Editing Church of Sanctaria (section)

====Theological challenges====
The Church of Sanctaria's basic teachings such as goodwill towards neighbours, and charity to those less well off, as well as its core tenets as agreed back in the Council of Haven in 1508 are not, according to sociologists and theological scholars, factors of what many consider to be its growing irrelevance in Sanctarian public life. Most critics point to what are considered "antiquated" social teachings and doctrine as serious theological challenges that will impact the Church's future.
[[File:SSM.jpg|thumb|259x259px|Same-sex marriage was legalised in Sanctaria in 2005.]]
One of the primary issues often raised by opponents of the Church, and some of its internal critics, is the Church's perceived misogyny, whereby women are unable to hold any ordained office, including the lowest-tier of the hierarchy as a priest. While many women are enrolled in religious orders, and join abbies or convents, only men are permitted to take sacred sacraments and holy orders to minister to others. A result of this also means that only men are eligible to become head of the Church as [[Patriarch of the Church of Sanctaria]]. Successive [[Government of Sanctaria|governments of Sanctaria]] have also criticised the Church's stance on this, particularly as the Church is registered as a charity, compelling it to follow all secular laws of the Sanctaria, including equality and anti-discrimination laws. The Church's charity status, which means it does not have to pay tax, may change as a result of its non-compliance, according to reports by the current Sanctarian government. The Church so far remains reluctant to admit women to the priesthood.

On social issues, the Church's opposition to popular policies such as same-sex marriage, as well as their opposition to abortion, are also claimed as reasons why they are considered out of step and declining in Sanctaria. Patriarchs as recently as 2018 have called gay men "sodomites", inflaming tensions with the LGBT community, and reducing trust in the institution. Similarly, the Church's endorsement of priests and bishops speaking out against government policy, and actively endorsing political candidates who would outlaw practices that run contrary to their dogma, such as abortion, has also damaged public opinion, according to opinion polls. Access to abortion, though it remains controversial, is supported by 62% of Sanctarians, and by 73% of Sanctarian women.