Northshire Communion

The Northshire Communion is a holy organization dedicated to the Holy Light. The institution document of the Communion calls all holy peoples in communion with the First See, whether of cleric of lay state, to gather in the spirit of concord and in the earnest desire for a renewed church to form a body for the betterment of the faithful.

The Communion is led by the 136th Chief Shepherd, Alonsus Secundus.

General
The Communion of Northshire is less a council and more a network of involved people concerned with the Light and the general good of the Alliance. Meetings of the Communion may be held anywhere a Shepherd is present, though proper convocations will be held in the sovereign ecclesiastic territory of the First See, the Northshire Valley.

Government
The government of the Communion is somewhat loose, though there exists three fundamental orders of membership, called Communities: the Community of Respect, the Community of Tenacity, and the Community of Compassion. Community chairs are nominated by the Communities. These Communities are modeled by the Virtue, with the understanding that each Community must work together to do the Light's work.

The Community of Respect (also called the Order of Northshire) is most traditionally chaired by a priest of Abbot rank or higher. The Community focused primarily on matters of sacred doctrine, outreach, and law.

The Community of Tenacity (also called the Silver Hand Reforged) is chaired by a Paladin of rank Master or higher. The Community focuses on matters of war, security, and diplomacy.

The Community of Compassion (also called the High Vestry) must always be chaired by a non-ordained believer, who is called the Superior General. This Community focuses on financial matters, matters of church record and heraldry, and charity.

Membership
The Communion teaches that every person has a calling and welcomes diversity, thus membership to the Communion is open to any believer. Common paths to membership are previous ecclesiastical service or the association of one's mentor or guild, though individuals are free to join the Communion.

The requirements for membership are few but taken very seriously. The person must be: If these requirements are met and the recommendations are sent to the Chief Shepherd, the local Shepherd, or another dignitary managing the roster at that time, the member is assigned a rank based on previous experience, service, and knowledge and is free to join as a member.
 * A believer in the Light.
 * In good standing with the First See.
 * Must come recommended by two people in one's order or territory of these same requirements.

In some cases, the Northshire Communion may hold joint votes; in some of those cases, only members of non-student rank may cast votes.