Oh geez...
People, this is not so complicated...or, at least it wasn't...
The CP does NOT need an appointed Quaestor. They simply need to advertise for and hire a KALATOR...or 2 or 3 or 15. They need to hire their own people to do their own work, since theyapparently cannot, nd have now left us in a horrible situation on the Res publica level.
Yes, this is a voluntary organization. Yes, people do have other activities in their personal and family lives. Yes, the CP is seriously lacking in the fundamental foundations of administration, organization and management. They need an OFFICE MANAGER...this is called a Kalator in the ancient religious realm of
the State.
There seems to be an awful lot of discussion on the nature of the Religio. Thanks goes out to Cato for his simple explanation the other day. It is NOT a religion, but a collection of religious groups bound together under a common theme. It is composed of private households, various cults, foreign cult associations, shared cult associations, provincial segments, and the festivals and operations of the State. Which, in most cases, have absolutely nothing to do with each other.
Fabius, you are correct in that it cannot be put in a little distinctive box, nor is it a new version of the Catholic Church. Yes, the Catholics (I'm a former one) did, under the direction of Paul, copy, modify and amend the old Roman religion to form the foundation for a new faith (RR + Judaism + Cults of Isis, Mithris, Sol Invictus, Horus, Adonis, and Attis = Christianity). The
similarities abound and are documented. However, the nature of the religions are oceans apart. BUT, you and the members of the CP did not act. You did nothing. As a cultor, I am very, very, very, very,very and very angry about it. Now, look wat we just recieved n the form of legislation.
We needed a simple plan to fulfill the State positions of the Religio, not a plan to GROW the religio. It must grow on its own, by those interested in its concepts, practivces and results. The growth of the Religio can only come from the interests of those who desire to proceed down this path...in whatever form that might be. It is a personal one, not a congregational one bound by the morals and dogma ad whims of state institutions. Until all the temples are rebuilt, which will probably be somewhere between 2000 years and never, the gods and godesses will not fully get their due on the State level. "Quantity" is not as
important as them getting the "Quality" due them from the State and from those practitioners who actually believe in them.
Several years ago, our eldest son was involved in a vicious dog attack, where his lips were basically torn to shreds. His lips were surgically pieced back together in the operating room. We were told that he would be basically scarred for life. We said prayers everyday for weeks, but no healing was occurring and the scars were beginning to turn to that permanent pink bubble gum appearance. Prayers did not work. Venator advised one day in a private email that maybe...just maybe...we were praying to the "wrong set of gods." (Mind you that Venator is NOT a cultor of the Roman pantheon). I then brought the situation to light on the main list, where immediately cultors from across the globe began offerings to Apollo and others. Lentulus
wrote a special ritual and performed a sacrifice with others for our son in his country. Everyday, hoards of emails came in advising me that this person or group and that person or group had done this or that, sacrificed to this or that. Many of the pontiffs and Flamens did the same, even if "outside of their appointed duties." Within three days...not weeks...three days, the healing began and within a month, there was only one little tiny scar on his lip. My wife and I were speechless. After that month, my religious views changed...forever. Our so was for the first 7 years of his life a very technical child...until his acident. Now he, at 13, is an accomplished musician who has been asked to play professionally, he is an accomplished poet with national recognition amonst his peers, and has a collegiate level appreciation, love and undertanding of the arts. He truly is a child of Apollo, and no one can give me an
explanation of why. I know.
It is these types of experiences which cause one to abandon his or her birth religion and proceed down a new pathway. It is not who is appointed the PM or a Pontifice or a Flamen or a Sacerdos. It is not who has completed a Camillum program or been appointed a this or that.
