Church of the Holy Light

The Church of the Holy Light (or simply the Church of Light) is the primary organized religion in the Eastern Kingdoms. The idealisms of the church are dedicated to creating a world of honor and justice, and its members generally strive to aid others and be good in all their actions.

History

Early History

Before humanity was unified by the Empire of Arathor, humans were struggling to survive. They frequently tried to read from scrolls telling of the ancient heroes and leaders of the civilization that had cast them aside, and one of these scrolls named a great leader and paragon of justice who sacrificed their right hand to fight against a great evil. At the conclusion of the battle, the hero was able to fix their hand, but they instead chose to replace it with a closed fist made of silver to show to their followers that true order and justice could only be accomplished through personal sacrifice. The hero was named Tyr, and it was from his stories the philosophies of the Light originated.

After the First Troll Wars many human priests began to have visions of angelic forms consisting of a living light, and it was through these visions that the humans were exposed to the Holy Light. Mereldar was the first of these prophets, and together with others who had seen them, they wrote down the wisdom of this higher power, and the movement created a widespread faith in the Light among humanity. Centuries later, the many Light-based ideals and traditions were codified the the leaders of Lordaeron, and gave rise to the Church of the Holy Light.

Reaching the Elves

While it didn't come to have as strong a hold on the elves as it did on the humans, the elf Vandellor was touched by the teachings of the Light and brought its teachings back to his people. He was largely the sole reason the Light got a foothold in Quel'Thalas.

Mission

The clergy of the Church of the Holy Light dedicate themselves to spreading goodness through spiritual growth and contemplation. With the power of the Light, their priests and paladins can heal and protect, and through the guidance of the Light, they serve as examples of the Light's teachings and enforcers of its laws.

The Three Virtues

The philosophy of the church ultimately can be boiled down to three teachings, which in turn are referred to as the Three Virtues—those of respect, tenacity, and compassion. Acting on these three tenets is believed to help make the world a place of honor and justice.

Respect

Respect is the first virtue taught to those joining the path of the Light. When looking at an enemy, one must look past the hatred that separates. There are qualities to respect and prowess to be acknowledged. Conducting oneself with honor and treating one's opponent as one wishes to be treated shows respect. Respecting one's opponents on the field is acknowledging a connection, which brings one closer to the Light.

Tenacity

Tenacity is the second virtue. It is the virtue of persevering through troubling times and painful experiences. In the face of despair and hatred, one must continue to stand true to their beliefs and fight on.

Compassion

Compassion is the last step on the path of the Light. In times of rivalries, it is easy to see differences at every turn. The challenge is in looking beyond appearances and understanding the similarities. Through this understanding, one can feel compassion for the losses others have suffered, even if the victim bears another banner. By feeling and understanding compassion in enemy and ally alike, one reaffirms his or her connection with the world.

Known Members

Aileen Paletress	Bishop of the Church of the Holy Light	Alive
Archbishop Benedictus	Archbishop of the Church of the Holy Light	Alive
Brother Galell	Priest of the Holy Light, Former Member of the Thalassian Resistance	Alive
Liadrin Everpost	Priest of the Holy Light	Alive
Natalie Seline	Bishop	Alive
Sally Mograine	Grand Inquisitor of the Scarlet Crusade, Bishop of the Holy Light	Alive
High Priest Vandellor Everpost	Former High Priest of the Elves, Former Bishop of the Church of Holy Light, Former Member of the Convocation of Silvermoon	Deceased