Religion
Religion in the Empire
Religious belief is widespread throughout the Empire, including many senior members of the Noble Houses. However, religion is largely fragmented, as the beliefs and practices grew up independently on isolated planets before the time of the Empire.
Thus, few organised religions have power outside of a single Noble House, and they have power only because of their prominence within that House. Their influence on Empire scale events can change greatly depending on their state of favour with the high-up individuals in the Houses.
Types of Religion
Although there are a large number of religions, there are two types which are particularly common:
One type worships the Forerunners as divine beings. However, there is little agreement as to exactly who the Forerunners were. Some also claim that the Forerunners were human, but still worship them as ancestors.
The other main type of religion worships a more shadowy figure believed to have wrought destruction on a previous corrupt human civilisation. As this is somewhat more specific than the general worship of the Forerunners, this is taken by some in the Historicals to be evidence of a genuine historical event. However, there is again considerable disagreement as to the exact nature of this being.
Major Groups
Although most religious organisations are confined to the sphere of influence of a single House, there are some that have gained wider power.
The Council of Faith is a cross-House grouping of many faiths to gain political power. Most are some variation of Forerunner worship, but there is sufficient difference of opinion to cause significant infighting. This has limited their power, despite their large collective following.
The Order of Divine Enlightenment is another group that has notable power. They are slightly unusual in mainly concentrating their activities on following the guidance of the Oracles who are belived to be divinely inspired. The identity of these Oracles is generally unknown outside of the Order, but the Order does seem to make shrewd decisions.
There are also some who have formed an Imperial cult, and worship the Emperor as a manifest divine being. This is largely regarded as silly, and isn't officially recognised, even by the Emperor.