restore the Church of God to its full glory and in doing so make it unassailable by man or devil.

[Jatriqya and Hoya]

"No more than 3/8s?" Emperor Tiberius said. "I thought we had an agreement, Pope Leo, that it would not be:
1) The number of former Orthodox Patriarchs elevated to the Sacred College shall be
no greater than 3/8 of the entire College.

but

1) The number of former Orthodox Patriarchs elevated to the Sacred College shall be
at least 3/8 of the entire College."

Tiberius smiled.

"I do not see how I can sign this if it puts the legitimacy of my Church in question. If I sign the first one, the Sacred College might only be 1/8 Patriarchs, and that cannot happen as it undermines the Patriarchs."

[Nova Gaul]

Canonical lawyers working on behalf of the Holy Father were quick to inject a correction into the first proposal in order to reassure Emperor Tiberius and his eastern fellows:

Article II, Section A, Clause 1,

The number of former Orthodox Patriarchs elevated to the Sacred College shall constitute 3/8 of the entire College.

With the clarification made to the document as it stood now Pope Leo sent around some clerics attached to his holy person, sent them throughout the Tabernacle. The pontifical secretaries were tasked with getting the opinions with the bishops, patriarchs, cardinals, and potentates seated and ask a simple question—Was the first draft adequate and agreeable?

[Marimaia]

With the clarification made to the document as it stood now Pope Leo sent around some clerics attached to his holy person, sent them throughout the Tabernacle. The pontifical secretaries were tasked with getting the opinions with the bishops, patriarchs, cardinals, and potentates seated and ask a simple question—Was the first draft adequate and agreeable?

The Rhodesian delegation conferred briefly before Darian responded to the pontifical secretary.

"Great Rhodesia's political and ecclesiastical authorities find the first draft to be both adequate and agreeable."

Cardinal Rhodes and Archbishop Makoni both nodded in assent. As the secretary moved on, Brother Simeon of the Seraphim stepped aside for him and bowed his head before reassuming his position behind Darian's chair.

[Jatriqya and Hoya]

Emperor Tiberius thought for a minute. He stood up.

"The Byzantine Delegation agrees with the new terms."

[Nova Gaul]

Tiberius Caesar had revealed himself as the new Constantine, and with his proclamation had done the will of the Lord as Constantine once triumphantly did.

Pope Leo XIV was struck speechless. With the simple phrase 'The Byzantine Delegation agrees with the new terms' Emperor Tiberius had in fact changed the world. Or, more precisely, he restored God’s Church to the world perfected once more. The Holy Father turned his eyes to the tabernacle’s ceiling, and tears flowed down his cheeks. But he was not ashamed. For in this Tabernacle of God, within this giant altar where men serving His Will might meet for His Glory, Papa Leone felt the power of the Holy Spirit come over him like a tidal wave.

Judging by the emotional, wet cheeks of the bishops, patriarchs and cardinals the pope was not the only one to feel the presence of the Triune God.

The original and flawless Church of God, Catholic, universal, had been restored to the world. This one true church, founded by humanity’s redeemer Lord Jesus Christ, nurtured by the Apostles, shepherded by the Church Fathers, was again in seamless and sublime communion.

“Brethren,” said the Holy Father through overwhelming emotions, “let us kneel and give thanks to God: for He is good.”

Whereupon the Sovereign Bishop of Rome and Vicar of Christ knelt before the True Cross, overshadowing the reunion of its faithful.

This day, the 9th of January, anno domini two-thousand and ten, was the greatest single event in Christendom since the founding of God’s Church.

Following this monumental—united—prayer of thanksgiving, where patriarchs from the east clasped hands with cardinals from the west, the Council’s canonical staff circulated vellum documents once more. Though on this occasion they were wrapped not with linen, but white silk, symbol of untarnished purity. These illuminated vellum scrolls were the final version of the Second Council of Jerusalem. Signaling their acceptance of the Council’s terms by standing and presenting the document to a clerical lawyer, each individual cardinal, patriarch, bishop, important religious, royal, or political grandee would then approach a massive book which was placed under the True Cross. They would then sign the book, giving testimony to this divine, God-inspired, act of complete reunification.

The last two spaces in the book, each level on different pages, were reserved for His Holiness Pope Leo and the His Imperial Majesty Tiberius.

Barring any last minute alterations the congregation would proceed that evening to attend the first united Mass between Greek and Roman in a thousand years. Candles in hand the faithful would march down to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. There, as the final and visible symbol of the renewed Catholic Church His Holiness Leo XIV would ordain the four members of the Secular College as Deacon-Legates. In the presence of the place where the Son of God was crucified and rose again His Catholic Majesty Jordanus VIII, the Eldest Son of the Church Darian Rhodes, the Honorable Prime Minister of the Philippines Mr. Montesclaros and the Vice President of Wesleyopia Timothy Fields would become constituted as the Legateship of the Secular College and be partially vested with the holy power of the priesthood.

Lastly the Vicar of Christ would ordain Emperor Tiberius as Patriarch of Constantinople, as a Patriarch of the Catholic Church, after which he would crown Emperor Tiberius with golden laurels owned by Constantine the Great, and announce him to the world as the Holy Roman Emperor. Then, having been made the Church’s political authority the emperor would kiss the Holy Father’s Fisherman Ring, acknowledging the pope’s religious authority. The kiss would reunite the Chruch of God.

And with that the Catholic Church, immaculate, would itself be resurrected.

Second Council of Jerusalem

General Declaration

The Byzantine Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church, having no doctrinal disparity, with no differences except those to be defined and reconciled below, shall reunify its bipartite self equally into the original and universal Christian Church. Therefore in place of the Byzantine Orthodox faith and the Roman Catholic faith there shall only be the single, apostolic, holy Church of God, to be hereafter known as: The Catholic Church.

This original and reconstituted Catholic Church rests firmly on the bedrock of the Nicene Creed.

Furthermore in view of the fact of this reunion of the true Church as it was originally constituted—by Our Savior Jesus Christ and the Holy Apostles—and husbanded by the Church Fathers, the perfected nature of the Church guarantees that the only assurance of immortal deliverance and communion with God is within the Church’s blessed scope; and that outside of the Holy Catholic Church there exists no surety of salvation.

Articles

I.

A. The Holy Father, Sovereign Bishop of Rome, Holiness, Vicar of Jesus Christ, Successor of St. Peter Prince of the Apostles, Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church, Primate of Italy, Archbishop and Metropolitan of the Roman Province, Sovereign of the Papal States, Regent of the Kingdom of Jerusalem, Servant of the Servants of God, is henceforth known, honored, and recognized as the supreme religious authority in God’s Church by means of St. Peter’s Primacy and the divine origin of the Papacy.

B. The Emperor of Byzantium and Heir to Constantine the Great and Justinian the Wise, Patriarch of Constantinople, Protector of the Peloponnesus and Greek Isles, Victor of Mesopotamia and the Levantine is henceforth known, honored, and:

1) Recognized as the supreme political authority in God’s Church by means of Constantine the Great and the direct lineage of the Christian Caesars, and because the seat of imperial power is recognized to reside in Constantinople.

2) Recognized to be the legitimate Holy Roman Emperor. Holy, because his authority derives from the ultimate authority of the Holy Catholic Church, the Church of God; Roman, because he is catholic (as in universal) and a descendant of Constantine the Great; Emperor, because on the heir to Constantine lies to responsibility to protect and defend the Holy Catholic Church.

C. It is agreed that His Holiness the Pope Pontifex Maximus, supreme religious authority in and of the Church, and His Imperial Majesty Imperator Romanorum, supreme political authority in and of the Church, enjoy the lesser aspect of the position of the other. Therefore His Holiness the Pope has minor political powers by means of being the Sovereign of the Papal States just as His Imperial Majesty has minor spiritual powers by means of being the Patriarch of Constantinople, of the See of St. Andrew.

