Church of Jou

Church of Jou
General Information
Theology	Deistic
Headquarters	Nightwell Cathedral
Other names	Vorsian Orthodoxy

The Church of Jou, also known as the Vorsian Orthodoxy, is the prevalent religious organisation of One Nation Under Jou. It was spread across all of the nation's planets to provide common ground for the new society that emerged from the creation of the nation in Year 21. The primary purpose of the Church is to offer support to the people of One Nation. The teachings are meant to inspire shared values, provide guidance to those that need it, inspire charity and offer common ground. As such the Church has more cultural than spiritual influence on the populace. Since its establishment, the Church has influenced One Nation's philosophy, culture, art, music and science.

Vorsian Orthodoxy is a deistic religion where Vigo Amaranalah Jou is worshiped as a divine figure but not with the belief that she would directly intervene in the lives of the Church followers or perform miracles. Prayers to Vigo Jou are mainly used for comfort and as an act of confirming one's faith. The Church acknowledges the Force as the power that binds the galaxy together, and teaches that Vigo Jou's divinity came from the Force.

History

The Vorsian Orthodoxy, as the name would imply, originated on the moon Vorsia Companion. Countess Lilith established the Church to exalt Vigo Jou so that the Vigo's decision was not forgotten and its importance could inspire others, believing it to be a fundamental part of Vorsian history. The decision by Vigo Jou was made in Year 11, however, the earliest concepts of the religion can only be traced to Year 18. Lilith's reverence towards the Vigo was well known, but it wasn't until Year 18 that she began to reference Vigo Jou as a divine figure. The event that changed Lilith's views was never explained in detail, but Lilith believes that she was contacted by the Vigo, which was the inception for her faith.

Due to Lilith's position in Vorsian society, the ideals of the faith first spread among the nobility and then gradually among the common people. This led to the official establishment of the Church of Jou. The religion remained relatively unknown to the galaxy until Year 21. When Lilith was approached with the offer to bring Morobe under her rule, she saw it as an opportunity to introduce the faith to the galaxy. The governors of Morobe welcomed the Church and its potential to unite the nation under cultural common ground.

Doctrine

The central narrative of the religion is the Jou's Judgment; an event referencing Vigo Amaranalah Jou's decision to spare Lilith Delcroix's life when she willingly offered herself as an atonement for her sins against the Family. This is believed by the Church followers to be the catalyst which led to the formation of the Vorsian state, and in extension the One Nation. With this single decision Vigo Jou allowed Countess Lilith to influence the galaxy and create a better world for the Vorsian people. Without Jou's mercy the Vorsia Companion would not have been uplifted from its deteriorating conditions.

The cornerstone of the Vorsian Orthodoxy is self-sacrifice, and the understanding of long lasting impact one's actions might have. The believers are expected to have faith and follow Vigo Jou's example towards creation of a better world. The belief in a better world is an idea that many can believe in, to work together and find some connection to begin mend, heal or negotiate. The teachings also emphasize the value of honour and family, to put others above personal interests; with the ultimate goal of creating paradise worlds through common faith and social values. This behaviour is referenced by the believers as walking in Jou's Grace.

Structure

The Church has a vast structure not dissimilar to a corporation. The most notable and publicly known roles are those of the various priests from local churches, given their prominent role in communities. Behind the scenes, the Church has internal groups for maintenance and logistics among others. The Church also has its own security force, soldiers trained with the duties of priests. Their main job is protection of the property (such as churches and warehouses), and offering protection to travelling priests and pilgrims. Although not confirmed, it is assumed the Church is also involved in training of Force Sensitive citizens.

Iconography

The most common symbol of the Church is a stylized letter J, the first letter of Vigo Jou's surname. The Church is also often represented with icons of the sun, and crown of sunlight.