Benacian Bovic Church

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See also Bovinism
Benacian Bovic Church
Benacian Church flag.png
Theology: Bovinism
Polity Congregational
Origin 1676 AN
Split from Dozan Bovic Church
(schism)
Countries Drak-Modan (State Religion)
Divisions 16 herds
Members 13,941,004

Bovic yoke symbol.png

The Benacian Bovic Church, originally known as the Benacian Bovic Church of the Capric Rite, is a Bovic church, with adherents in Drak-Modan. The church was founded in 1676 after it separated from the Dozan Bovic Church.

Hierarchy

The Patriarch of Drakorda became the first spiritual leader of the church and took the title of Otchim of the Benacian Bovic Church to symbolize his position of authority. Each Herd in Drak-Modan elects its own Pastuk, and the 16 Pastuks from each major city come together every 8 years to elect a new Otchim. The council of Pastuks also meet when called by the Otchim to debate matters of doctrine.

Herds of the Church

The Herds (congregations) of the Benacian Church are largely responsible for their own leadership, liturgy, administration, and finances. There are Herds in each of Drak-Modan's sixteen major cities. In contrast to the Dozan Bovic Herds that meet in cathedrals, Benacian Bovics believe in the humbleness of Bous and meet in open fields or outdoor pavilions.

Comparisons to the Dozan Church

Due to the more democratic nature of the church's structure, the church's character has quickly become much more fanatical than the more monolithic Dozan Church. Disillusioned Bovics from across Micras began moving to Drak-Modan, attracted by several Herds' Revival Retreats, which promised a return to text-based, personal readings of the Tetrabiblios, and fully interpreted for the audience by the Pastuks.

While the Pentheros of the Dozan Church welds immense power in the church, the Otchim of the Benacian Church is more of a figurehead. Benacians Pastuks have considerable influence over their Herds and can determine minor theological questions that may distinguish one Herd from another Herd. While Dozan Bosarchs must follow teachings from Doza and the Pentheros, creating a more universal religious experience.

Many Pastuks have little or no theological or seminarian experience. Some are volunteers but most are paid a stipend or speaking honorarium out of the tithes collected by their Herd.