1) An exception to the rule of celibacy for the clergy is established so that His Imperial Majesty may simultaneously serve in a political capacity while maintaining a perfect ordination as Patriarch of Constantinople.

II.

A. The Sacred College of Cardinals shall be expanded to become the Sacred College. The Sacred College shall maintain its station and function while incorporating patriarchs from the former Orthodox Church into is ranks.

1) The number of former Orthodox Patriarchs elevated to the Sacred College shall constitute 3/8 of the entire College.

2) The Sacred College shall convene formally twice each year, led by the Vicar of Christ, in Constantinople: on Good Friday and on the Feast of St. Andrew. In return the Byzantine Emperor shall be required to spend Easter in Rome, to celebrate that most holy day there with the Vicar of Christ, while he shall also come to the Eternal City to celebrate the Feast of St. Peter.

B. It is agreed that all bishops, cardinals, patriarchs and religious potentates each may keep their titles and vestments according to the tradition of their individual parish or diocese. By such means the many different garments pleasing to God shall entwine themselves together to reform the seamless Coat of Christ.

C. In the naming of all bishops, patriarchs, cardinals and religious potentates the Holy Father and Vicar of Christ, while keeping the responsibility to select all bishops, patriarchs, cardinals and religious potentates, must submit his candidate to the His Imperial Majesty the Holy Roman Emperor for confirmation. If the emperor should disagree with the choice of candidate, and the pope and emperor cannot come to a conclusion between themselves through dutiful prayer and studious meditation, then either the pope or emperor may convene the Sacred College, where the candidate shall have to be passed by a two-thirds majority vote

III.

A. The Holy Mass and Liturgy shall be renormalized in recognition of the united and perfected Catholic Church. Therefore Holy Mass henceforth shall be celebrated in a combination of Latin—for the consecration and Greek—for the adoration. All sacramental celebrations shall be undertaken by the above combination rule. The exceptions to the overarching rule are twofold: first on any High Holy Day of Obligation Mass may be said exclusively in Latin or Greek, depending on the circumstance, and second that the vulgar tongue native each land Mass is celebrated may be used for the two scriptural readings. However it is agreed to that with no exceptions the Gospel reading will be read in Latin while the Kyrie will be sung in Greek. The remaining liturgical celebrations may be given in either Latin, Greek, or the vulgar depending on the decision of the celebrant and his Bishop or Patriarch.

Addendum

I.

A. Although it is recognized that within the Holy Catholic Church the Holy Roman Emperor holds the position of political primacy nevertheless it also recognized that His Imperial Majesty’s capabilities are constrained by geography. Therefore it is proposed that a Secular College is created, mirroring the Sacred College but concerned strictly with temporal affairs, namely political and state-wide issues.

It is proposed that this Secular College be constituted by lay members of the Catholic Faith in high governmental office or of royal birth, as the case may depend, who in their individual national and secular arenas may assure the Holy Church’s well-being in the temporal world not under the direct aegis or indirect influence of the Holy Roman Emperor. In a word the Secular College shall become enforcers of the church political in their respective zones of influence. That they shall better execute the righteous will of the Church of God in an spiritually efficacious manner all candidates named as Legates to the Secular College shall receive regular but partial ordination into the Holy Priesthood to the extent of Deacons.

This is to say Deacons, like priests and bishops, who are ordinary ministers of the sacrament of Baptism and can serve as the Church’s witness at the sacrament of Holy Matrimony, may preside at funeral rites not involving a Mass, may assist the priest at the Requiem Mass, and can preside over various services such as Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament and give certain blessings; however they cannot hear confession and give absolution, anoint the sick, or celebrate Mass. Such an elevation will not affect the candidate’s personal/relationship status, as no celibacy vow is required for the Deaconate.

Members of the Secular College shall convene biannually in the Holy City of Jerusalem.

After the initial creation of the Legateship of the Secular College any future candidates shall be required to have both the approval of His Holiness and His Imperial Majesty.

The following nominations to the Secular College are proposed:

His Catholic Majesty King Jordanus VIII of Acadzia, Defender of the Faith

His Excellency President of Great Rhodesia Darian Rhodes, Eldest Son of the Church

The Right Honorable Prime Minister of the Philippines Alfredo Montesclaros

His Honor the President of Acadienne Sullivan K. Murphy

His Honor the Vice President of Wesleyopia Timothy Fields

[Acadianne]

President Sullivan K. Murphy stared out the window of his private cabin as the 737 business jet taxied to a stop at Jerusalem's airport. As a lifelong Catholic, it was an honor to be invited to this council that sought to reunite the Catholic Church. As a head of state, he was looking forward to his first major "coming out" on the international diplomatic scene. Sure, he had been president of Acadianne for over 20 years. For most of that time, however, the small Caribbean nation had been little more than a backwoods backwater. Acadianne was thought of a pretty nice vacation destination, but not much more.

President Murphy hoped that this conference would meant very big things for both the Catholic Church and Acadianne.

There was a knock at the door of his cabin, and an aide entered. "Mr. President, whenever you're ready."

"Thank you, O'Doyle," the president said. He stood, and buttoned his suit jacket.

The plane's door opened, and the president stepped out into the bright, Middle Eastern afternoon.

[Somewhereistonia]

Dear members of the faith,

We recently have found our religion headed by a new Pope, this Pope has sought to unite the Catholic Church of Rome with the Byzantine Church at all costs, including the integrity of the faith as I see it. The Byzantine Church is not headed by the Pope, as long as it has existed as a Church it has denied to rightful place of Rome and the Papacy. Thus the Byzantine Church have not accepted the tenets of the Catholic faith. The Byzantine Church is not a Catholic one, perhaps not even an Orthodox one, but one of heresy above all else.

Should the Byzantine Church rid themselves of the Patriach and accept the position of the Pope as heir of Peter, then they would be able to save themselves. The Byzantines rejected the bible and Catholicism when the rejected Papal authority. They can redeem themselves by accepting the bible and accepting papal authority and by no other means.

The head of the Byzantine Church is not a member of the Catholic faith, nor has he ever been. For this man, or the current 'Pope' to assume that a non-Catholic could be worthy of becoming the "supreme political authority" of the Church is thoroughly disgusting. This new authority cannot be allowed to pass, there is no reason for Catholic people to follow a man who is out only to seek political goals, a man who has never before the Council of Jerusalem attended a Catholic Mass or taken Communion. The Byzantine Church cannot count as such because the Pope was not at it's head. To reject the supremacy of the Pope is to reject Catholicism. If unity were worth more than the Will of God, we would have bowed to Constantinople long ago.

As it stands, the power of the Pope will be diminished by the power being given away to the Patriarch of Constantinople. The inheritance received from St. Peter by the Pontiff is not his to barter away; any Roman bishop who would do so thus gives up Peter's legacy. As said in Matthew 16:18-19 "And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." The keys to heaven are for Peter and the inheritors of his throne to control and no authority should be passed away to other political leaders, especially those who themselves cannot be considered as Catholic whether for power lust or for doctrinal issues.

Thus I; Serafim Fernandes de Araújo, Archbishop emeritus of Novo Lisboa must say this. If the current proposal in Jerusalem is to go forward, the current Pope will have renounced his position as the head of the Church. As such, Catholic Cardinals from around the world would be invited to elect a new Pope and follower of the line of Peter. As the heretic Pope may not wish to give up the halls of Rome, it is possible that such a vote could be carried out in Novo Lisboa. I must now invite the people of the Catholic faith to support this motion, to restore the Church to it's position with one leader, one man holding the Keys to the Kingdom of Heaven and one without the Emperor of the Byzantines being given supreme politic power over the Church.

