The Church
The Church is the most powerful institution in Lyra's world. Based in Geneva, it is comprised of several competing bodies within a collegiate-style organisation.
Contents |
Teaching
The Church teaches that there are two worlds:
| "the world of everything we can see and hear and touch, and another world, the spiritual world of heaven and hell." | |||
| The Golden Compass |
The Church considers that the Other Worlds Theory is heresy.
History
The Magesterium
Influential Church Bodies
A few organisations within the Church are mentioned in His Dark Materials. Since the 16th Century, when the papacy was abolished following Pope John Calvin's death, different bodies have risen and fallen in influence and power, depending on leadership, politics, and agenda.
The College of Bishops
The College of Bishops...
The Consistorial Court of Discipline
The Consistorial Court of Discipline...
The General Oblation Board
The General Oblation Board...
The Vatican Council
Mrs. Coulter mentions the Vatican Council in regards to Lord Asriel's imprisonment at Svalbard. The council was reviewing his case upon news that new had broken the conditions (that he give up his philosophical research) of his suspended death sentence. It appears they have the authority to approve execution.
The Society of the Work of the Holy Spirit
The Society of the Work of the Holy Spirit...
Religious Orders
Inquisition
Boris Mikhailovitch Rusakov was interrogated under the rules of the Inquisition. John Faa worries that the Office of Inquisition will be re-established as the church's power increases. Lord Asriel is concerned that Metatron will create a permanent inquisition.
Church policy
One of the church's policies is that "every philosophical research establishment... had to include on its staff a representative of the Magisterium, to act as a censor and suppress the news of any heretical discoveries."
