Church of the Eternal Void
The Church of the Eternal Void is a fringe religion that formed sometime in 3304 in the Core Systems. One of numerous fringe religions with apocalyptic beliefs that arose during the second conflict between humans and Thargoids, the Church is by far the most popular, and has recently seized on antagonism toward the Thargoid cult to further promote itself.
History
Emergence
As the Thargoid conflict wore on in 3304, journalists and scholars began noting the phenomenon of fringe doomsayer cults proliferating throughout the Core Systems. Independent reporter Gethin Okonkwo published an article on May 19, 3304 revealing that dozens of such cults had emerged and attracted thousands of members, and while their natures varied, they were all adamant that the Thargoid conflict was a sign of an imminent apocalypse. For example, the Church of the Eternal Void taught that the war was a futile struggle for human souls, with the Thargoids taking the role of demons while the Guardians were "beings of light who have decreed us unworthy of salvation". In contrast, Generation Omega believed that human civilization was naturally doomed to fall before a superior lifeform such as the Thargoids, and planned to build mass euthanasia centres to give humanity the opportunity to end itself with dignity. Okonkwo concluded by saying that these radical fringe religions would likely persist as long as the uncertainty caused by the Thargoid conflict continued.[1]
Holy War
On July 11, 3304, the Church of the Eternal Void publicly denounced the Thargoid cult and declared a holy war against it. A spokesperson identified as Cardinal Hieronymous stated, "As disciples of the Guardians, we hereby declare war on those who have sold their souls to the Thargoid demons. We vow to expunge their poisonous creed and purge them from the galaxy." The Church immediately saw a dramatic upswing in support from local communities, especially detractors of the Thargoid cult. In response, security forces in multiple systems issued reminders that the Thargoid cult was a legally-recognized religion. Dr. Alfred Ulyanov commented on the situation on the Rewired news feed: "It's apparent that the Church is taking advantage of animosity towards the Far God sect to promote itself. The idea of Thargoid spies in human form, although baseless, has caused much anxiety. By declaring the Cult a holy adversary, the Church validates its own existence."[2]
Beliefs
Followers of the Church of the Eternal Void believe that venerating the Guardians will prevent the Thargoids from destroying human civilisation. To the Church, the Guardians were divine beings who have already deemed humanity unworthy of salvation, while the Thargoids are demons from a hellish universe seeking to claim human souls. While the Church pessimistically portrays the ongoing conflict against the Thargoids as a futile struggle against an inevitable doom, they continue to encourage worship of the Guardians to redeem themselves and gain the Guardians' help. The Church thus differs significantly from similar fringe religions, such Homo Terminus, Nova Imperium, and the Order of Extinction in that it offers hope to its members.[2]