May God go with you all, Amen

Serafim Fernandes de Araújo, Archbishop emeritus of Novo Lisboa

[OOC: This is an open letter to the world, circulated by every possible means (via news companies, the internet etc), hand-written copies have been sent to each Cardinal to garner their support. Not all Catholics in Florida will support this of course, but the majority of them will.]

[Burol]

With the clarification made to the document as it stood now Pope Leo sent around some clerics attached to his holy person, sent them throughout the Tabernacle. The pontifical secretaries were tasked with getting the opinions with the bishops, patriarchs, cardinals, and potentates seated and ask a simple question—Was the first draft adequate and agreeable?

The secretary of the Philippine Catholic Episcopal Conference's Department of Doctrine and Religious Affairs, Nueva Segovia Bishop Ignacio Magsino, cast a furtive glance at Manila Archbishop Tim Portillo as the secretaries scattered to go around delegations. When they got word of the Roman Catholic Church's impending union with the Byzantine Orthodox Church, the PCEC immediately convened. The consensus at that time, strongly supported by Nueva Caceres Bishop Fernando Velasquez, was that the PCEC should wait for the details before deciding. Now that the details are right in front of them...

... there is path that is being forged by the One True Mother Church, the one built by Saint Peter, going towards reunion of Rome and Constantinople. Archbishops Marañon and Portillo were strongly for following it. Outwardly, of course, the others presenting a different viewpoint would not dare question it directly.

"Do you think we should bring this document home for everyone to take a look on it?" Tuguegarao Bishop Pascual Alarcon asked his seatmate, Davao Archbishop Salvador Tamondong.
"We don't have the time," Archbishop Tamondong remarked. "It's now or never."

... and the alternative to not accepting the Council's output, is the path down to trouble and schism, somewhere the prelates would not be led into, or rather, afraid to go into.

"I say we accept this," Archbishop Portillo said curtly to his delegation.
The Archbishops of Visayas, Cochin, and Sulu nodded in agreement.

"Doctrinally, we have no objections to this," the Bishop of Nueva Segovia remarked.

The others were not to keen on questioning the Primate of the Philippines or the consensus that is on the table. They have no objections, only that they want others to look at it first... but then, as if they had a say in whether it would be approved or not.

"Then let's make our position known," Archbishop Tamondong remarked. While he is happy the Church is on its way to unification, his gut feelings say that trouble would be brewing closer to home.

----

The message from the Philippine delegation was direct and succinct:

Now has come the time in which historical wrongs are being repaired, rifts are being bridged, and woulds are being healed. This first step towards the unification of our Beloved Holy Mother Church, built by Saint Peter, is wholeheartedly welcomed by us and CAtholics everywhere.

On behalf of the Philippine Catholic Episcopal Conference, the Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines, and our Filipino Catholic Community, we declare our support for the document. We find nothing objectionable; and we deem the draft adequate and agreeable.

May God Bless Us All!

Most Reverend Bishop Eric Monaghan
Roman Catholic Diocese of Novaliches
Secretary of the Department of External Affairs, Philippine Episcopal Conference

---

--snip--

Philippine Prime Minister Alfredo Montesclaros scanned the document, not giving much thought to its contents. He figured that the Catholic Church mind its own business... As a leader and representative of a secular multireligious, albeit conservative, country, it is inappropriate for him to influence the proceedings. He was just there to observe and be part of ths momentous occasion. However, as a Roman Catholic, he could not feel anything but hopeful on how this would turn out.

As he reached the end of the document, he saw his name, and it wasn't for him to sign. Excitement welled inside him as he reread the relevant parts - he was being given a position in the Church! Now this was something new! Despite him having questions as to whether the position is personal and for life or whether it is passed to whoever is the Prime Minister of the Philippines, he could not resist the urge to smile. He gazed at the Philippine prelates as they handed their opinion to the pontifical secretary. Even if he agrees wholeheartedly with the idea, Montesclaros said it is still inappropriate to vote for it or something. He'll just have to thank His Holiness and the Lord God.

---

--snip--

Surigao City, province of Surigao, kingdom of Mindanao
Archbishop Fernandes de Araújo's letter did indeed reach some of the prelates in the country. It reached Surigao Bishop Warren Ballesteros via e-mail, scattered amongst the clutter of his inbox. BIshop Ballesteros was intrigued as to why an Archbishop from faraway Florida would e-mail him.

Bishop Ballesteros read the email and became more concerned. Who wouldn't be? Is the Jerusalem Council leading them astray? There as no word from their delegation there. He wanted to see the draft.

He had a short fruitless search. What they had agreed at the most recent PCEC meeting was that they would look at the document. Hopefully he would get to see it. However, he had a feeling that the Church is teetering again on the edge of schism...

[Jatriqya and Hoya]

The Emperor was touched by the occasion. The reunification was at last afoot. It was a moment that had been anticipated for the past 50 years. It was not his father who was performing it, it was him. This would at last give him the credibility that he can run the Byzantine Empire. He would no longer have to prove himself everyday just for people to scoff at his actions.

It was clear that Tiberius was very happy, even in prayer. He requested ten minutes for silent reflection, in order to make sure that he was making the right decision. Praying quietly, Tiberius came to the same decision as before, that the reunification was god's will and that he must perform it.

After the Byzantine delegates signed all of the appropriate papers, Tiberius headed up. After taking a deep and embarrassingly loud breath, Tiberius headed up to sign the book. Even sure that he was performing god's work, he was nervous. He was nervous as he looked at the rows of heads staring at him.

He approached the imposing book, and stared at the space for his signature. He reached for the pen. Without saying anything, his signed his name. His large signature eclipsed all of the others on the page.

There was just one empty space now, and Tiberius handed Pope Leo the pen so that the two churches would once again be one.

[Nova Gaul]

A man in glowing white robes accepted the pen from Constantine (soon to be indubitably canonized) the Great’s direct heir.

A heavy hand, protruding from a white cuff filigreed with silver thread, moved over the sacred parchment, and then it picked up the pen. The heavy hand signed the Council of Jerusalem’s Declaration.

The heavy hand wearing a heavy golden ring signed it: Leo, Pontifex Maximus, Vicar Christi, Servus Servorum Dei.

His Holiness Pope Leo XIV signed the Reunification…the original Catholic Church, flawless, holy, perfect, was resurrected.

“Gloria in exceslis Deo,” whispered the Holy Father reverently.

Church of the Holy Sepulcher

Where as the Council of Jerusalem itself was not open to the media, the public and glorious pronouncement of Catholic reunification was.

Following the signing of the Declaration the Council would be dismissed to spend the night in prayer and reflection, and most of all to spend the night giving thanks to God.

With the next day’s dawn a vast procession formed—constituting the conjoined Sacred College, the newly created Secular College, and the totality of bishops, patriarchs, cardinals, and religious leaders of the Holy Catholic Church. Five worldly leaders were assembled there also, dressed in plain whites albs on account of their imminent ordination as Legate-Deacons.

With the sunrise all these holy men formed ranks at the Tabernacle upon the Mount, long candles, lit, held high in their hands one and all. Though their vestments were many their identity was now one, Catholic, e pluribus unum indeed. This procession would march from the Temple Mount singing hymns, in Latin and in Greek, and with their candles aglow, symbolizing the light of God and the reunification of his perfect church, the procession would march to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher: the sanctified ground where Our Lord Jesus Christ suffered, was buried, and rose again in fulfillment of the scripture.

His Holiness Pope Leo and His Imperial Majesty Caesar Tiberius—whose namesake today would be redeemed—were each dressed in their most formal attire…the pope in his luminescent insignias of white and platinum a vision of heavenly righteousness, the emperor in his regalia of gold and purple a vision of worldly might. And although it was accurate to say that the Pontifex Maximus and Imperator Romanorum would be at the fore of the procession, they would not in fact be leading it. That honor would go to the True Cross, lifted high upon a specially constructed litter and held aloft by a nameless collection of devout monks, Eastern and Western.

