Mythic Christianity
The Mythic Church is the Christian Church of Mythic Europe. It is very similar to, and based on, the historic church. Unless otherwise mentioned, most Church references are probably to the Western Church, but there is also an Eastern (Orthodox) Church. The Church includes a hierarchy of priests (from a lowly parish priest to the pope himself), Benedictine monks, mendicant friars such as the Dominicans and the more recently formed (1209) Franciscans (St. Francis himself will live until 1226), crusading orders (such as the Templar and Teutonic Knights), and more.
Mythic Christianity places great emphasis on the use of relics and the invocation of saints, which sets it somewhat apart from the other major monotheistic religions (Islam and Judaism). It is clear that at least some of its members are holy characters with access to Divine powers or the Ars Notoria, but it is isn't clear how prevalent are such powers amongst its members. Some members of the Church are also diabolists, wielding Infernal powers, despite the Church's overt connection to the Divine. The extent of corruption or holy presence in the Church is something that is left to individual storyguides to decide for their sagas.
The Church is one of the most powerful social and supernatural institutions in Europe, perhaps the strongest, and its relations with the Order are complex. Many Church officials see magic as sinful and prohibited, while others view it as a neutral "gift", that can be used to do both good and evil. Tension between local Church representatives and covenants is common, but so are peaceful and mutually beneficial relations. The tendency of the Church to establish Dominion auras and in-so-doing destroy Magical ones, however, is another common source of conflict.
References
- Art and Academe focuses on how the Western Christian Church views and treats the various educational subjects and institutions, but includes a little information on treatment by people in areas controlled by the Eastern Church as well as the other faiths.
- The Church is a sourcebook on Western Christianity and groups associated with it.
- Realms of Power: The Divine has a Mythic Christianity chapter on pages 71-100.
- The Sundered Eagle is the sourcebook that provides the most information on the Eastern Christian Church(es) as well local manifestations of the Divine.