Ecclesiarchy Of Enoch

The Adeptus Ministorum is the one true church of the theocratic Imperium, and leads the fervent worship of innumerable billions. Faith in the Emperor is more vital than promethium or voidships; without this unifying power the Imperium would fragment into warring star systems and become easy prey for xenos and traitors. It is this faith that must sustain Gilead in these hopeless times.
The Ecclesiarchy has been a firm presence in Gilead since the foul taint of traitors and heretics was purged and the Emperor’s Light established. Now that light has gone dim, possibly forever, and the populace turns to the Ministorum for guidance. Billions everywhere struggle with their faith, especially the countless refugees stranded on Enoch. Never has the Ecclesiarchy of Gilead been tested like this.
It is a test that the Ecclesiarchy must face and defeat, for the system is ripe for collapse. Even as Warp flares rend the darkness like daemons ready to devour souls, priests and deacons must ensure their flocks retain their faith and that it is strong enough to withstand such terrors. Should Gilead abandon the Emperor, all hope is lost and it would once more be a haven for the Forces of Chaos.

Training

Preachers and other members of the Ecclesiarchy are primarily known for their words, and so they exercise their vocal skills for maximum volume and projection. Persuasive rhetoric is the ideal way to sway those lacking in faith; when that fails, intimidating mental and physical coercion are necessary. This also holds true for dealing with other Imperial agencies. Many of the Ministorum learn to wield flamers and massive chainswords to smite heretics. All must know the tenants of the Imperial Creed of Gilead by heart, along with planetary variants designed to keep local populations devoted to the Emperor’s Light.

Politics

Faith drives Imperial life, and Gilead’s priesthood guides that faith. Ever since the recent Night of Torches the Church has expanded its role as defender of that faith to defender of the law. Deacons wield scriptures and chainswords to keep the populace obedient. Gatherings not devoted to worship are now unlawful.
The Ecclesiarchy has powerful allies but is its ability to mobilise millions that shows its real strength. Even the raging of the Unholy Storm cannot fully diminish this as the righteous of Gilead see it as a trial of faith. Missionaries now sweep across planets to gather armies ready to burn any who do not share their fiery conviction. Its power is also subtle. The growing number of orphans means there is a near endless supply of recruits for its Schola Progenium. There it trains and indoctrinates Sisters of Battle, Commissars, and others who are vital for Gilead’s survival.

Relationships

The Order of the Sanctified Shield is the Ecclesiarchy’s staunchest ally. The Gilead Gravedigger regiments are well known for the number of Priests who accompany them into battle, using inspirational exhortations to ensure troopers would rather die before retreating.
The Priests of Enoch have always been at odds with the Tech-Priests of Avachrus; a covert war wages for believers, resources, and political support from other Factions. Corruption amongst rival Confessors over internment priorities, however, is turning many nobles away from the Church.
Inquisitors are likely the few who know that the system’s pre-discovery religions were deemed abomination and impossible to assimilate into the Imperial Creed. The Gilead Crusade was thought to have purged them. The Age of Apostasy saw heresies re-emerged under the guise of supporting Cardinal Vandire’s madness, though, and the entire priesthood was removed, sometimes by fire. Now there are echoes of the old beliefs in sermons, and fresh cults to them festering in underhives and isolated villages.

Leader

Archdeacon Merramar Clade

Parent Organization

Heartworld Sovereigns

Important Writings

Scriptures of St Gilead;
Rites of Passage, the internment scriptures of Daedalon;
Dawning Proverbs, a collection of schoolbooks for the youth of Gilead

Symbols

Blessed waters of Enoch (open palm gliding over closed fist
Star of St Gilead’s Chariot, a stylised Gothic-class cruiser symbol;
Ministorum icon

Heroes

Missionary Janos, thought to have converted untold millions across the system;
Confessor Darius Uhn, known for their ‘burn first, ask questions later’ approach to unbelievers; Beloved Shrinemeister Gregor Imrak, overseer of ultimate rest and arbiter of ossuary assignments;
Preacher Karam, seemingly eternal exhorter of the faith to centuries of Gravedigger regiments.

Duties and Strictures

• Let the Emperor’s Light guide us in these Dark Times.
• Only through Faith will a new dawn arise.
• The Emperor hears you. A prayer asked is a prayer heard.
• Faith can never be allowed to grow lax, for heresy grows to fill that void.
• We are the shepherds of the Emperor’s subjects. Those who cannot be guided must be eliminated.
• Ensure the purity of the Imperial Creed is maintained.
• We must ensure all of Gilead is worthy of rediscovery when the Emperor’s servants return.
• Ensure Enoch remains peaceful and under control.
• A soul that cannot be won is a soul that must be burned.
• Provide Priests and other spiritual support for Militarum.
• Watch for unsanctioned modes of worship, rites, and other deviations from orthodoxy.
• Deviate Not from the Emperor’s Path.