With the sunrise the church bells in Jerusalem began to ring, and a cantor hit a victorious note. The procession moved forward. The streets were strewn with palm fronds, recalling the blessed day long ago when the Christ rode into this holy city, victorious, King of Kings. His priests now processed through the holy avenues, singing joyfully about their accomplished mission, the sublime and complete unification of the Church of God which the Redeemer Christ and all his Apostles had founded.

An hour of booming hymns were sung as the procession arrived at and took its place in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher; the One True Cross was erected there. By the pope’s decree the True Cross would remain in the Sanctum Sepulchrum as the symbol of the reunited Catholic Church, able to proclaim to all the world that the one institution on earth established by the Triune God was united and active. No longer would it be sheltered away and protected, it would be held aloft, bright, radiant, victorious.

Salvation had come down from on high.

At the foot of the True Cross, within the Sanctum Sepulchrum, there had been placed two, simple chairs, not thrones, on either side. They were made from Jerusalem olive-wood, and the one was fitted with white silk while the other was fitted with silk of purple. On the back of the one were the Keys of St. Peter, on the back of the other was a circular golden laurel containing a simple Chi Rho.

With the gay tolling of church bells suffusing Holy Jerusalem the congregation of the reunited Holy Catholic Church still chanting hit a deep basso profundo, and trumpets rang out. Incense rose in thick columns from sanctified silver braziers.

The Mass of Holy Reunification, hence to be known as the Feast of Divine Harmony, was underway.

First to enter down the nave would be His Imperial Majesty Tiberius, the reincarnation of Constantine. He would enter the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, bow to the True Cross, and in that position make a lengthy prayer before the very object whereupon his Savior had redeemed him. When his prayers were concluded he would take a seat in the chair with purple decorations which sat upon the True Cross’s left side.

Then the five candidates for the Secular College, which the Council of Jerusalem had convened, entered into the Church. Dressed in white linen albs, a simple cross weaved in yellow thread upon them, the powerful statesmen each took their place in the nave, the majestic surrounds of salvation all about them. There stood His Catholic Majesty King Jordanus VIII of Acadzia, Defender of the Faith, His Excellency President of Great Rhodesia Darian Rhodes, Eldest Son of the Church, the Right Honorable Prime Minister of the Philippines Alfredo Montesclaros, His Honor the President of Acadienne Sullivan K. Murphy, and His Honor the Vice President of Wesleyopia Timothy Fields. Besides each of them was a raised ordinal fount containing holy water, and a special golden vessel containing chrism.

And then entered Pope Leo, resplendent, holy, beaming with unconcealed and unabashed joy. The Bishop of Rome of Rome and Vicar of Christ processed slowly inwards, and stopped at the line of assembled worldly heroes of the Church. A bell rang—the men in their white albs knelt together. Pope Leo moved to the first in line, His Catholic Majesty King Jordanus.

“Jordanus Nicholas VIII,” sang the Holy Father, “by the authority given us by Almighty God we do nominate you as Legate and elevate thy body and thy soul to the Secular College of the Holy Catholic Church.” The pope made the sign of the cross over the king, and dipped his hand into the golden receptacle filled with chrism. He anointed the forehead of King Jordanus with the sign of the cross: “We do hereby ordain you as Deacon.” Pope Leo moved to the second in line, His Excellency Darian Rhodes.

“Darian Rhodes,” sang the Holy Father, “by the authority given us by Almighty God we do nominate you as Legate and elevate thy body and thy soul to the Secular College of the Holy Catholic Church.” The pope made the sign of the cross over the president, and dipped his hand into the golden receptacle filled with chrism. He anointed the forehead of President Rhodes with the sign of the cross: “We do hereby ordain you as Deacon.” Pope Leo moved to the third in line, the Right Honorable Alfredo Montesclaros.

“Alfredo Montesclaros,” sang the Holy Father, “by the authority given us by Almighty God we do nominate you as Legate and elevate thy body and thy soul to the Secular College of the Holy Catholic Church.” The pope made the sign of the cross over the prime minister, and dipped his hand into the golden receptacle filled with chrism. He anointed the forehead of Prime Minister Montesclaros with the sign of the cross: “We do hereby ordain you as Deacon.” Pope Leo moved to the fourth in line, His Honor the President of Acadienne Sullivan Murphy.

“Sullivan Murphy,” sang the Holy Father, “by the authority given us by Almighty God we do nominate you as Legate and elevate thy body and thy soul to the Secular College of the Holy Catholic Church.” The pope made the sign of the cross over the president, and dipped his hand into the golden receptacle filled with chrism. He anointed the forehead of President Murphy with the sign of the cross: “We do hereby ordain you as Deacon.” And then Pope Leo moved to the fifth in line, the last but certainly not the least, His Honor the Vice President of Wesleyopia Timothy Fields.

“Timothy Fields,” sang the Holy Father, “by the authority given us by Almighty God we do nominate you as Legate and elevate thy body and thy soul to the Secular College of the Holy Catholic Church.” The pope made the sign of the cross over the vice president, and dipped his hand into the golden receptacle filled with chrism. He anointed the forehead of Vice President Fields with the sign of the cross: “We do hereby ordain you as Deacon.”

The Holy Father then stood back and made the sign of the cross over all five men together, blessing them: “Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty Father, to these Thy servants, the dignity of the Deaconate and Legateship in the Secular College; renew the spirit of holiness within them, so that they may hold from Thee, O God, the office of the second rank in Thy service and by the example of their behavior afford a pattern of holy living, and inspire in the faithful of their lands ever more devout faith. May the merciful sacrifice of Thy Son Our Savior kindle in them abundant love, and inspire them in Your own image. Amen.”

“Amen,” responded the statesman together. And at that that rose, and greeted one another with the sign of peace. When they had concluded they sat on chairs provided them, together as a group.

The Holy Father processed again down the aisle, until he came to stand before Emperor Tiberius. Pope Leo made the sign of the cross over the emperor. At this Emperor stood, bowed before the True Cross, and knelt.

“Your Imperial Majesty,” sang the Vicar of Christ as a number of bishop came forward bearing assorted clerical instruments, “by the authority given us by Almighty God we do ordain you as Patriarch of Constantinople and as Bishop in the Holy Catholic Church, which by your wisdom again lives and breathes in perfection.” Pope Leo anointed the forehead of Emperor Tiberius with chrism.

Cardinal Rhodes, one of the pope’s closest friends and a venerable man in the Church, stepped forward. He held in his hands a satin pillow on which rested an ornate golden laurel. Ornate, yes, and archaic; for this was the selfsame laurel worn by Constantine the Great after his august victory at the Milvian Bridge. The Vicar of Christ raised high the laurel, and with it made the sign of the cross before the One True Cross.

“By the authority given us by Almighty God we do hereby crown you Holy Roman Emperor, and we do name you Tiberius Constantius Caesar, Imperator Romanorum.” Pope Leo lowered the laurel and set it upon the emperor’s head. “Tu vincas, Caesar Tiberius Constantius,” the Holy Father chanted. And then emperor kissed the Ring of the Fisherman. And then the emperor stood.

Pope Leo XIV and Caesar Tiberius Constantius embraced one another, warmly, in the greeting of piece. Through the hug Tiberius would feel the sheer joy and love emanating from Papa Leone.

There was dignified applause, and many wet cheeks.

Together pope and emperor turned, facing the congregation at large the pope and emperor joined their left hands, and together raised their right hands up. Pope Leo sang jubilantly: “Suscipe sancta Trinitas, hanc oblationem, quam tibi offerimus ob memoriam passionis, resurrectionis, et ascensionis Jesu Christi Domini nostri: et in monorem beatae Mariae semper Virginis, wt beati Joannis Baptistae, et sanctorum Apostolorum Petri et Pauli et Andrea, et istorum, et monium Sanctorum: ut illis proficiat ad honorem, nobis autem ad salutem: et illi pro nobis intercedere dignentur in coelis, quorum memoriam agimus in terris. Per eumdem Christum Dominum nostrum.”

