The following passage comes from a pamphlet dated to the early 3rd era, during the height of Imperial power in Tamriel.

The Church of Cyrodiil, sometimes referred to as the Imperial Cult in the provinces, is the central religious organization in Tamriel. It is rightly seen as a beacon of tolerance and civilization throughout the Empire, bringing hope to its most miserable subjects. Though the savages of the north and the heathens of the Summerset Isles may lay claim to the same deities, it is our Mother Church who has brought enlightenment to the darkest corners of the Empire, and so it is to her that we turn to as a model for religion across Tamriel.

Though any may worship openly in the chapels across the Empire, and are, of course, encouraged to do so, only the most faithful and those who are truly pure at heart may enter the family of the Church. Cyrodiil’s devout are fortunate, for the Nine in Their wisdom have blessed us with direct conduits to their eternal realms in Aetherius, and a pilgrim who visits and prays at each wayshrine may in so doing be absolved of their past sins. It is customary for a pilgrim to cut off and burn a lock of hair at each wayshrine in recognition of the sacrifice of the Divines in creating the Mundus, forming a tonsure that they will wear throughout their tenure as a priest. To allow it to grow back is seen as a grave dishonor to the priest, as it signifies a lack of conviction and respect for the Divines.

Traditionally, a pilgrimage has been the only way to enter the Church, as only those with courage and conviction were thought to make worthy priests. Of course, not every citizen of the Empire can today make such a journey. Therefore, any theurgist or invoker of the Church may, for a fee, hear the confessed crimes of one who wishes to serve the Nine, and appeal on their behalf for the Divines to forgive their sins and grant them purity and peace at heart.

At this point, the aspiring priest will undertake the final leg of his journey, to the chapel where he will serve the Divines for the rest of his days. Each of the eight county capitals is home to a Great Chapel of the Divines, usually related to the history and culture of the city. The somber Dark Elves of Cheydinhal seek comfort in Arkay, the god of death and rebirth, while the sailors that make port in Anvil find their relief in Dibella’s pleasures. After their arrival and admittance into the local Communion, the layman or pilgrim then enters a year-long probationary period as a novice under the tutelage of an acolyte of their patron Divine, who will observe them as they perform their duties to the Church and reflect on their former lives.

At the end of this year, the layman is offered a choice—remain in the Church as an initiate, or return to the outside world. Those who choose to remain with the Church are granted all the rights and privileges of a full member, including full access to all chapel facilities. They will also, at this point, begin their instruction in the arts inherent to their Communion. An initiate of Dibella will receive training in the arts, poetry, and erotic instruction, for instance, while a novice of Zenithar will learn a skilled trade from one of Leyawiin’s craftsmen or merchants. For the next several years, sometimes up to a decade, the initiate priest will hone these skills in the name of the Divines while providing aid and comfort to the people of the Empire. Once they have gained mastery in their chosen craft, they will be recognized as an adept of the Church and at this point may choose a specialty that they wish to enter.

The upper echelon of each Great Chapel of the Divines is divided into three distinct branches, with three separate but equal overseers who are only answerable within the organization to a chapel primate. The Oracle, served by his or her acolytes, preaches in the chapel to share the teachings of the Divines, their Ten Commands, and bring comfort and enlightenment to the people. They also preside at weddings, funerals, and other events where their eloquence may be required. The Theurgist, served by his or her invokers, serves as the spiritual leader of the chapel. Through meditation and prayer, he or she is able to commune with the Divines and interpret Their will. The invokers under his or her command hear the prayers and confessions of the people and offer them to the Divines on their behalf. The Knight-Commander is the leader of the military arm of each church, the knightly orders that serve the Chapel by protecting the priests or seeking glory in the name of their patron Divine.

Above them all are the Primates, who together set Church doctrine and oversee all actions taken by the chapels. They are also the caretakers of religious artifacts uncovered by the knightly orders, as well as the final authority on the veracity of apocryphal texts uncovered in Tamriel’s ruins.

Unlike the barbaric Temple dark elves, we of the Church do not persecute heretics or dissidents, preferring to nurture them and help awaken the love of the Divines in their hearts. With Stendarr’s grace, we have learned to embrace their misguided views as a stepping stone to knowing the full glory of the Nine. Go now with the love of Mara, the mercy of Stendarr, and the wisdom of Julianos, and spread the word of the Divines far and wide so that all may know their truth.

Blessings of the Eight-and-One upon you, and praise be to Akatosh, king of the Divines!