Lurian

Lurian
Great Elder	Kanani
Region	Western Hesperida
Language	Aenian
Origin	Antiquity Aeluria
Congregations	267
Members	535,200
Elders	267

Lurian is a polytheistic religion in Western Hesperida. It is the native religion of the island of Aeluria in Lauchenoiria. Lurites worship a variety of deities that represent parts of nature – the main deities being those of land (Luria), trees (Arbrera), the sky, and water (with a large variety of minor deities). The central tenets of Lurian include pacifism, tolerance, and a desire for balance in the world.

The very name Aeluria means, in the native dialect, ‘of the goddess of the land’. Worshippers are referred to as Lurites, and pray at dawn and dusk outdoors. A central tenet of Lurian is respect for nature which is seen as divine. Lurian services take place in outdoor 'temples' surrounded by trees and must be open to the natural elements.

Structure

Lurian employs an age-based system for determining the leader of a congregation. Any follower of Lurian may undertake the training and rituals required to be considered a Guide; someone who may assist others in leading religious rituals. When the Elder of a congregation passes away or resigns, the eldest Guide in the congregation takes their place. Traditionally, only the eldest female could take this role, but since 1892 it has been open to anyone regardless of gender. The Great Elder is elected from among all willing congregational Elders; with each Lurian worshipper receiving a vote.