Accept, most Holy Trinity, this offering which we are making to You in remembrance of the passion, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ, Our Lord; and in honor of blessed Mary, ever Virgin, Blessed John the Baptist, the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul and Andrew, and of and of all the Saints; that it may add to their honor and aid our salvation; and may they deign to intercede in heaven for us who honor their memory here on earth. Through the same Christ our Lord.

“Amen,” replied the united Catholics watching, either the thousands in the Sanctum Sepulchrum or the millions, hundreds of millions, watching on television at home.

The Holy Catholic Church was whole.

The Church of God, the one and only source of communion with the Most High, was resurrected.

It was an occasion for Heaven and all its Holy Angels to rejoice.

((I think I spoke to you all about this by TG…but if I put any world leaders/magnates on the Secular College who did not wish to be so placed simply TG me again, and I will edit you off.))

[Acadzia]

Church of the Holy Sepulcher

King Jordanus VIII did his best to remain stoic and composed as the historic document was signed. Papa Leone's excellent oratory certainly didn't make it easier, nor did the collective effervescence that filled the room as the assembled faithful watched their respective churches become full, one, and holy.

A single tear ran down the Acadzian monarch's cheek, and he did his best to keep the rest from following. He managed to pick out his wife in the crowd. Queen Bridget was ever the rational, less emotional one of the couple; her education was in Law, and she had had a brief stint as a lawyer before Jordanus and her had become engaged. Yet she was sobbing into a lace kerchief. Beaming with joy, but sobbing nonetheless.

Beside her, the Queen-Mother, Queen Maria Nicholas, cradled a confused but enthralled three-year-old Crown Prince George on her knee. The little blonde babe held a miniature Templar in his chubby little hands, a surprisingly appropriate toy for this place and occasion. It was a testament to the boy's temperament and comparative maturity that he didn't cry or fuss too much, and kept his squirming to a minimum throughout the ceremonies.

Finally, Jordanus mused as the ceremony came to a close, our family is at long last reunited.

Boston, Acadzia

Archbishop Angus Kavanagh had been just as moved as the sovereign of Acadzia by the ceremonies, if not more so. Ergo, it would not be difficult to imagine the look on his face as he tore open the letter from his compatriot, Archbishop de Araújo of Novo Lisboa. Kavanagh's thin lips trembled as they silently formed the words on the letter, words he could scarcely believe. "Heretic pope." Who could say that of Pope Leo, a man beloved almost as much as his predecessor already this early on in his reign? It was madness.

So, with his heart heavy, he began to pen letters, one to Novo Lisboa, in which he would urge de Araújo and those that followed him not to continue on this path. The second would go to Acadzian bishops, priests, monks, famous Catholic laity. Essentially anyone and everyone who he could think of, really. Christ's Church would not, could not, trade one schism for another.

[Marimaia]

Church of the Holy Sepulcher

Darian Rhodes appeared calm and contemplative during the ceremony, watching all that was going on while considering the future possiblities opened up by his new status. He shot a glance at Cardinal Rhodes as the Pope crowned Emperor Tiberius with the laurel, and the glance was returned with a barely perceptible smile; if Darian hadn't spent so much time with his uncle over the years, he wouldn't have been able to pick up on the Cardinal's slight mannerisms. The smile meant that things were as they should be.

Darian was now an example for the faithful of Rhodesia to follow. He felt certain that many of the younger Rhodes relations would follow that example, converting to Catholicism out of either political opportunism or a desire to curry favour with Darian. A tide of Catholicism was sweeping its way throughout Rhodesia, and Darian was intent on harnessing it. After all, he was the one who allowed it to happen.

He looked briefly at the other Deacon-Legates. A greater family, that's what you promised me. Good to see that my dear uncle still delivers. He allowed himself a brief smile as he pondered about what his predecessor would think of Rhodesia now.

[Nova Gaul]

Krak des Chevaliers, Kingdom of Jerusalem

At the historic and monolithic Crusader fortress, now a papal residence in the Holy Land, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV was getting some much needed rest. The past few weeks had been more than challenging, they had been monumental, and had severely depleted the Holy Father’s physical energies. So the pope took so time to sit and relax in a verdant roof garden, alive with the sound of birds and bubbling fountains. The newly anointed Deacon-Legates of the Secular College had been invited to the castle for a sporting weekend (the Acadzian Royal family was to have a special dinner party with the Sovereign Bishop of Rome), and Leo also hoped for time to speak the Holy Roman Emperor Tiberius Constantius, that they might pray and meditate together about the blessed miracle which had occurred. The Emperor Tiberius and Pope Leo were scheduled to have many conferences in the coming days and weeks indeed.

But now, away from the bustle of holy Jerusalem, Pope Leo was sitting in a large wicker chair, absorbing the warm temperatures and dappled sunlight filleting in through a canvas canopy and looking out over the tastefully decorated citadel. Across from the Vicar of Christ at the table sat Cardinal Rhodes, who was reading Psalms to Papa Leone. Darian Rhodes, the cardinal’s nephew, President of Rhodesia, and a newly recognized pillar of the Church, was expected for a late luncheon. As the president’s arrival grew nearer Leo had a matter to consider, a petition from young Darian to consider.

“I have decided, old friend,” declared the Holy Father, setting down a sheaf of papers, “to grant this request from our great friend Rhodesia. I have prayed upon it, and God has affirmed my intuition: Great Rhodesia has reached a point in her faith journey that recommends itself to our aid.”

It was Cardinal Rhodes’s turn to set down the Psalm book. “You are most correct, Holiness. Great Rhodesia is a nation who has seen the dawn, and now yearns to climb up towards the firmament. Give us stairs, Holy Father.”

Pope Leo rang a bell. The third second thereafter his ever attendant secretary Brother Matthew O.F.M. stepped out from behind a copse of trellised jasmine, his brown robes contrasting vividly with the green bushes. In his hand he bore a thick scroll of vellum, tied with a thick length of gold cloth. Brother Matthew bowed and gave the scroll to the Holy Father, who then passed it to the red robed cardinal.

“Stairs are slow my dear cardinal. I have issued a Bull to give Great Rhodesia wings,” explained Pope Leo with a large smile.

Papal Bull: Scimus Fili (“We know, my son”)

Scimus Fili
A bull providing President Rhodes, Eldest Son of the Church, Legate-Deacon of the Secular College, and Cardinal Rhodes, Cardinal-Bishop of Salisbury, Secretary of State for the Papal Domains, with the authority to create personal Ordinariates for Rhodesian Anglicans entering into full communion with the Holy Catholic Church, &c…

By Pope Leo XIV for the praise of the Rhodesian faithful, led towards Christ by the example of their venerable President Darian Rhodes, Eldest Son of the Church, &c…

Leo, Bishop, Servant of the Servants of God, in lasting memory of the matter.

We know my son of the glorious actions of the Holy Spirit lately within Great Rhodesia. We know my son of your continued faith, that in your righteous devotion to the flawless and Holy Catholic Church you have endeavored to lead your people from bondage, untruths, and want into God’s realm of concord, perfect truth, and abundance. We know my son that measures are needed in this particular matter to effect the conversion and redemption of a multitude of souls. Specifically in recent times the Holy Spirit has moved groups of Rhodesian Anglicans to petition repeatedly and insistently to be received into full Catholic communion individually as well as corporately. We, the successor of Peter, mandated by the Lord Jesus to guarantee the unity of the episcopate and to preside over and safeguard the universal communion of all the Churches, could not fail to make available the means necessary to bring this holy desire to realization.

