Today's Date: 6th St. Jacoby, Year 3636
Calendars: The Free Churches do not maintain a liturgical calendar, for "every day belongs to Laa."
The Free Churches began approximately 250 years ago in the New World as a movement of rebellion against the excessive rationalism of the Reformed Church. Free Churches are known for their emphasis on self-sufficiency, their rowdy (or "ecstatic") worship services, and their belief in miracles.
President of the International Convention of Free Churches: Gareth Catchlove
Headquarters: The Free Churches have no formal headquarters, though there are a large number of Free Church adherents in Silltown
Alignment: Neutral Good
Commonly Referred to As: Ecstaticism, the Ecstatic Church, Ecstaticists
Hierarchy: There is no formal hierarchy. Each congregation has complete autonomy and chooses its own ministers. Lay people play a strong role in the church's leadership. Loose confederations of Ecstatic Churches exist to provide each other with mutual support, and there is an institute for training Ecstaticist ministers in Silltown. The International Convention meets once a year to discuss issues that affect Free Churches throughout the New World.
Organization: Free Churches are found mostly in rural areas and near the frontier, usually in farming communities and small lumber and mining towns. It is not unusual for Ecstaticist congregations to meet in simple church buildings on isolated roads far from any major human settlement.
Recognized Orders: Clerics, Adepts, Commoners
Gods and Goddesses: There is only one true God, Laa. (See the section on theology for more information about the One True God.)
Position on the cult of "Saints": Ecstaticists worship only the One True God, Laa.
Position on "Miracles": Miracles are considered necessary for true faith.