The 9th Cannon and the Curia
From LanceaSanctum
[edit] Sermon from Mass in Los Angeles, Nov. 9 2005
Wisdom is no easy thing to come by. As we heard Job speak in the first reading, True Wisdom is not availble to the living, and even we, the dead hear only rumors of wisdom. We catch glimpses of it as it passes by. But...
at this point , Karl trails off, pauses, and clears his throat
No, that's not right. I had hoped to give a sermon on the wisdom necessary in seeking a childe for Embrace, but it would be an empty echo in these nights, where much greater matters demand our attention.
There is a creeping evil which seeks to tear apart our Holy Church, as an Ivy creeps slowly into the masonry, and breaks it apart. A group of Elder kindred, who fear these modern nights, and the changes they bring have advocated the abandonment of one of the Holy Cannons which the Monachus laid down for us, guided by the Holy Rule of Longinus. They seek to establish themselves as "speakers" for the entire Lancea Sanctum, and as "leaders" on the spiritual matters of Heresy. They do this in the name of "unity" and "change".
Those of you who attended the gathering in Phoenix doubtless heard rumors of this Curia Cruentis, and several of you have likely heard of them since. I know for a fact that some of us Witnessed their formation, and heard their words of peace, and cooperation between Bishops.
As tempting as it is to follow these kindred, into what they wish to see as a Golden Age, we must recognize this effort for what it is: A corruption within the Lancea Sanctum.
Our holy church learned many centuries past the foolishness of a central authority. The Monachus, and his followers within the Black Abbey taught us that lesson at the cost of their very lives. Were we to have followed a central council then, our holy church would have died that night, with the Monachus.
But learn this lesson we did, aided by the Monachus' foresight and wisdom in establishing the 9th Cannon, which states that the kindred in a parish shoould choose the wisest among them to serve as the Bishop. By his wisdom establishing that Bishop as the last spiritual authority, the Monachus freed us from any who would weaken our holy church by tying it to the fate of a single kindred, or even a council of kindred.
Those who support this council say that it will bring them greater strength, by resolving disputes between Bishops without the need for bloodshed. They say that this council will strengthen us, by providing central authority and guidance on heresies. They say that they take unto themselves only powers which no Bishop can claim.
I say that we are not Children. We are not weak fools, to be coddled and lead, softly by enticements of friendship and unity. We are God's Holy Predators. We are strong. If one is not wise enough to resolve his issues with another, or strong enough to defend himself from attack, then he is not wise or strong enough to be Bishop. Only through the competition, and struggle do we gain the wisdom and strength to see God's holy plan for us. Only by struggles and travails do we learn that which makes us great. Those who would coddle us would see us fat, lazy, and plump. Those who have faith in the Lord God, and aknowledge our role as predators see that the struggle for power makes us lean, strong, and gives us sharp teeth with which to carry out our holy charge.
I cannot force the decision of whether to ally yourself with this Curia upon any of you. You must make your own choices, as the 9th cannon commands us. But know this. I will stand, apart from this Curia, and I will remain of the Lance. This Curia will not speak for me. Also know that The Curia Cruentis will fall, be it tomorrow, or next year, or ten years from now, for it denys the lessons of God, and of History. When it does fall, there will still be we of the Lancea Sanctum here, and we will welcome you back with open arms, for God's church is open to all of the blood.
Longinus be with you all. Go now to hunt in the name of the Lord.
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