I. Personal Ordinariates for Anglicans entering into full communion with the Catholic Church are erected by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith—to be formed locally and chaired by Prelate-Secretary Cardinal Rhodes—within the confines of the territorial boundaries of a particular Conference of Bishops in consultation with that same Conference within Great Rhodesia.

II. Within the territory of a particular Conference of Bishops, one or more Ordinariates may be erected as needed.

III. The Ordinariate is composed of lay faithful, clerics and members of Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, originally belonging to the Anglican Communion and now in full communion with the Catholic Church, or those who receive the Sacraments of Initiation within the jurisdiction of the Ordinariate.

IV. The Catechism of the Catholic Church is the authoritative expression of the Catholic faith professed by members of the Ordinariate.

V. Without excluding liturgical celebrations according to the rite of the reunified Holy Catholic Church, the Reunified Rite, the Ordinariate has the faculty to celebrate the Holy Eucharist and the other Sacraments, the Liturgy of the Hours and other liturgical celebrations according to the liturgical books proper to the Anglican tradition, which have been approved by the Holy See, so as to maintain the liturgical, spiritual and pastoral traditions of the Anglican Communion within the Catholic Church, as a precious gift nourishing the faith of the members of the Ordinariate and as a treasure to be shared.

VI. A Personal Ordinariate is entrusted to the pastoral care of an Ordinary appointed by the Supreme Pontiff.

VII. Incardination of clerics will be regulated according to the norms of canon law.

VIII. Priests incardinated into an Ordinariate, who constitute the presbyterate of the Ordinariate, are also to cultivate bonds of unity with the presbyterate of the Diocese in which they exercise their ministry. They should promote common pastoral and charitable initiatives and activities, which can be the object of agreements between the Ordinary and the local Diocesan Bishop.

IX. Candidates for Holy Orders in an Ordinariate should be prepared alongside other seminarians, especially in the areas of doctrinal and pastoral formation. In order to address the particular needs of seminarians of the Ordinariate and formation in Anglican patrimony, the Ordinary may also establish seminary programs or houses of formation which would relate to existing Catholic faculties of theology.

X. The Ordinary, with the approval of the Holy See, can erect new Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, with the right to call their members to Holy Orders, according to the norms of canon law. Institutes of Consecrated Life originating in the Anglican Communion and entering into full communion with the Catholic Church may also be placed under his jurisdiction by mutual consent.

XI. The Ordinary, according to the norm of law, after having heard the opinion of the Diocesan Bishop of the place, may erect, with the consent of the Holy See, personal parishes for the faithful who belong to the Ordinariate.

XII. Every five years the Ordinary is required to come to Rome for an ad limina Apostolorum visit and present to the Vicar of Christ, through the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and in consultation with the Congregation for Bishops and the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, a report on the status of the Ordinariate.

XIII. For judicial cases, the competent tribunal is that of the Diocese in which one of the parties is domiciled, unless the Ordinariate has constituted its own tribunal, in which case the tribunal of second instance is the one designated by the Ordinariate and approved by the Holy See.

XIV. The Decree establishing an Ordinariate will determine the location of the See and, if appropriate, the principal church.

We desire that our dispositions and norms be valid and effective now and in the future, notwithstanding, should it be necessary, the Apostolic Constitutions and ordinances issued by our predecessors, or any other prescriptions, even those requiring special mention or derogation. Let this Apostolic Constitution be therefore established and blessed.

Given at Krak des Chevaliers at Jerusalem, on 17 January 2010 of the Incarnation; in the second year of our pontificate.

[Tsalland]

Clearly, he said, the Patriarch is completely out of his mind, because he does not have the authority to excommunicate me. The Emperor listed all of the reasons above, that the Patriarch was not above the Ecumenical Patriarch, that one can not excommunicate someone if they aren't part of the same church, and that he wouldn't have the authority to do so anyways. On top of all of this, this Patriarch was illegitimate because it was not confirmed by the Emperor nor the Bishops of Tsalland, simply given away by the Grand Duke,

Roman shook his head. "Politics. That is what it has come down to, politics."

In an open letter available to the press, the Patriarch did not hold back.

To the Emperor of Byzantium:

What religious leader refers to another man of the cloth as insane? A young boy, yearning for political power! A man who disgraces the history of our proud church! A boy who cares nothing of religion, and prays only for power. And an ignorant boy at that. Illegitimate Patriarch you say? We are an Autocephalous church, we may do what we wish when appointing our religious guides!Furthermore, our Patriarch was ELECTED by a council of bishops and given the title from the Archduke. This statement shows the youth and ignorance of the emperor, who wishes for power only, and is engaging in heresy to accomplish it! May God have mercy on this youths soul, for we will all be judged in the end, and we will all see who was and wasn't true. Mercy be upon you, youth who mixes politics with religion! Mercy be upon you!

With the authority handed to me, I hereby excommunicate you from the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church! May you see the light and return!

[Acadzia]

West Wing, King David Hotel
Jerusalem, Kingdom of Jerusalem

King Jordanus VIII paced down the hallway, beaming at his attendees, the priests and officials, and those others who had come to the Council with the Acadzian delegation. He had just given his speech about the Christ-statue to great fanfare, and was now ready to prepare for his afternoon tea with Pope Leo XIV, a man whom Jordanus dearly loved and could scarcely wait to rendezvous with again on a more private level than the heavenly ceremony that they all had previously enjoyed.

Walking with the Acadzian king was his wife, Queen Bridget. Together, the couple flanked the giddy little Prince, who in a sudden burst of energy had decided, "I wanna get down and walk, momma!" when the family had entered the hotel. Now, he gripped his father's hand with one of his own, and his mother's with the other.

As the three made to enter their private suite, a royal aide appeared to King Jordanus, apologizing for the interruption but informing him that Archbishop Angus Kavanagh of Boston had phoned, and said that it was urgent that he and the king speak.

"I wonder what has the Bishop all excited?" Jordanus wondered aloud, reaching for the phone.

"Oh, I don't know?" replied his wife, her tone oozing with sarcasm, "Maybe it has something to do with Rome and Constantinople being reunited... Nah, that's silly, who'd get riled up over that?" She and her husband shared a laugh as she produced a glass bottle of freshly-squeezed orange juice from the fridge. She poured it into a plastic, lidded sippy-cup and handed it to her son.

"Ah, yes hello. Jordanus here, what couldn't wait until I got back, Angus?" Queen Bridget noticed that Jordanus' neglecting to use either man's title was a reflection of how at ease he was, how joyous the proceedings of the Council had made him. He'd been quite stressed in recent weeks, but now, his eyes twinkled and his grin barely left his face. She opened a tin of sweet, animal-shaped crackers and offered them to her son, but he was far too occupied with his plastic Crusaders and Saracens to accept any.

"I see..." said Jordanus. Bridget's gaze shot up from her son to her husband. She recognized that face and tone. His voice had come out cold, with no inflection or jovial ring to it. His face was taut, no signs of smile- or laugh-lines, just a steely-gaze and firm-set jaw. Bridget knew her husband well, and so she noticed, just beneath his clean-shaved cheeks, his molars grinding together furiously. Yes, her husband was livid... but at what?

Knowing that, for now, he would want his privacy while he spoke to the bishop, Queen Bridget took Prince George by the hand. "Come, sweetheart, let's go for a walk." She gingerly shut the door behind her.

Meanwhile, King Jordanus listened, with horror, as Archbishop Kavanagh informed him of the travesty. An Archbishop of the Trade Federation, one Serafim Fernandes de Araújo, planned to hold elections for another pope.

"It gets worse, Your Majesty, and it pains me that I have to be the one to tell you. I do not like to be the bearer of bad news, you understand, it is so dreadful to have to-"

"Please, out with it," Jordanus interjected.

"Yes. Yes, of course. I have been in communication with some of my fellow clergymen... Some, not many, but some, plan on supporting Archbishop de Araújo... I....I'm sorry, Your Majesty."

