Johnism vs Gonfism: Religious Reaction at Play

In the past month, Gonfism has seen a quiet increase in central activity. The recent reelection of Pope Harpil, now the Fifth, along with the steady expansion of clerics at all levels of the church shows an increase in central power within the Core Gonfist Church.

The vacancy of the Cardinal Chancellor after the abdication of the previous holder of the position (who held it for only about 2-3 weeks at most) has also led to greater authority held by the Pope and the greater Curia. This has been accompanied by expanded initiatives spearheaded by the Pope to expand the influence and presence of the faith internationally through a rather open order to clergy to spread throughout the nations and go on concerted missions in them to establish new nodes of growth. For instance, in mid-September the Cardinal Chancellor at the time, Aldus III, sent a few mid-level clergy members to create more clergy in the newly Gonfist Imperija of Laetaris, successfully installing several new members of the church and increasing pervasiveness of the Church throughout society.

However, throughout the world one religion has opposed the Gonfists in converting new members. This would be the Core Johnist Faith, a rather new religion founded by John Stoneworks, a sociable and enthusiastic everyman who has toured the nations himself to spread the word of his doctrine. He describes himself as a prophet of an all-powerful central God tasking him with converting others to his laws, and so far significantly influenced regions such as Selidoar, Varaxis, Beepeck, the PSNF, and more.

In recent times, especially after the census revealing Johnism taking a lead over Gonfism in membership, the Core Gonfist Church has been grappling with how to approach John Stoneworks and his opposition. Thus far, the Curia (collective of high church officials) has questioned John himself and are still deciding on how to move forwards. However, tensions have since eased as John has calmed the fears of some in the church and showed himself to be an amiable and cooperative religious leader. The future is uncertain, but what is sure is that religious conflict will be unlikely.