Church of Bernard

## Background

The Church of Bernard is a form of Barryism that originated in early August 2021, it's followers believe that Barry II & Barry III are false idols, and that the true sheep spirit reincarnated into Bernard the black sheep. The religion differs from Orthodox Barryism in many ways, the main difference being the succession of the sheep spirit. The religion was founded in New Hanoi, a city in the Federal Republic of Montroig.

## History

### Founding

In mid July 2021 a single black sheep holding a sceptre approached player Dutchy53. The sceptre was flying a black banner with a crimson cross on it. The sheep, revealing himself to be Bernard, gave Dutchy53 5 gold plates. He told her to keep these plates secret until they could be united with the other half, which would be delivered in about a month. Bernard then disappeared in a blinding orb of light.

On the 7th of August 2021, player Gooblegins was approached by five sheep, two dark green, two black, and one white. The sheep hovered in the air for a few minutes before disappearing in a blinding light. Gooblegins, not being a follower of Barryism at the time and having just drunk large amounts of alcohol, believed the sighting to be a hallucination.

On the 14th of August 2021, player Gooblegins was approached by a single black sheep. The sheep held the same sceptre that Dutchy53 saw. The sheep dropped 5 golden plates, engraved in them were a script no one had seen before. The black sheep, revealing himself to be Bernard, told Gooblegins to take the plates and unite them with the other half in Dutchy 53's possession. Bernard told her to then melt the plates down afterwards.

On the 15th of August, players Dutchy53 and Gooblegins combined both sets of golden plates. Dutchy53 translated the plates, finding that they had many revisions to existing Barryist texts and new material. She proceeded to write these down and created a new Barryist text, known as the Book of Bernard.

On the 20th of August, Bernard appeared to Gooblegins once again, however, instead of disappearing, Bernard descended from the sky and ordered Gooblegins to take him to a suitable place of worship. Bernard was moved to the temple in New Hanoi, where he resides currently.

### Miracles

On the 26th of August 2021, player Gooblegins witnessed a miracle in the North - East of a region called Baldia's Backyard. Lightning struck thrice, and in the smouldering grass were two books. Gooblegins, being unsure what to make of this event, took the books to her apartment immediately. The location of the books is currently unknown. The miracle was interpreted as a command from Bernard, Gooblegins refused to say anymore.

## Beliefs & Doctrine

### Basic Beliefs

* Barry II & Barry III are false idols, and the true sheep spirit reincarnated into Bernard the black sheep.
* The sheep spirit is enteral and cannot die. If the body that the sheep spirit is inhabiting dies the sheep spirit will inhabit a new sheep of a different name and colour.
* All followers of the faith resurrect similarly to the sheep spirit.
* There were only 2 red sheep in the first miracle.
* The Religion not only worships the sheep spirit but also holy relics. The most important relic is the Holy Anvil.
* Followers of Bernardism are permitted to shear all sheep except black sheep. Members are forbidden from harming sheep. The only members of the church which are permitted to shear black sheep are the Pope - Emperor, High Priest, and the cardinals.
* Followers are required to wear formal attire when attending church, this consists of a dyed helmet the same colour as the current holy sheep.
* The two holiest sites are New Hanoi and Terroja.

### **Rites:**

* **Baptism** - Initiation into the church. All existing members have the power to baptise others into the faith. Baptism must occur in the presence of blessed water contained in a cauldron.
* **Endowment** - The ceremony required to become an apostle. To become an apostle the person must first be a follower of Bernard, they are given a copy of the Book of Bernard which they must read and comprehend. This can be done by a cardinal.
* **Salvation** - The ceremony required to become a cardinal. To become a cardinal they must either be the oldest apostle and have a vacancy in the holy council, or be appointed by the high priest.
* **Ascendance** - The ceremony required to become high priest. The cardinals will vote for someone amongst their ranks or someone they deem to be devout, (most commonly the former). The candidate with the most votes will become the new high priest. The high priest must then pray for acceptance from the sheep spirit in the presence of the holy anvil.

### **The hierarchy of the church:**

* **High Priests** - The highest authority of the church is the High Priest, they are responsible for interpreting messages from Bernard and leading the flock. (Full title: High Priest(ess) of Terroja, New Hanoi, and all of Rathnir.)
* **Patriarch/Matriarch** - Honour title given to the eldest cardinal. This title grants no additional power.
* **Cardinals** - Cardinals are responsible for managing and building churches. They are expected to go on pilgrimages to foreign lands to proselytise. Cardinals are responsible for electing the high priest from amongst themselves, or amongst the followers (most commonly the former) once the previous one dies or abdicates. Cardinals are responsible for promoting followers to apostles.
* **Apostles** - Apostles lead and hold prayer meetings. The oldest apostle becomes a cardinal once one dies, abdicates, or is promoted to High Priest.
* **Follower of Bernard** - Bernardists are able to baptise new members into the faith.

### Greeting

When followers of Bernard are meeting each other is customary to engage in a call and response. The person beginning the conversation says "Praise be Bernard" the second speaker responds with "Bernard verum est".

### Celebrations

On the 15th of every month Veracity day is held, this is to celebrate the day the golden plates were combined. It is customary to make a pilgrimage to the holy cities of Terroja and New Hanoi. Where followers are encouraged to attend church to pray and make donations.