A Diviner is a member of the clergy of Kresimirianism, the state religion of the Divine Republic of Kresimiria. Diviners serve as the primary local religious authorities throughout the Republic, but their role extends far beyond pastoral duties. Under the Kresimirian Constitution, they are vested with the extraordinary state power to grant and revoke the fundamental rights of citizenship and suffrage.
Constitutional Powers and Role
The power of the Diviners is explicitly codified in Article 5 of the Constitution, which establishes the Faith Restriction Clause. This clause makes them the gatekeepers of full citizenship in the Republic.
- Issuance of Divinity Certificates: A Diviner is responsible for issuing a “Divinity Certificate” to citizens. This document is the sole proof of an individual’s adherence to Kresimirianism and is a mandatory prerequisite for voting in any election. Certificates are typically issued at birth to children of Kresimirian families or upon an adult’s formal conversion to the faith.
- Revocation of Citizenship: Article 5, Clause 4 grants a Diviner the authority to invalidate and destroy a citizen’s Divinity Certificate if they are deemed to have “converted away from the Faith of Kresimirianism.” The constitution explicitly states that this act “invalidate[s] the voting eligibility of the citizen, and thus their citizenship.” While this decision can be appealed to the District Courts, the courts are constitutionally required to refer to the Council for Divinity, whose decision is final.
- Educational Leadership: Under Article 38, Diviners are also mandated to lead local “State-certified Institutions,” effectively making them the heads of local schools and ensuring that all mandatory education is aligned with the teachings of the faith.
This fusion of religious and state authority makes the local Diviner one of the most powerful and influential figures in any Kresimirian community.
Training and Hierarchy
Aspiring Diviners must undergo rigorous theological and administrative training. The sole institution authorized for this training is the renowned Faculty of Divinity at Karlovac University. Prospective clergy undertake years of study in the Books of Kresimir, constitutional law, state administration, and public speaking.
Upon graduation and ordination, a Diviner is assigned to a local district or community. The entire clergy is overseen by the Council for Divinity, a body composed of twelve senior clergy members known as High Diviners and chaired by the High Archbishop. This council sets religious doctrine, provides ultimate rulings on matters of faith, and manages the deployment and discipline of Diviners across the Republic.
Political Influence
Due to their immense power over the citizenry, Diviners are inherently political figures. Many have become directly involved in electoral politics. The most famous example is Kresimir Basic, a Divine Founder and a practicing Diviner who founded the hardline nationalist Sons of Kresimir party. The party has historically drawn strong support from the more conservative elements of the clergy, and many Diviners across the Republic still profess loyalty to its divinist ideology. All four Chancellors of the Divine Republic also served as Diviners before they were appointed to the Chancellory.
The actions and rulings of Diviners are a frequent source of political and social tension, particularly in districts with diverse populations or growing liberal movements. The power of a single Diviner to strip a person of their citizenship makes them a subject of both deep respect and considerable fear within Kresimirian society.