An Ordained Hierarchy

It is known to you that an ordained hierarchy exists. As man is above beasts, so are the Damned above men. Our numbers are fewer so that our purpose is better effected. - Rule 4

The title of this week's homily comes from the opening line of The Rule of Golgotha 4. The Rule of Golgotha is the third book of the Testament of Longinus. It is here in the text that we transition from the story of the early life and requiem of Longinus to his teachings on how we ought to order our own requiem. Rule 4 concerns the ordering of all things in this world, from beast to man to kindred, as well as within kindred society, as well as the hierarchy of Sanctified.

We recognize also a hierarchy of the Damned. From the lowest of those who cannot see the truth of our Sanctification or the barest neonate, his sire's Vitae still fresh upon his lips, to the most perfect predator and the greatest student of the Dark Prophet, we too have a hierarchy that is part of God's plan. - Rule 4

Our nature, as predators, demands hierarchy. The beasts within us, while they must not rule us, may not be denied either. It is not without reason that when meeting another kindred for the first time, we sense their strength and must master our instinct to fight or flee. Kindred society is built upon an understanding of these facts of our nature, an attempt to impose reason, civilization upon that which would otherwise be simply instinct and chaos. In this there is great wisdom.

Yet how shall we select our leaders, how shall we know them, and what shall we demand of them?

Those who shall serve you as abbot shall be held to the highest standard, for they must show the faithful the proper conduct. Each abbot is merely a servant; he serves the community, the mission of the Dark Prophet, and the purpose of God. Let no Kindred be crowned as a king of the faithful; such things are better left to the patriarchs and emperors of the secular concern. each abbot, like each brother, serves God’s purpose in his own way, and shall be garnered respect as first among equals, as he has earned through the perfection of his predation. There is none more worthy above you, excepting God. - Rule 4

Rule 4 answers this question for the Lancea Sanctum. Those who lead must be held to the highest standard. They must be exemplary, embodying the values of the community and replete in purpose. They must be servants of a higher calling, rather than absolute rulers. Indeed, in comparison to their community they "shall be raised above them only in duty."

While Rule 4 does not give answers to the ordering of the rest of kindred society, there are lessons herein from which many can draw value.

Thus do we acknowledge the first among us, and trust in our brethren in diverse communities to choose leaders wise and worshipful. Let us also aspire to that more perfect predation, and let those who have been chosen to be first among equals be magnanimous in their strictures, be forgiving in their dealings with other Damned, and let them be wise in their law-giving. - Rule 4

Sum Sanctus,

Simon Patterson

Augustus Inquisitor de Lacus Magni