Do we need these things? Yes, absolutely. Do we need a functioning CP, well oiled and fine tuned? Probably. Should we throw the Flamens and Pontifices out after a term of X years? Sure...if you want to piss off the whole entire pantheon for eons. Should we replace them if they renounce their citizenship? YES, YES, YES. Personally, I do not want a multi-decade vacancy in the State-Gods relationship, because someone got a cobb up their butt and decided to go play Byzantine or Wiccan or some other guru. If you are appointed for life, you either serve your term or you
resign and create a vacancy. No other options. When a vacancy occurs, it should be filled as fast as possible with due regards and attention to the qualifications of the position and petitioner. You all ignored this--Consul and Pontiffs alike.
Should the people elect the vacant positions? Yes and No. People can elect the pontifices, IF the CP fails to act in the interests of the people and State. BUT UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES should the Senate appoint. The CP and CA do NOT need to become instruments of the Senate. It's Republic, not Empire.
The Pontificies should elect the PM and fill all state pontiff vacancies as soon as they have qualified applicants. The CP should appoint the Flamens and other positions and fill all state vacancies as soon as they have qualified applicants. The CA should appoint the augurs and fill all state vacancies as soon as they have qualified applicants.
GUESS WHAT...YOU CAN'T DO THAT NOW...Anything you do now will be seenas a lame, futile attept at "Re-election."
I would have offered to the CP, CA, Provincial Governors and the Senate of Nova Roma, albeit seemingly too late now, the following realignment plans:
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PROVINCIAL CONSILIUM RELIGIOSIS
1. Provincial Governors will appoint a Provincial Consilium Religiosis (PCR), consisting of the Provincial Governor, Provincial Sacerdos and Provincial Augur (see below), and one (1) Delegate urbi from each Oppidum, Municipium and Face-to-Face Religio Group established within the provincia.
2. PCR may appoint a Kalator to handle the clerical and administrative
duties of the religio of the Provincia.
3. Censors would authorize a determined number of CPs for annual service in the position of Kalator.
_______________________________________________________________________________
CAMILLUM PROGRAM
I. Application for Sacerdos/Augur in provinces WITH a Provincial Consilium Religionis:
1. Application is submitted to the assigned PCR Kalator for review and processing. Incomplete applications are returned for correction and resubmission.
2. Application is presented at the next meeting of the PCR. IF NO MEETING IS SET, ONE SHOULD BE CALLED WHEN AN APPLICATION HAS BEEN SUBMITTED AND PROCESSED.
3. The PCR votes to allow the Application to proceed and appoints a mentor, OR, the
Application is denied for a valid accountable reason, but not just a "we don't like you" assumption or decision.
4. Applicant is notified of acceptance as a Camillus/a by mentor and instructed on the process.
II. Application for Sacerdos/Augur in provinces WITHOUT a Provincial Consilium Religionis:
1. Application is submitted to the assigned CP or CA Kalator for review and processing. Incomplete applications are returned for correction and resubmission.
2. Application is presented at the next meeting of the CP/CA. IF NO MEETING IS SET, ONE SHOULD BE CALLED WHEN AN APPLICATION HAS BEEN SUBMITTED AND PROCESSED.
3. The CP/CA votes to allow the Application to proceed and appoints a mentor, OR, the Application is denied for a valid
accountable reason, but not just a "we don't like you" assumption or decision.
4. Applicant is notified of acceptance as a Camillus/a by mentor and instructed on the process.
III. Newly-appointed Cammilus works with mentor on completing the following or similar program:
1. Camillus/a chooses one (1) option below to pursue:
A. OPTION I: Appointment as Sacerdos
(1) Read a selection of Relio Romano titles as determined by the CP.
