As I understand it, you seek enlightenment about the ways of the Church, as your criticism of the Church seemed uninformed, and quite fallacious. As the spokesperson for the Church, I take it upon myself to provide you, and the rest of Achaea, with an expert's perspective of what the Church does and stands for.

Shrines are a symbol of the Church's veneration of the gods--they have nothing to do with any beliefs of people who have not chosen to become members of the Church. The only power shrines have is that of defending themselves and those of us who have put forth our own sweat and blood to construct and maintain these artifacts most Holy to us, as their power comes from the almighty gods. We of the Church understand this, in our humble mortal way, as the recognition by the gods of our Reverence for them through the shrines.

We of the Church do not force anyone to accept our shrines, and we believe that all Achaeans have the freedom to dislike them and defile if they want to, but know that we will be quick to punish those who harm our sacred monuments to the gods, the shrines most Holy. On the contrary, it seems as though it is people who slander the shrines like you, Strife, who are oppressive, in their inability to tolerate another culture's expression of holy veneration.

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Recently, I posted a message enlightening fellow Shallamese about the position of the Church regarding freedom of belief. Judging from your misperceptions, clear to me from the fallacy of your arguments, Strife, I have included a copy of that article for your information.

We of the Church do not force our beliefs on anyone. Freedom of belief and expression is an axion of justice which the Church holds in the highest regard, and we do not claim the authority to control what people do or think. Those who choose to follow the paths of evil and injustice are free to do so, only they must keep in mind that the Church is quick to punish those who are evil and defend the people of Sapience from injustice.

Sincerely,

Echo

(Penned by my hand on the 8th of Sarapin, in the year 231 AF.)

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Penned by my hand on the 8th of Scarlatan, in the year 231 AF.