The Hierarchy

This article refers to Omnia as adapted to NationStates. For information on its origins in the Discworld universe see Omnia

The Hierarchy

Current Head: The Cenobiarch
Motto: Duc, sequere, aut de via decede

The Hierarchy is the term used to describe the higher ranks of the Omnian Church. While generally just as riddled with petty rivalries as the rest of the Church, these senior clergy are united in their opposition to the younger men looking for promotion to their positions. It takes a lot of work, intrigue and luck (note the lack of piety) to reach the upper echelons of the Church and these men are not about to surrender power unless its from their cold dead hands. Since the reforms brought in by the Prophet Brutha, this is usually a natural death rather than one brought about by poison or crushed glass mixed into meals.

Based in the upper floors and towers of the Citadel This is where the real power in the Church lies - the Thirty Archbishops (a formal council of, as the name suggests, 30 archbishops) are responsible for the day to day running of the Church while the six man Council of Iams have the final say in Church affairs and direction. Theoretically the Cenobiarch is the Supreme Iam and the ultimate authority on Church affairs, however these days the position is purely ceremonial and is usually filled by some old fool unlikely to cause trouble.

While the Cenobiarch is said to be chosen by Om himself, in practice he is agreed upon by the Thirty Archbishops and confirmed by the Council of Iams. Since any ordained priest can be nominated and the powers of the position have long been stripped away, it is common practice to give the position to some harmless old priest from the provinces. On taking the position the priest renounces his old name and past and is simply known as the Cenobiarch. The office is for life unless a Prophet arises in which case the Cenobiarch must embark on a desert hermitage.