(2) Under the direction of the mentor, learn, write, prepare and deliver a ritus for three
separate State religious festivals, games or events.[WILL BE PUBLISHED ON THE NR WIKI]
(3) Write a minimum 1500 word essay on the god/goddess you wish to serve as a sacerdos. [WILL BE PUBLISHED ON THE NR WIKI]
(4) Write a minimum 1500 word essay, containing and explaining the rites of individual worship, religion of the family and household rites, religion of the state, marraiges, funeral practices.[WILL BE PUBLISHED ON THE NR WIKI]
(5) Write a special ritus for inclusion within the NR Guide for Private and Household Worship.[WILL BE PUBLISHED ON THE NR WIKI]
(6) Prepare a Cultor's Guidebook for [name of god(s)/goddess(es)] about
the diety or diety group you wish to serve, which includes:[WILL BE PUBLISHED ON THE NR WIKI]
(a) History of the diety or diety group
(b) Honoring the diety or diety group in the modern world, relating modern influences and conditions not apparent or in the daily life ot the ancient cultors
(c) Festival days of the chosen diety or diety group with a summary of each specific day with suggestions of how to celebrate it, both privately and publically
(d) Known prayers/rites to the diety or diety group from
antiquity
(e) A minimum of ten (10) prayers to the diety or diety group which you have written and which should be a mixture of daily rites and special observances
B. OPTION 2: Appointment as Augur
(1) Read a selection of Relio Romano titles as determined by the CA.
(2) Under the direction of the mentor, learn, write, prepare and deliver auspices for three separate State events.[WILL BE PUBLISHED ON THE NR WIKI]
(3) Write a minimum 1500 word essay on the nature of taking auspices, to include:
Roman auspices, the differences between Greek and Roman auspices, and Etruscan & Roman haruspicy [WILL BE PUBLISHED ON THE NR WIKI]
(4) Write a minimum 1500 word essay, containing and explaining the rites of individual worship, religion of the family and household rites, religion of the state, marraiges, funeral practices.[WILL BE PUBLISHED ON THE NR WIKI]
(5) Prepare an Augur's Guidebook to Auspicium and Haruspicy, which includes: [WILL BE PUBLISHED ON THE NR WIKI]
(a) Brief history of Auspicium and Haruspicy
(b) Determining when to take
Auspices/Haruspices
(c) Establishing Fanum
(d) Time considerations
(e) Procudeures for taking auspices
(f) Procedures for taking haruspices
(g) Interpreting the results
2. Once program requirements are completed, Cammilus/a will participate in an oral interview online (real time/live, not email) with a panel of at least three (3) current members of the
priesthood. The mentor may be one of the panel members.
3. Once the Cammilus/a has satisfactorily passed the oral interview, he or she is appointed as a sacerdos or augur.
4. In order to remain an active appointment as sacerdos or augur, he or she would be required to perform according to the guidelines of the CP, CA, or PCR.
5. They would be authorized to appoint a Kalator as a Personal Assistant, if needed.
6. Primary duty would be required to manage, administer, and grow an official online Religio Group (see below) for their appointed diety or diety group.
_______________________________________________________________________________
PROVINCIAL RELIGIO POSITIONS & GROUPS
RELIGIO ROMANA GROUPS (PROVINCIAL
FACE-TO-FACE GROUPS)
These groups are special interest cultus deorum groups (face-to-face or online), and could be stand-alone groups or attached to a Civitas, Militarium and/or Navalis groups.
1. Structured Group Levels:
A. Aedes (50+ members) – Temple Group
B. Sacellum (25-49 members) – Shrine Group
C. Altarium (9-24 members) – Altar Group
D. Fanum (3-8 members) – Sacred Ground Group
2. Required Group Officers:
A. Sacerdos (Priest/Priestess) - may only be one position
B. Augur (Auspice Taker) - may only be one position
C. Kalator (Cleric; Assistant to Priest/Priestess) - may only be one position
3. Optional Group Officers:
A. Aedituus/a (Assistant Priest/Priestess) - may be multiple positions
B. Others as determined by the group
4. Religio Membership in the group consists of:
A. LEVEL IV - Fanaticus (Practitioner) - Assidui (Tax
Payer)
B. LEVEL III - Discipulus (Student) - Capite censi (Non-Tax Payer)
C. LEVEL II - Petitor (Applicant) - Socius (Non-NR Registered Group Member)
D. LEVEL I - Spectator - Prospective Local Member, who is not yet a NR Citizen
Notes:
(1) Religio groups in the provincia would be chartered under the name fanum/altarium/sacellum/aedes (god/goddess)
(2) Groups MUST be an actual practicing Religio Romana group or other accepted foreign diety group, but may also conduct study, research, social, charity, living history or other face-to-face group activities.
