Zongongism

Zongongism
Scripture	Book of the Zongong
Polity	Hierarchal
High Priest	Cai Holgersen
Region	Western Hesperida
Language	Zongongian
Headquarters	Sneedville, Zongongia
Origin	c. 600 BC
Members	6,239,000
Priests	2,739
Churches	1,859
Primary schools	356
Secondary schools	47
Tax status	Exempt
Tertiary institutions	3

Zongongism is the largest faith and state religion of the Theocratic Kingdom of Zongongia. Around 2/3 of the population of Zongongia are Zongongists, while the faith is also common in northern Lauchenoiria and parts of Kerlile.

The religion of Zongongism is centred around a need for balance in the world and teaches that individuals must be careful not to upset the balance of nature. Rocks are an important symbol in Zongongism, with Zongongists believing that rocks contain the keys to creation and that we should respect the ground we walk on. Worshippers hold rocks while praying.

Worship

Zongongist churches are laid out in a circular fashion, with worshippers seated around the priest situated in the centre of the church. Worshippers are not segregated by gender, but those who have yet to come of age, which occurs at 14, sit in a separate children's section closer to the priest.

Adult Zongongists all have a sacred rock, which they hold in their hands while praying and attending services. When an individual comes of age, they are expected to choose a sacred rock; which can be any rock which calls to them personally. That rock then becomes the individual's personal sacred rock. The choosing of the rock completes the coming-of-age ritual, and once a rock is chosen, the individual may sit in the adult section of church.

Structure

Due to centuries of church rule in Zongongia, the Zongongist church is very centralised and organised. There are five classes of Zongongist priest within the hierarchy of the church. The High Priest is the leader of the church, of which there may only be one at any given time. Under the High Priest are ten Magisterial Priests, which makes up the church leadership in charge of making decisions for the institution. The High Priest and Magisterial Priests together make up the High Zongongist Council.

The High Zongongist Council is responsible for appointing the 250 priests who serve in the House of Priests, the upper chamber of the Parliament of Zongongia. Each priest is appointed for life, and may only be dismissed from the post if they are excommunicated from the church. These priests are known as Representative Priests. Below them are Parish Priests, who manage individual churches and lead services. Then the lowest rank are Trainee Priests, who assist in churches but do not preach alone, and have just finished training.