Jordanus' knuckles turned white as he gripped the receiver. Part of him wanted to throw the phone out the window, or at least through the television set. The other part wanted to scream. Still, he grit his teeth, swallowed hard, and did his best to regain his composure. He half-wished he had the power to defrock these conniving wolves himself, before they ate their respective flocks with their heresy, treachery, and schism.

Though Jordanus held all this in. "Very well. Archbishop Kavanagh, though it pains me to hear this, I am eternally-grateful that you saw fit to contact me. I would much rather hear about this from an old friend like yourself than from a newspaper or stranger. So, please, thank you."

"It is the least I can do, Your Majesty. Please, give my regards to Her Majesty, the Crown Prince, and all the rest over there with you. And to Archbishop de Silva. May God continue to bless you and your house, my king."

Both men hung up the phone, and Jordanus pondered once more about tossing the hotel phone at something.

[Nova Gaul]

Krak des Chevaliers, Kingdom of Jerusalem

His Eminence Cardinal Rhodes climbed the stairs to the rooftop garden in this ancient Crusader fortress where the Holy Father was recuperating after his travails of recent weeks and the glory of the Council of Jerusalem.

King Jordanus VIII, Defender of the Faith, had just telephoned the Curia, he was anxious about those foolish Floridians and that their inane prattling might eventually lead to Schism—perish the thought! The stalwart cardinal had been given the honor of receiving this call, and upon its conclusion made at once to see the Vicar of Christ.

Anything that worried a child of God was of concern to the Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church, Rhodes knew. His Holiness Pope Leo was reading Dante’s Divina Commedia, the third volume Paradiso to be precise. He was thoroughly engrossed in the text, and a cup of tea was rapidly cooling on the wicker furniture set’s end table. On seeing his trusted acquaintance the Holy Father gingerly removed his reading glasses and greeted Sebastian. The Divine Comedy say set down on a cushion.

“Good afternoon Your Eminence,” said Leo with an expansive smile.

“Holiness,” responded Cardinal Rhodes, kissing the pope’s Fisherman Ring.

“What brings you to me in such a serious mood on vacation my friend?” asked the pope.

“I have just spoken with His Catholic Majesty, Holiness,” replied Rhodes, “this idea bubbling out of that Floridian cleric Cardinal Serafim something or another—a man of no consequence theologically and heretofore little initiative politically—is not going away. He really thinks that he can conjure up his own church, despite any semblance of authority and possessing absolutely no credibility. Moreover he apparently has some lackeys even in righteous Acadzia. Jordanus is worried.”

His Holiness Pope Leo sat back in his settee and drummed his fingers on his knee, which was covered by his white silk alb.

“I had thought to just let this matter be,” said Pope Leo at length, “I had hoped that Serafim chap would have some intelligence in him, and pursue his worries through the proper channels. Alas the man is as vainglorious as he is grasping. Something will have to be done. Something substantial.” Having so spoken he continued to drums his fingers on his knee; forgetting himself he invited Cardinal Rhodes to take a seat and join him.

“We must try to accommodate this fellow and his cohorts old friend. To this end I am summoning the Congregation of Trade Federation Bishops to Rome—and any other wavering American bishops or cardinals for that matter—where you, being the Holy See’s Prelate-Secretary of State after all, shall host a temporary consistory at which they may air their grievances and complaints. They are to arrive at the Vatican by no later than this Saturday. If their demands are reasonable you may negotiate on our behalf, if they are not then we shall leave Holy Jerusalem to join you and arrange a satisfactory conclusion.

“Tell our beloved son the Defender of the Faith that we have this matter in hand, and that we shall resolve the anxiety which does weigh down his heart.”

Rhodes smiled and nodded: “I will tell him Holy Father, and he shall be glad of the news…you are wise Holiness. If they come then we can negotiate with them, and if they refuse to come they invalidate their own authority and shall have no credibility whatsoever to continue on with their plans.”

Pope Leo gave Rhodes a mild clap on the shoulder, “It is as you say Eminence. In the mean time I wish you to convene the Secular College at the Church on the Holy Sepulcher this Friday; and I wish the Holy Roman Emperor to attend if he is able. What with these crucial elections in the Philippines, troubles in the Balkans, foolishness in the Americas, and, thankfully, joyous and ongoing conversions in your own land we have much to discuss.

“Assure the Faithful that their shepherd guards the flock still old friend. Assure the Faithful that their Lion guards their sheep from the wolves.”

Cardinal Rhodes rose, at ease and confident that the pope indeed had the situation well in hand: “It shall be done Your Holiness.”

[Marimaia]

King David Hotel, Jerusalem

Cardinal Rhodes made his way towards his nephew's quarters, softly humming 'Ave Maria' to himself and smiling warmly to passers-by. As always, the Cardinal was the height of politeness, holding doors open for women and thanking anyone who returned the favour. Upon reaching the door to Darian's suite, he knocked once and was greeted by Brother Simeon of the Watchful Seraphim, who bowed his head.

"Eminence, please enter."

"My thanks, Brother Simeon. I must admit, I am not surprised to see you here; your devotion to the Eldest Son of the Church warms my heart, as well as the heart of the Holy Father. Is Darian here?"

"Of course, dear uncle, I'm always in if it's you calling."

Cardinal Rhodes turned with a beaming grin and embraced his nephew. "Ah, dear Darian. Is it not everything I told you it would be? A family far greater than the one that we sprang from. The Holy Father is most heartened by the spread of our Word in our homeland, at this rate Rhodesia may well become one of the most faithful nations on the planet. Anyway, to get to the point; we are convening the Secular College on Friday to discuss various important temporal matters."

Darian nodded. "Of course, I shall be in attendence. Are you permitted to tell me in advance what we are going to discuss?"

Cardinal Rhodes frowned. "Well, ordinarily I wouldn't, but since it's you, my boy...we are to discuss piffle that has been produced by some radical Americans, as well as some Balkan foolishness. There are also elections in the Philippines, and of course the glorious progress of our fair nation. The attendees will undoubtedly have their own issues to raise, but those are our primary concerns."

"My thanks, uncle. Time for some tea with Simeon and myself?"

Cardinal Rhodes shook his head in an almost dejected manner. "Alas, I cannot. A million things to do, and only so many hours provided by the Lord to perform them. Perhaps later though."

After bidding his nephew goodbye and being shown out by Brother Simeon, Cardinal Rhodes made his way towards the opposite end of the hotel, to inform King Jordanus of the decision regarding Serafim and his blatant nonsense.

[Spyr]

Unification between Roman and Byzantine Catholic Churches is certainly a news item of international interest, and (though geographically and spiritually distant) Spyr is no exception.

Many publications take a generally positive view... while few had good words about Christianity itself, a larger and stronger Papacy might serve to weaken the hold the Christ-Emperor held over adherents in Yashima and Joesen, the lesser of two evils certainly favoured over the greater. Increased integration between Constantinople and Rome was also seen as a blow against Kyiv, their long-time Byzantine ally placing itself within an organization whose Cassanotian and North American membership stood opposite Kieven Rus’ in the so-called ‘Cold War’.

More radical and critical views can also be found, a minority amongst printed publications but far more dominant in blogs and online media... several Spyran bloggers emerge in unlikely agreement with Tsagian patriarchs and Floridan Catholics, holding Tiberius to nothing but a power-hungry despot grasping at whatever titles and authority he sees in reach... a view not shared by those in more academic circles, who do not see the Byzantine monarch as having secured much of anything in exchange for discarding his spiritual authority. When news of dissent and threatened schism leaks into the public domain, it does not come as much of a surprise... objecting voices in any autocratic society, be it a nation-state or religious organization, will be pushed to extremes if they feel there is no other recourse. And, of course, a change in structure often brings with it opportunities for those in the upper rungs to let loose their personal ambitions.

