Highest Elder
Qualifications
The qualifications are specifically tied to loyalty, as one must have been a dedicated member of the church for at least 10 years in order to obtain this rank.
Requirements
Age plays a heavy role in this rank, as you must be the oldest person alive in a single church. This means that in the majority of churches, shorter lived species rarely attain this rank, while longer lived species can have it for sometimes up to 20 or 30 years before dying and giving it up.
Appointment
When the former Highest Elder passes away for whatever reason, the new oldest person in the church is raised to this rank. There is typically a large service where the head of the church anoints the new High Elder to their new position. Typically, candles or some other symbolic item is used to symbolize the former Highest Elder, and any disturbance to these is sometimes seen as a sign from the former Great Elder. This can either be interpreted as a sign of approval or strong disapproval depending on the church and the circumstances.
Responsibilities
People with this rank are typically expected to serve as the right hand man for the head of the church, as well as an advisor and a religious leader. They talk to those who are struggling, pray and make offerings as well as assist others in doing so, and perform certain daily maintenance tasks within the church. They also somewhat serve as a disciplinary figure and will occasionally be summoned to make calls in cases of misbehavior. They are a figurehead of whatever church they stand for as well, and often participate in meetings and other similar activities.
Grounds for Removal/Dismissal
They are only dismissed upon death.
Type
Civic, Honorific
Form of Address
Your seniority, (pronoun) seniority
Alternative Naming
Great Elder, Highest Senior, Eldest Leader
Equates to
This is very similar to a high priest or an advisor within the Church of the Kind Ones, and people below them obey their orders, though they do report to those above them.
Source of Authority
This role can only be earned through age and faithful service. The eldest loyal member of any given church is authorized to hold this role
Length of Term
From the death of the former Highest Elder to their own death
Related Locations
Related Organizations
Related Military Formations
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