Rites of prayer are opportunities. They are not for Church members, nor
are they for the Church. They are abilities given to us by all the Gods,
so that we may provide mortals with an avenue for prayer.

In history, the Church has tended to the spiritual needs of the world.
Sarapis, aiding and sanctioning the Church's goals, bestowed upon
Priests, Templars, and Paladins, the ability to hold rites of prayer.
The duty of the Church member is to focus and aide the congregation in
prayer. The Gods, pleased with the congregration's prayer then bestows
experience and reward to those that pray. The Church has no ability to
grant experience-for we are mortals, not gods. The Gods, pleased with
the ability of a Church member to gather devotees, grants the Church
member devotion.

Please do not assume falsely that Church members have the ability to
grant experience. Please also do not assume that any congregation has
the ability to grant devotion. All benefits come from the Gods.

Because some Church members and those that come to a prayer service
expecting experience both forgot the reasons the ability exists, the
Church cannot hold these rites. To continue to do so would disrespect
the Divine who bestowed upon us these skills.

On a side note, the reason why Church members cannot, and do not kneel
in prayer during rites of prayer is because they already dedicate their
lives to service and to the Gods. A Church member does not need any
special rite in order to pray. They are expected to do it as part of
their daily duties.


In service,
-Sir Brinn

Penned by my hand on the 3rd of Scarlatan, in the year 324 AF.