[Acadianne]

King David Hotel, Jerusalem

President Sullivan Murphy spoke on the phone to his wife back in Acadianne. "I wish my father were here to see all this," Murphy said.

His father Brian had united Acadianne's loose confederation of 13 states into a nation. After ruling the young Caribbean nation for three decades, a stroke felled him. Brian was still alive. He spent most of his days being wheeled around in the Murphy's summer home on the Gulf of Avalon. Even if he watched the proceedings in Jerusalem on the news, he wouldn't really understand what was going on. If he could, he would be overjoyed to see his son earning such an important church position, and to see Acadianne on the world stage.

"How much longer do you plan to be out there?" Sullivan's wife asked.

"I'm not sure. There's going to be a meeting of the Secular College on Friday. I'm not going to miss that for anything."

His wife chuckled. "You sound like a kid in a candy store, Sully,"

"I feel that way," Sully admitted. "There are huge, world changing issues being decided here, and Acadianne is a part of it. Would have thought this possible twenty years ago? Ten years ago?"

"It really does seem unreal," Mrs. Murphy replied.

"For now, though, I should go. I have a meeting I need to be at in about a half hour."

After saying his goodbye, the president prepared for the upcoming briefing from his national security advisor and chief of staff.

[Nova Gaul]

Sanctum Sepulchrum

While his estimable colleague Prelate-Secretary Cardinal Rhodes deftly went about preparing the summons to Consistory in Rome Cardinal Orsini, Prelate-Governor of the Kingdom of Jerusalem, prepared the Church of the Holy Sepulcher for the first congress of the Secular College.

This Secular College had been created by the Second Council of Jerusalem, and was meant to be an aid to and imagine of the Sacred College—staffed by cardinals and patriarchs. However instead of churchmen meeting to discuss spiritual issues in the Sacred College, Catholic nobles and high politicians would meet to discuss political issues in the Secular. Its genesis stemmed from the fact that although the Holy Roman Emperor was tasked with the political well-being of the Holy Catholic Church his domains, unlike in the times of the original Church, were limited by world geography. Therefore a new creation was needed to shepherd the Church Political in the world’s many lands, many very remote and far from either the Holy City of Rome or the Imperial City of Constantinople: the Secular College.

The Vicar of Christ and the Roman Emperor would convene the Secular College on this their first council, but it was the Deacon-Legates themselves (having been ordained to the Deaconate as a necessary prerequisite to properly serve the Lord) would choose courses of action regarding the issues put before them and would from this point forward meet biannually in Jerusalem—unless an emergency occurred and a Deacon-Legate requested an immediate convocation. True, the Pontifex Maxiumus or the Imperator Romanorum might ask the college to adjudicate certain issues, for instance it was widely known that the Holy Father would request the college to consider four issues upon their first convocation, yet in the end the Secular College was its own organization, an organization of Catholic potentates from disparate lands and peoples who met as pares inter pares, as equals among equals.

As the venerable Cardinal Rhodes no doubt announced in his summons the foundational Secular College, consisting of His Catholic Majesty King Jordanus VIII of Acadzia, Defender of the Faith, His Excellency President of Great Rhodesia Darian Rhodes, Eldest Son of the Church, the Right Honorable Prime Minister of the Philippines Alfredo Montesclaros, His Honor the President of Acadienne Sullivan K. Murphy, and His Honor the Vice President of Wesleyopia Timothy Fields, four major issues had been placed on the agenda by His Holiness Leo XIV. As Cardinal Rhodes would declare they were to discuss, “rumors of Schism produced by some radical Americans, as well as some Balkan foolishness. There are also elections in the Philippines, and of course the glorious progress of fair Rhodesia. The attendees will undoubtedly have their own issues to raise, but those are our primary concerns.”

And so Cardinal-Governor Orsini saw to it the most holy church was prepared.

((A glorified bump. I just want to make sure that Holy Roman Emperor Tiberius, the Vice President of Wesleyopia, and the Prime Minister of the Philippines know the Secular College is going to meet…OOCly I hope Friday. I’ve already got RSVPs I think from Acadzia, Acadienne, and of course Marimaia.

At the same time Cardinal Rhodes—Marimaia—will be hosting a episcopal consistory in Rome where bishops/cardinals from the Trade Federation, along with other wavering American high clergy, have been summoned to state their case. But since it all relates to this thread I think we’ll be fine keeping all RP aspects on this thread.))

[Jatriqya and Hoya]

The Emperor, or Holy Roman Emperor as he was now known, paced in his room. This meeting of a secular college disturbed him. Not that he disagreed with it. He wanted a secular college, he just wanted to be a part of it, in effect the leader of the Secular College.

As supreme political authority he was to demand to be a part of it. His job in the church was to deal with the geography and the politics of the church and he would not let his job be taken away by the Secular College. The Emperor would make sure that the meetings of the Secular College take place in an area convenient for him, and that he would meet with the Secular College in their biannual meetings. Furthermore, the legates of the Secular College would be the enforcers of the political church in their spheres of influence, but would not make a decision without first consulting the Secular College.

The Emperor issued a statement unavailable to the public but directly to only the members of the Secular College and Pope Leo:

Code: Select all

As Holy Roman Emperor and as Leader of the Political Church I ask that I be included in all of the meetings of the Secular College, as if I am not it is an infringement on my rights as the Political Leader of the Church.

Although territories may not be under direct control of the church, I must assume my duties as Political Leader of the Church and assist and attend the meetings of the Secular College.

Furthermore, I wish that all of the decisions passed by the College be also passed by me.

I propose that the Secular College meet once a year in Berytus (Beirut) in the month of May, and that a second meeting be held in November in one of the other member states of the Secular College.


Tiberius quickly sent the statement off to his aides to deliver it personally to the future members of the Secular College in Jerusalem.

[Nova Gaul]

((I’ll risk an OOC blurb for some quick clarification. I more or less intended for your ^above^ point to be the case. The point was to me the Secular College was its own body, and neither directly subservient to the pope or emperor while being affiliated with both. Ergo the Emperor will be included in their meetings, as will the pope, but the focus at such meetings in on the College per se. As per the Councils’ declaration they are set to meet twice biannually in Jerusalem. I must say I wish you mentioned this Beirut thing then—when I was proposing what the Council would vote on.

As it stands the Secular College will have to vote on that, whether to meet once a year in Beirut…although we might do three year cycles: year 1 Jerusalem, year 2 Beirut, year 3 rotating amongst member countries. Of course they would have to vote on that too. Also, I have to say, the Emperor would be able to vote in the secular college, but no one ever agreed to giving him veto power over it exclusively. I have to say though I thought I put the Council's terms in language as explicit as possible.

In fact, I haven’t really given much thought to the mechanics of the Secular College. Id also be open to the Secular College members themselves coming up with its rules and such. Barring that I suppose I’ll get around to making an OOC thread in a bit…looks like the meeting will be postponed gentlemen! ))

[Jatriqya and Hoya]

(Just to clarify: the secular college is a clear infringement of the emperor' rights as head of the political power of the church if he doesn't get a veto. He should at least be the head of it. I mean, the secular college is a clear political organization and so naturally the Emperor should head it. Just makes sense. )

[Nova Gaul]

((OOC: Yes, on reading that, I realized it ought to have been designed more explicitly. I thought it would be cool to have a Secular College to go along with the Sacred, and may have not estimated its effect. I intended it to be a pares inter pares league of Catholic world leaders, who not matter their official titles would be equal in session. Your point is very valid, but I think the issue will come down to what the emperor’s being head of the Secular College means. And if the emperor is the head of the Secular College, is the pope the head of the Sacred College? As you can see we’ve gone into OOC territory here. My mistake on not being clearer earlier…goes to show you that AMW gets the realism thing down perfectly. But I suspect we shall continue this debate on the boards, apologies again.))