Alarene Sect

The **Alarene Sect** is a Trinalist denomination based in the Union. It is the largest reform denomination in the world, and the second-largest denomination in the Union, smaller only than the Orthodox Communion. Its followers are referred to as Alarenes.

The word *Alarene* refers to the adjectival form of the Ancient Antic word for paradise. During the Great Revival, a number of congregations arose, independent of the Curia. The first congregation under the Sect was the First Alarene Chantry in Morningcross, Temmon; which was established in 2385. The sect's teaching was based on the chantry's Preacher, Solman Kleev (2354-2398). Kleev had not taken any clerical orders within the Orthodox Communion and so was quickly excommunicated, along with his entire congregation, by Archon Herando.

Since Kleev's deat, the Alarene Sect has shifted from some of its regional and historical identification. The Sect has sought new members among minority cultures and gnolls. In addition, while still heavily concentrated in the expansion states, the headquarters were moved to Anno, West Novan to allow better access to the federal government and other centres of influence. Alarene congregations are proselytising in doctrine and practice. As they emphasize the significance of the individual conversion experience, which is affirmed by the person having complete immersion in water for a believer's Realisation, they reject the practice of infant initiation. Other specific beliefs based on interpretation can vary somewhat due to their congregational polity, which allows local autonomy.

## Beliefs

The general theological perspective of the Alarene Sect is represented in the New Great Missive. The NGM was first drafted in 2391 by Solman Kleev. It was revised significantly in 2418, amended in 2430, and revised again in 2444.

The NGM is not considered to be a holy text. Members are not required to adhere to it, and chantries and state conventions belonging to the Sect are not required to use it as their statement of faith or doctrine, though many do in lieu of creating their own statement. Despite the fact that the NGM is not a creed, preachers, lay staff, and missionaries must affirm that their practices, doctrine, and preaching are consistent with the NGM.

Historically, the Alarene Sect has not considered all magic to be contradox. However, it is considered in poor practice to practice arcane magic for any personal use.

### New Great Missive

The New Great Missive is seen as a book on practice of living day-to-day in a way that pleases God. Its articles are as follows:

1. The Scriptures
	* The Codex
	* The Appendices (these are not considered canon by the Orthodox Communion)
2. God
	* God as Creator
	* God as Preserver
	* God as Destroyer
3. Man and the Divine
4. Salvation
5. The Sect
	* The Council
	* Ordination
6. Reconciliation
7. Realisation
8. Prosyletism
9. The Sect & the Family
10. The Sect & Education
11. The Sect & the State
12. The Coming Kingdom of Paradise

### Sacraments

Alarenes observe two sacraments: the Reconciliation and Realisation (also known as *Free Initiation*). Furthermore, they hold the belief that only adults can truly achieve Realisation.

The Alarene Sect holds to memorialism, which is the belief that the Reconciliation is a symbolic act of obedience in which believers commemorate the death of Anatar Pius and look forward to Paradise beyond. Alarene Chantries practice open reconciliation - meaning that it is not closed to those who have been initiated into the Sect. Due to historic factors, Alarene Chantries often use salted weak beer instead of salted water for the Quenching. Each chantry may use either and both are permitted by the Confessional Council.

### Clerical Orders

The Alarene Sect does not use the term "priest" as it sees the term as indiciative of a seperate class. It prefers the term Preacher. Unlike the Orthodox Communion, women are permitted to serve as Preachers, however this is left at the discretion of the local congregation and many still do not permit women. Women make up only around 15% of preachers.

Preachers are elected by their congregants and are considered to serve for life (or until voluntary retirement). However, a Preacher may be removed from office by the Confessional Council if seen to be acting outside the bounds of the New Great Missive. In times of need, Preachers may also translate to other chantries.