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Flag of the Backrooms Diocese.
Synopsis
A new Catholic colony/group, whose intent is to establish a diocese, similar to how the Catholic Church does in the Frontrooms. They have one Church on Level 31459271828, called "Our Lady St Mary's Cathedral". Due to the nature of the backrooms, they do not have an Apostolic Nuncio, or a Bishop approved by the Pope, but rather an informal bishop elected by the handful of priests present. There are nuns and sisters present but are cut off from any religious society in the Frontrooms. Some missionaries and priests help to spread the word of God in the Backrooms, with mixed results. The dark and bleak nature of the Backrooms makes it much more difficult for Catholics to practice their faith effectively. They are open to trade, and may even be charitable to those in need, but at the same time will defend themselves harshly if provoked.
History
Throughout history, Catholics would be unlucky enough to teleport into the Backrooms. Unable to attend mass, confession, or other sacraments, most gave up on faith. Some, however, clung to hope. As early as the 1800s, some Catholics found other Backroom wanderers and converted them to Catholicism. As laypeople (people not part of a clergy or Monk/nun order) can baptize in exceptional and grave circumstances. This sacrament is crucial to the Catholic Faith as it removes the mark of original sin from the soul.
As time progressed, some priests, monks, and nuns teleported into the backrooms. When wanderers found them, hope was started anew. One of the earliest Masses documented was on Level 1 in 1943, using bread from supplies. Priests are key to the sacrament of Communion and Confession. The Mass was able to use the bread to transubstantiate to the Body of Christ. This mass was the foundation of the Catholic faith in the Backrooms. From that point on, the Catholic faith grew.
Unfortunately, only Bishops could ordain and train new priests, and the priest population began to dwindle. With grave concern, the priests gathered in prayer and asked for guidance. [Event Redacted] A few priests ended up on Level 31459271828. Thanks to M.E.G., early lines of communication were established. An informal Bishop was elected, Bishop Danial [Last name redacted]. There is an ongoing promise that once communication is restored with the Vatican, a new Bishop will be elected.
After further deliberation, the Apostolic Vicariate of the Fractalized World formed in 2021. This group would speak on behalf of the Catholic Church in the Backrooms. They now oversee both a provisional government on Level 31459271828 and missionaries in the Backroom.
Political Structure
The Catholic Church is intended to be a spiritual leader, not a political faction. Due to extenuating circumstances, there is some political government in place.
- Bishop: Oversees Parish activity and the construction of new Churches and priest allocations. Able to train new priests.
- Priests: Spiritual leaders of various parishes, or assistance to other priests.
- Deacon: Priest assistance.
- Laity: People who are part of the faith, but do not have a clerical role
- Religious Orders: Special vocation dedicated to prayer and spiritual works
Secular Ministries/Organizations
- Ministry of Security: Oversees war assets and organizes them for parish security
- Ministry of Borders: Protects entrances to Level 31459271828
- Ministry of Entity Affairs: Supervises human/entity interaction and research
- Laity Congressional Staff: Representatives who work for their constituents in certain regions/Levels.
- Secular Executive: Organizes military and financial assets, also in charge of inter-group negotiations.
Current Active Levels
- Level 31459271828: Home base, and home parish. Has the only permanent Church
- Level 119: Attempting to create a parish
- Level 11: Attempting to create a parish
- Level 1: Abandoned as of 2020.