(3) Non-cultors may hold membership in the group, but may not hold officer positions for non-religio purposes (reenactment,
theatrical, etc.)
(4) Local Fanum groups would be encouraged to designate an actual fanum area for public rites.
(5) Local Altarium groups would be encouraged to build an actual altar area for public rites.
(6) Local Sacellum groups would be encouraged to construct a shrine for public rites.
(7) Local Aedes groups would be encouraged to designate an actual structure for public rites, which would be open to public access.
(8) Online only groups would be granted a Fanum/Altarium/Sacellum/Aedea page on the NR Wiki in the Religio Section.
(9) Religio groups would be encouraged to appoint members to area of responsibility, such as ritus, augury, etc.
(10) Each local religio group would elect a member (Delegate urbi) to serve annually in the Consilium Religionis on the provincial level.
(11) Required Group Officers would be required to be
Assidui.
(12) Optional/other Group Officers would be required to be Nova Roma Citizens (Assidui or Capite censi).
PROVINCIAL SACERDOTES/AUGURS
1. Would be required to be a Cammilus/a to be officially appointed, but could serve in a provincial positio0n for a maximum period of one (1) year.
2. During this time, they would serve in the position of Provincial Aedituus/a, not Provincial Sacerdos or Augur.
3. If Camillum Program is not completed within one (1) year, then they would have to step down, and another appointed in their stead.
4. Once Camillum Program is completed and officially confirmed, they would be appointed by the Provincial Governor to the appropriate title of Provincial Sacerdos or
Provincial Augur.
5. Qualified Provincial Sacerdotes and Augurs would assume the responsibility of training, mentoring and administering the Camillum Program for sacerdotes and augurs serving in their Provincia. If the PS/PA is not yet completed the Camillum Program, applicants for any religio positions within the provincia (e.g., oppidum and municipium positions, local face-to-face groups, etc.) would train and be mentored through the CP/CA, but the application process ad selection decisions would remain under the decision and direction of the Provincial Governor, Sacerdos and Augur and/or Provincial Consilium Religionis.
PROVINCIAL FLAMENS
1. Provincial Flamens may be appointed by the Provincial Governor to serve the patron dieties of the provincia, and would be subject to the same requirements as the
Provincial Sacerdotes/Augurs as listed in the immediate paragraph above.
_______________________________________________________________________________
RES PUBLICA RELIGIO POSITIONS & GROUPS
RELIGIO ROMANA GROUPS (ONLINE STATE CULTUS GROUPS)
These groups are special interest cultus deorum groups (primarily online), overseen by an official sacerdos, and represent the various dieties of the State.
1. Structured Group Levels:
A. Aedes – Temple Group
2. Required Group Officers:
A. Sacerdos (Priest/Priestess) - may only be one
position
B. Kalator (Cleric; Assistant to Priest/Priestess) - may only be one position
3. Optional Group Officers:
A. Aedituus/a (Assistant Priest/Priestess) - may be multiple positions
B. Others as determined by the group
4. Religio Membership in the group consists of:
A. LEVEL IV - Fanaticus (Practitioner) - Assidui (Tax Payer)
B. LEVEL III - Discipulus (Student) - Capite censi (Non-Tax Payer)
C. LEVEL II - Petitor (Applicant) - Socius
(Non-NR Registered Group Member)
D. LEVEL I - Spectator - Prospective Local Member, who is not yet a NR Citizen
Notes:
(1) Religio groups of the State would be chartered under the name aedes (god/goddess)
(2) Group overseen by an officially appointed sacerdos.
