Edict of Vissegrad
The Edict of Vissegrad is a controversial edict issued by Emperor Baldassare Velisario.
Controversy
The Consilium Basileii was called for a meeting to discuss important matters of the faith within the Empire, more precisely "[...]to advise the Emperor in matters of Imperial policies toward other Aurelian creeds; in matters of Imperial policies toward pagan beleifs; in matters of Imperial policies toward the Heliarchy." The discussions lasted for hours and days without coming close to a consensus on the matters at hand, and so it was adjourned by the Emperor "to be resumed whenever the edict to be proposed by the Emperor could be entertained by the Council." However, latter in the night the Emperor ordered the edict to be issued without any vote or further discussion from the Council, which was dismissed until further notice. This sparked much outrage among the assembled delegations, outrage aggravated by the fact that the Emperor was nowhere to be found to hear their grievances. He had, in fact, been killed earlier -although it is unknown if this happened before the edict was issued- his body to be found crushed on the rocks under the Count of Vissegrad bedchamber's window around noon of the same day.
The Document
Balthasarus Augustus, rex Garantius XLIII, basileus Sacri Basilei Archadiani, to all to whom these presents come, greeting:
Among the infinite benefits which it has pleased the Sun to heap upon us, the most signal and precious is his granting us the strength and ability to withstand the fearful divisions and troubles which prevailed prior to our advent in this Empire. The Sun has given us strength to stand out against this storm; we have finally surmounted the waves and made our port of safety,—peace for our state. For which his be the glory all in all, and ours a free recognition of his grace in making use of our instrumentality in the good work.... We implore and await from the Solar Goodness the same protection and favor which he has ever granted to this Empire from the beginning....
It is our Imperial will that all of our subjects be protected from malvolence and blind bigotry, wether it originates from the most ordinary servant or the highest of lords.
We have, by this perpetual and irrevocable edict, established and proclaimed and do establish and proclaim:
I. In order to leave no occasion for troubles or differences between our subjects, we have permitted, and herewith permit, those of the said religion called Sotiran to live and abide in all the cities and places of this Empire and countries of our sway, without being annoyed, molested, or compelled to do anything in the matter of religion contrary to their consciences, ... upon condition that they comport themselves in other respects according to that which is contained in this our present edict.
II. It is permitted to all lords, gentlemen, and other persons making profession of the said religion called Sotiran, holding the right of high justice [or a certain feudal tenure], to exercise the said religion in their houses....
III. We also permit those of the said religion to make and continue the exercise of the same in all cities and places of our dominion where it was established by them and publicly enjoyed several and divers times in the year 878 of the Empire, up to the end of the month of September, notwithstanding all decrees and judgments to the contrary....
IV. We also forbid all our subjects, of whatever quality and condition, from carrying off by force or persuasion, against the will of their parents, the children of the said religion, in order to cause them to be baptized or confirmed in the Omnican Aurelian Church; and the same is forbidden to those of the said religion called Sotiran, upon penalty of being punished with especial severity....
V. Books concerning the said religion called Sotiran may not be printed and publicly sold, except in cities and places where the public exercise of the said religion is permitted.
VI. We ordain that there shall be no difference or distinction made in respect to the said religion, in receiving pupils to be instructed in universities, colleges, and schools; nor in receiving the sick and poor into hospitals, retreats, and public charities...
VII. Understanding the solar nature of the Haramite Manouchean faith, the present liberties and duties granted to the Sotiran Aurelian faith by the present Edict are also to apply to the Haramite Manouchean faith.
May we all remember that the Sun does not discriminates in its shining upon us all.
Balthasarus Augustus, rex Garantius XLIII, basileus Sacri Basilei Archadiani Dat. V kal. Oct. anno 878 AIC
Legacy
The proclamation of the edict and the death of the Emperor would create great instability in the Empire, which would ultimately lead to the Imperial Civil War.
