Society of Brethren

The Society of Brethren (also: Brethren) is the political wing of the Holy Society of the Brethren in Christ in Aldegar. Brethren were known as a small, socially active Christian denomination in Aldegar before they gradually received more followers after the founding of the political party in 3276.

The primary goal of the Brethren is to turn around the political reality of the country by establishing a theocratic regime with respect for civil liberties while investing heavily in the military and promoting laissez-faire economics.

The Fouding Era
In October 3276 the Aldegarian Prelate of the Holy Society of the Brethren in Christ presided over a meeting with the Archbishop and the five Bishops of the Aldegarian branch of the Church in order to found a political party. This was effectively done on 23 October, when a Holy Synod was created and party membership was opened. The party looked forward to the October 3277 elections.

The Holy Synod
The Holy Synod is the national executive branch of the Brethren. It resides in the St. John's Temple of the Holy Synod in Aldegaria. It consists of seven unelected and five elected members, though the elections take place among Church members only.

Unelected members are:
 * His/Her Most Reverend Excellency, the Prelate of Aldegar
 * His/Her Most Reverend, the Archbishop of Aldegar
 * His/Her Right Reverend, the Bishop of Somasi
 * His/Her Right Reverend, the Bishop of Kemoku
 * His/Her Right Reverend, the Bishop of Amuro
 * His/Her Right Reverend, the Bishop of Hikirena
 * His/Her Right Reverend, the Bishop of Polran

They are allowed to remain members for as long as their term of office goes (normally until the age of 65-70). Unelected members or any other members of the elected clergy of the Brethren are not allowed to run for public office.

The other members are five so-called Elders, elected from each of the Satrapies. They may remain in office for four years, though the Church provinces may recall them earlier if 2/3 of Church members choose to do so. Elders are required to have a PhD, and preferable have some studies (BA, BPhil) in theology.

The First Elder
The First Elder of the Society of Brethren is chosen from among the five Elders elected to the Holy Synod and is the Leader of the party for a term of four years.

List of First Elders:


 * The Reverend Doctor, Juliaan Craelje (3276-3280)

The First Elder has no limit to the amount of terms he or she may accept, but he or she may not run for public office.

The Council of 500
The Council of 500 is the legislative body of the Society of Brethren. It consists of 250 members elected by the Church provinces (50 per Satrapy) and 250 members chosen from all party members.

The Chief Auditor
The Chief Auditor is a representative, chosen from the Council of 500, who may not be active in the Church provinces (but he may be a normal member of the Brethren) and who audits the work of the Holy Synod. There is no term of office and he or she may be recalled at any time by a simple majority of the Council. He or she is not allowed to run for public office.