(3) Groups MUST be an actual practicing Religio Romana group, but may also conduct study, research, social, charity, living history or other face-to-face group activities.
(4) Non-cultors may hold membership in the group, but may not hold officer positions for non-religio purposes (reenactment, theatrical, etc.)
(5) Online only groups would be granted an Aedes page on the NR Wiki in the Religio Section.
(6) Required Group Officers would be required to be Assidui.
(7) Optional/other Group Officers would be
required to be Nova Roma Citizens (Assidui or Capite censi).
FOREIGN CULT GROUPS
1. Application is submitted to the assigned CP Kalator for review and processing. Incomplete applications are returned for correction and resubmission.
2. Application is presented at the next meeting of the CP.
3. The CP votes to allow the applicant group and determines the groups acceptable operating parameters, OR, the Application is denied for a valid accountable reason, but not just a "we don't like you" assumption or decision.
LESSER STATE PRIESTHOODS (Leaping Priests, Fetiales, Arval Brethren)
1. Would be required to be appointed and serve a minimum of six (6) months as a
sacerdos of a related diety or diety group to the position sought.
2. Approval would be by majority vote of the CP, under the advice of the associated Flamen, if any (Flamen Martialis for leaping priests, Flamen Cerialis for Arval Brethren, etc.)
FLAMENS
1. Would be appointed by the CP by majority vote upon the death, resignation from position, resignation of citizenship, expulsion from position by majority vote of the collegium of the current Flamen.
2. In the case of a Plebian/Patrician status conflict, the Censors would make the familial status corrections. This would be a permanent change from Plebian to Patrician, and would be irreversible, whereby, restricting the civis from certain Plebeian-related opportunities in the future (certain voting, service as a Tribune
or Aedilis Plebis, etc.).
PONTIFFS & AUGURS
1. Would be appointed by the CP or CA by majority vote upon the death, resignation from position, resignation of citizenship, expulsion from position by majority vote of the collegium of the current Pontiff or Augur.
2. In the case a vacancy remains unfilled for a period of ninety (90) days, the Senate of Nova Roma would have the option of filling the vacancy by election by Comitia. Candidates would have to meet the following requirements:
(A) Be actively serving in the position of sacerdos or higher, provincial sacerdos, or urban/municipal sacerdos.
(B) Be in good standing, if a member of the CP or
Senate.
*****************************************************************************************************************
Unfortunately, we have just passed a law which now makes the Religio Romana something else. I would advise that there be a recall election to strike the following from the recently passed legislation:
The members of the Collegium Pontificum shall hold their offices for a specified period of time as established by the law, The individuals who make up the fourteen (14) Pontifices and the twelve (12) Flamines shall be elected by the People of Nova Roma in the Comitia Populi Tributa. The Pontiffs and Flamines shall be elected and regular re-elections shall be established by law.
This is NOT in any way acceptable within the guidelines of historical accuracy in my opinion. VACANCIES ONLY
should be elected by the people ONLY after the CP fails to do their job within a given time frame. This should not have been worded this way. This is an attempt to correct a temporary lame duck CP, but which has just completely changed the "duck hunting rules" to effectively modernize the religio to the popular culture, which has led us to the immoral and unjust society that we are today. Instead of reconstructionism, with the passage of this legislation, we are now engaged in the business of developing a psuedo-Romanesque new age religion of some type. Many will now depart, and the Pope of Ohio's group wins.
Robert, I'm sorry, but this is not the correct path that you should have pursued. You jumped the gun out of frustration and anger on this one. As a cultor, I would advise an amendment be drafted and presented immediately. If you don't agree with the Captains, you can see that they are in time
replaced, but don't go blow gaping holes in the hulls of your boats. You will quickly loose your navy. Duct tape DOES NOT WORK on everything.
I'm going to go outside and watch the stars...before the lightining bolts start falling on and destroying the Res publica.
Valete optime,