Chamberlain of the Holy Church of Light

After an Archbishop dies, and during the Interregnum, the eldest bishop is appointed to the office of Chamberlain of the Holy Church of Light. The Chamberlain is considered to be a procurator of the office of the Archbishop of Church of the Holy Light during the absence of an archbishop.

Duties of the Office
Immediately following the death of an Archbishop, the Chamberlain of the Holy Church is responsible for a ritual to determine if the Archbishop is, indeed, dead. Following the ritual, the Chamberlain destroys and melts down the pontifical ring. This marks an end to the Archbishop's authority so that no judicial documents can be forged and ascribed to the dead Archbishop. If the Archbishop had written a living will, the Chamberlain will permit the executor of the will to carry out the execution of the will. The executor of the will give an account of the will to the next Archbishop.

The Chamberlain then prepares the obsequies. Instances in history have determined that the funeral rituals and grieving for an archbishop are to last anywhere from seven to nine days which start immediately after the death of the pontiff. Meanwhile, the Bishops are called to the site prepared for the Conclave while those who are resident nearby await their brethren.

The Chamberlain instructs the scrutineers of their duties before conclave. The door is locked from within and without.

List of Chamberlains
Johannes Moorwhelp - Interregnum between Benedictus and Columban V - Currently Serving