Toward Remonstration and Reconciliation: A Letter of the Patriarch of the Church of Westrun

To all the Faithful, their Clerics, the Holy Knights, the Holy Brothers and the Sacred Sisters, the Shepherds, the Noble Prefects:

It has come to our attention that certain teachings, advanced from some in the Kingdom of Talir, which has been the Stoutest Daughter of the Church, seek to distort the sacred hierarchy established by our holy Canons. Let it be clearly known and observed that Canon 15, the Stricture of Hierarchy, names the Patriarch as the ultimate spiritual authority of the Church of Westrun. Therefore, all the faithful, from serfs to princes, owe their spiritual fealty to the Patriarchate and must submit body and soul to the teachings and authority of the office.

Any assertion that a differentiated so-called High Priest may exercise the powers of the Patriarch is a corruption of the order given by Worthy Gamasiel the Founder and codified by his successor Worthy Cronos. We realize that such claims are not merely the idle pretensions of a prideful cleric, rather they threaten both the unity of the Church and the souls entrusted to our care.

Therefore, I, Philbert, Patriarch of the Church of Westrun, declare that all Clerics, Orders, and Faithful are to continue observing the canonical hierarchy: first Clerics, then Shepherds, then Prefects and ultimately, the Patriarch. Those who persist in undermining this sacred order shall answer for their words and deeds. Let all those charged with protecting the church remember: unity in obedience preserves the household of God.

This is written with mercy in mind and so that Restoration might occur. Let all who read this letter renew themselves to the constant teaching of the Church and repent of any errors. Those who do so will be restored and find themselves welcomed with open arms. Those who do not will be culpable.

By my hand and seal,

Philbert, Patriarch of the Church of Westrun and Father of all the Household of God