Gallican Catholic Church (Day of Glory)

From Alternative History

The Gallican Catholic Church was originaly created as a government backed body to try and abolish some of the catholic church's privileges in France. It Became a legally registered fraternal society in 1795 when the assembly decreed a complete separation of church and state.

Although it has over the years tried to stay close to the roman catholic faith, its origin and the enmity between them and the anti-revolutionary clergy has lead to some differences: an elected clergy, authorisation for priest to marry and divorces are accepted as long as the couple has first tried mediation.

[edit] Monastic Orders

The gallican church is devoid of contemplative orders but has some monks and nuns dedicated to either charity work or education. This follow the original supression of orders, during the french revolution, that were deemed "without charge of souls".

[edit] Organisation

The church is divided in dioceses (which correspond exactly to departments) and parish (based on canton). Priests and bishops are elected by the faithful. Bishops elect from amongst themselves a conclave of 10 metropolitans who have charge of making decisions in matters of faith.