Part of the Federal Councils of Kresimiria.
The Council for Divinity (Kresi: Savjet za BoĹľanstvo) is the supreme religious and judicial authority regarding the state religion, Kresimirianism. It is responsible for the stewardship of the faith, the interpretation of the Books of Kresimir, and the administration of the clergy.
While technically a branch of the executive, the Council functions as a parallel judiciary. Under the Faith Restriction Clause (Article 5), citizenship in the Republic is tied to religious adherence. The Council for Divinity acts as the final court of appeal for any citizen whose Divinity Certificate has been revoked by a local Diviner, giving it the ultimate power to decide who is—and who is not—a citizen.
The current High Diviner is Matej Merkas (appointed 2012). A scholar from Karlovac University, Merkas has shifted the Council’s focus toward theological purity and has actively resisted the integration of state surveillance into religious practices.
Structure
The High Diviner of the Prophet
The Council is chaired by the High Diviner, who is appointed by the Divine Chancellor and confirmed by the Assembly. The position is one of the most powerful in the state, often serving as the “moral conscience” of the government.
- Current High Diviner: Matej Merkas (appointed 2012). A traditionalist theologian from Karlovac University, he is known for his skepticism of the “Digital Faith” promoted by the current administration.
- Former High Diviner: Malik Kondratiev (1998–2012). He stepped down to enter politics, becoming the leader of the Sons of Kresimir.
The College of Learned Diviners
The senior board is composed of twelve Learned Diviners (High Priests). They are drawn from the most senior clergy of the six “Divine Cities” (Sinj, Polograd, Pulma, Cetingrad, Bistrica, and Karlovac). They meet weekly in the Crypt of the Founders to rule on matters of doctrine.
Mandate and Powers
Interpretation of Scripture
The Council is the only body authorized to issue “Official Interpretations” of the holy texts. These interpretations often have the force of law. For example, the Council’s 1933 ruling that “unity is a form of worship” provided the theological justification for the National Security Act.
Management of the Clergy
The Council oversees the deployment and discipline of thousands of local Diviners. It manages the Faculty of Divinity at Karlovac University, ensuring that the priesthood remains ideologically aligned with the state.
Citizenship Tribunal
If a citizen is deemed an apostate by a local Diviner, they lose their right to vote. The appeal process bypasses the secular courts and goes directly to the Council for Divinity.
- The Process: The Council reviews the evidence of “spiritual deviation.” Their ruling is final and binding on the Council for Internal Affairs.
- Criticism: The CRF and Republic For All frequently accuse the Council of using this power to disenfranchise political dissidents, labeling opposition to the government as “heresy.”
History and Controversies
The 1961 Compromise
The Council faced its greatest theological challenge with the Treaty of Brod Moravice. To allow the non-believing Bosken population to vote, the Council had to issue a “Bull of Exception,” theologically justifying the suspension of the Faith Restriction Clause in District X. This caused a rift with hardliners, leading to the resignation of several Learned Diviners who later supported the Sons of Kresimir.
The Kondratiev Era (1998–2012)
Under Malik Kondratiev, the Council adopted a militant stance. Kondratiev used his position to issue “Warnings of Spirit” against liberal politicians, indirectly influencing elections. His tenure blurred the lines between the church and the SoK party.
Divinity in the Modern Age (2015–Present)
Under Matej Merkas, the Council has struggled with the Ari Stov era.