Arywenn
Arywenn, also known as Yuklid Spiritualism is a modern faith that originated on the planet Yuklid V around one hundred years ago. It was born as a peaceful belief in ecological renewal on the backs of a Pan-Celtic revival spearheaded from Llanbryde and thrust into the spotlight during The Independence Riots , where it took on its modern form in response to the civil unrest, political upheaval, and economic shenanigans. While an individual follower is known as a Ymroddedig, followers of Arywenn are part of the Gymuned, the Community, whose lives adhere to the Pamffled. The Pamffled are the collected teachings of the Arweinydd, a council of theologians, doctors, philosphers, scientists, and politicians. Their teachings are focused on ecology, renewal, and a return to one-ness with nature. The Pamffled is not a literal holy book, but is treated with reverence for the knowledge that it contains. The Gymuned have gone to great lengths to make this book accessible to everyone, available in many languages, including alien ones. Arywenn became the official state religion of the Republic of Yuklid following the collapse of the People's Republic of Lordania.
The official doctrine of the Arywenn was established some time around the Independence Riots, which coincided with the Pan-Celtic revival of Llanbryde. It was here that the Arweinydd was formed, initially as a secret society led by university graduates who sought to imitate ancient 'druidic' aesthetic alongside the growing secular Pan-Celtic movement. At this time, several of the Arweinydd's leaders were arrested by the Yuklid Government, leading to their exile to Pinascimate, modern day Tersten. With most of its leadership arrested, the Arweinydd fell under the control of its first Uachtarán, Peter ó Súilleabháin, who began spreading the Pamffled to likeminded individuals across Yuklid. By the rise of the People's Republic, Arywenn had grown to have a sizable number of core, dedicated followers across the planet, and even beyond.
Much of the activities of the Arweinydd during this period are a closely guarded secret, with ó Súilleabháin's diaries being destroyed following his death. It is widely believed that the society at that time engaged in all manner of illegal activities and secret rituals. When the People's Republic of Lordania arrived on Yuklid, it found a quick enemy in the Gymuned. Forced underground and suppressed, the Arywenn entered its militant phase, preparing for a long, drawn out conflict against the Unitarian menace.
By the collapse of the People's Republic, Arywenn had become the defining symbol of Yuklidean resistance to fascism. Arywennian Socialism has become the official ideology of the Republic of Yuklid, as defined by the Constitution, and by Cho Hyun-joo, the founding figure of the nation. Arywennian Socialism is a rejection of traditional Marxist theory and instead calls for a return to 'theocratic socialism', in which the church is the centre of the community. Under this theory, the Church is considered a more capable entity to distribute food, wealth, and security than the state or a private entity, both of which are blinded by other goals. They reject the traditional Marxist view of worker empowerment, believing that it does not prevent the fundamental issues with corruption, nepotism, and authoritarianism. A defining tenant of Pamffled is the rejection of extravagance and the duty towards equality, tolerance, and kindness. While ideally, this system works benevolently, in practice, it has been, like all things, a mixed bag.
Arywenn is a major ideology on Yuklid. On Tersten, it is still largely practiced as a religion, rather than a way of life, and mostly among the Yuklideans of Nevada. The Great Lakes Confederation on Tersten is one of the few official Arywenn states away from Yuklid itself.
Divine Origins
Arywenn has its origins in the 21st Century, as frustrated and hopeless peoples from around the world began expressing their desires to reject the material lifestyles that had brought humanity to its near end. As with many things from the 21st Century, lots of records were lost following the various climate change related upheavals that followed. At some point, these gaianist beliefs shared close quarters with the popular Pan-Celtic revival that led to the creation of the Llanbryde colony on Yuklid. Some time around 2209, many of the wealthy of Llanbrydian society had come to embrace proto-Arywenn beliefs, and formed the Arweinydd, led by the Uachtarán Peter ó Súilleabháin. Together, they created the first Noddfa, opening their homes up to feed the poor. Many of the Arweinydd were arrested during the Independence Riots, and sentenced to exile on Tersten. However, their connection with Yuklid and the Arywenn was not severed, and the two groups maintained constant communication.
Worship
Most Gymuned establish a place of worship known as the Noddfa, which serves multiple purposes within the community. While primarily a place for matters of faith, they also serve as a community hospital, homeless shelter, and soup kitchen. Many spiritualist political figures make their office at the Noddfa as a gesture of faith and goodwill.
It is not expected for the Gymuned to pray in a particular fashion, only that they maintain spiritual purity by performing good deeds and acts of charity.
Priesthood
The high priesthood, known as the Arweinydd, serves as the central authority of the faith. The Arweinydd is a collection of theologians, doctors, philosophers, and politicians. They make up the foremost scholars on the Spiritualist faith, arbitrate decisions, and appoint ministers. Below them are the Offeiriad, ordained ministers who handle the spiritual affairs of a larger region, such as the Offeiriad of Rovena. Below them are Caplan, who serve as chaplains in official functions.
Political Influence & Intrigue
The Gymuned take an active stance on political matters, focusing their funding across many pro-Arywenn candidates across space. This is a theocratic-political machine, and many opponents have made the mistake of underestimating their wealth and determination. This activity has drawn much criticism and controversy from people who strongly believe in the separation of church and state, but the Interstellar Gymuned Union remains one of the largest non-governmental political institutions in the Lordanian Cluster.
Type
Religious, Organised Religion
Demonym
Ymroddedig
Subsidiary Organizations
Permeated Organizations
Location
Comments