==== Cults ==== [ [[Religions]] ] Cults are groups of people who cooperate out of a shared religious belief that is deviant and novel compared to the more established religions. Cults can hold a completely unique set of beliefs or be part of a greater religion. The [[Ecclesia]] faith is known to have several cults amongst their faith, which are tolerated by the church so long as they do not get too far out of line and show deference in major matters of faith. When a cult crosses too far against the primary church they are branded as apostate and are often labelled as Sects rather than Cults. Cults based on magic, especially within [[South Vorus]] are sometimes called Cabals, while cults surrounding the [[Spirits of Nature]] are often called Covens. Foreign religious beliefs might be mistaken for cults in area's where they are not common. ==== Ecclesian Cults & Heresies ==== There are several different cults and heresies related to the religion of [[Ecclesia]]. Cults are -not- distinct religions, but rather are officially recognized sub-groups of the Church of Ecclesia who are devoted to a specific saint or saints. Cults are usually local and their leader is a Bishop within the church. If a cult grows and spreads over a large area, it may have multiple bishops in which case one of them can become an Arch-Bishop, who rules over the cult as a whole. The position of Bishop or Arch-Bishop is mutually exclusive with that of Cardinal (who outranks both). As such, if a Bishop of a large Cult wishes to become a Cardinal (a de-facto prerequisite to becoming [[Pontifex]]), he must give up his position as leader of the Cult. Cults have their own theological ideas, and their own rituals and ways of worship. However, they remain subject to the greater Church of Ecclesia. Moreover, though they have considerable freedom, their theology must conform to certain principles set by the Church, or the Cult will be declared anathema. A cult which is anathema is called a Heresy, and it is considered to be equivalent to open rebellion. One example was the [[Heresy of Vo'Civer]] which was ended after the demon behind it was defeated.