The Church of Sunderia, commonly known as Sunderianism is a religion believing that the "spirits" of the world make up one god, known as Ishbar.
History
Sunderianism was first started in the 11th century by the Roman-Catholic Turks of Antioch who had heard the Voice of Ishbar telling them that He was God.For years Sunderians have kept their identities secret for fear of persecution, but now, they stand tall!
Beliefs
Sunderians believe that everything has it's own "spirit". All these "spirits" are put together making Ishabar. The Sunderians also believe that Ishbar is only the God of our galaxy and that his brothers and sisters rule all the others.According to Sunderians, Ishbar helped create the world and then let it fonction without him. He only intervenes when necessary. Sunderians also are firm believers in science and Evolution. In Sunderianism there is no hell, people are reincarnated and eventually go to heaven once they are pure enough. Once in heaven Sunderians may chose to be reincarnated again.
Location
Members of the church of Sunderia are most often found in northern France, although it is widely known that members of the church are also found in Sorrento, Italy. The Sunderian School of Theology has recently been established in the small hamlet of Samognière, France.
Orders and Ranks
Sunderianism has different ranks, the two most important being the Pontifices Maximii (Pontifex Maximus when singular). They are the equivilant to pope in the Catholic Church. The full title of Pontifex Maximus is "The Beloved Leader Pontifex Maximus ...... . Various other ranks exist, and the people filling these ranks are appointed by the Pontfices Maximii. Once both Pontifices Maximii are dead, there is an election amongst the clergy of who will be the next elected. There are also different Orders. The Suderian positions and their equivilant in the [Catholic Church] (and number of people available for each position):
The Beloved Leader, Pontifex Maximus (x2) = Pope
Advisors (x10) = Swiss Guard Leaders
The Hochmeisters (eligeable to become Pontifex) (x8) = Preferati Cardinals (eligibale to become pope)
The Ordenmarshals (x20) = Cardinals (lesser)
The Elite Priests (x25) = Arch-bishop
The High Priests (x35) = Bishops
Priest (as many as recruited) = Priest
A total of 100 clergy members. (Not counting the priests, who don't vote for the election of the Pontifices Maximii.
Current Leaders
The current Pontifices Maximii are Vincent VIII and Connor XIX. There is also, currently an Advisor of Religious Symbology to the Potifices Maximii named Sofia.
Origins of the Words
Sunderia comes from the ancient words "sunde" (meaning bridge) and "ria" (meaning God), so litteraly it is the "Bridge to God".
