A Response to the Auditor

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<> A Response to the Auditor <>

 

Blessed Stefan Himmel, calling for others to join the Iron Crusade against the Tartar Horde, 1522

 

The City of Helena and the Emperor which rule it are unlike those capitals and sovereigns of the Empire’s past. There was once an era where men in plate armor screamed ‘Deus Vult!’ and savagely clipped the ears of elves. This era has ended, and not because we are less faithful, but because we are moreso. We are no longer a collection of feudal warlords shirking their responsibility to good faith in all peoples, as holy GOD and even the Ministry itself proclaims. Observe here from the Principles of the Faith still used today, written and codified by High Pontiff Daniel III, third son of Emperor John I.

 

• The Ministry of GOD is not a body by which persecution and prejudice is born. It shall accept all races, peoples, and faiths as children of GOD, and show them His affection through tolerance, charity, mercy, and love. It shall, however, accept that the heathen and heretic are without love for GOD, and will admonish them.

 

As the Time of Troubles comes to an end, we look toward a new world order. However, our tradition and faith are key to our heritage and history, and defines the human race as a people. Should any witness sacrilege in the streets of Helena, reporting it to myself personally would ensure swift deliberation on the matter. 

 

Cardinal Boniface would have you believe that the Emperor would see tradition thrown away and GOD torn from his throne. The Emperor and I are both, in fact, devout Canonists. So why does Boniface perpetuate this lie?

 

This is because the Auditor is short sighted and full of anger. He delivers childish letters and reports meant to incite hatred and demonize others. The priests of my youth such as Daniel VI and Johannes I, whom I met before they ascended, showed patience, restraint, good will, charity, mercy, and love. They were firm in their faith, but tactful in how they approached the impurities they saw. Their message was unity, not division. 

 

Due to Boniface’s message of hate, those on the fringes of true belief in the Canon are turned away. He has inspired disdain for clerical teachings in those who might convert, and dislike for the Ministry even in some of the most devout of Canonists, such as myself.

 

None can say that the Church is as strong as it once was. If Boniface wishes to rectify this, his time would be better spent holding mass, spreading the good word, and recruiting acolytes to the Church. 

 

Helena is a blossoming city of prosperity, and the tolerance it practices is not the cause of it’s grand success, but a result of it. We will not return to hanging elves and clipping their ears, or beating women in the street.

 

With regard to subpoenas;

 

I will end my musings with something more suited to my office, with which to remedy a concern or two.

 

Cardinal Boniface’s most recent letter mentions that only the Imperial Government can issue subpoenas. This is not true. Boniface was permitted to issue a subpoena for Joseph de Sarkozy because Duke Joseph had acted directly against him, incurring civil liability. However, should a man witness a crime, that does not make him the plaintiff, it makes him a witness. Such a man should bring evidence to the District Attorney of Helena, should the crime occur in Helena. Any case may be brought by the Solicitor-General of the Imperium, or any other representative of the Courts or the Ministry of Justice for potential prosecution and the issuance of a subpoena. All this being said, the Courts plan to implement a new system for civil suits in the coming months.

 

His Grace, Sir John d’Arkent KCHE

Duke of Sunholdt, Baron of Selm

Chief Justice of the Supreme Court

 

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Veikko Harjalainen recoils in his armchair as he reads John Arkent try to lecture a priest on morality, his youthful Adunian eyes fixed to his hearth in some apoplexy as he recalls the many things and many people John soiled his desk with during the Harrenite’s tenure as his secretary.