Emperor releases coronavirus statement as Austenasian officials and resident self-isolate

Three possible cases of COVID-19 coronavirus infections have been reported amongst Austenasia’s government and population. On 13 March, Pope Queranus I – Pontifex Maximus and Governor of Iostan na Beithe and Glencoe, better known as Sebastian Linden – announced that he would be self-isolating due to “symptoms matching coronavirus”. The same announcement was made on behalf of a resident of Palasia by Lord John Gordon, the town’s Representative, the following day. Earlier today, Sir Hugh McFarlane – Governing Commissioner of New South Scotland – also made the same announcement. In response to the suspected case in Palasia – the only suspected case reported so far on Austenasian territory – the Border Enforcement Agency has restricted travel over Palasia’s border with the United Kingdom to “essential” journeys. Furthermore, Bregusland – which expanded from a Territory into a Crown Dependency last month with the annexation of a bordering house and its three residents – has also been placed on lockdown, with the border closed to all non-residents. Emperor Jonathan I has made the following statement in response to the ongoing pandemic: Our prayers and best wishes are with all those infected or otherwise adversely affected by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Despite the rapid spread of this disease, panic and overreactions will not help but if anything hinder attempts to deal with it. We therefore call for individuals to react calmly, sensibly, proportionately and responsibly. Unless you will be entering into self-isolation with nobody to buy goods on your behalf, there is no need to stockpile food, toiletries and cleaning products. A lack of goods in shops simply means that others will go without or have to make extra journeys; think about the needs of others, and be compassionate. Be sensible, also; self-isolate if you are displaying symptoms, and minimise unnecessary travel or gatherings in order to avoid exposing yourself to the virus. Finally, and most importantly and obviously, be hygienic; wash your hands regularly (see this webpage for further information), disinfect desks, tables and door handles, and keep tissues on your person so as to cough or sneeze into them rather than your hands. Follow the advice of whatever authorities are most familiar with the situation in your local area, and accept disruption and discomfort in order to protect the health of others. By the grace of God this disease does not seem to pose a great risk to Austenasia; let us not let it spread any further by our own stupidity or laziness. We are confident that in time the pandemic will come to an end, as have all pandemics in human history; let us pray that its end will come quickly, for the recovery of those infected, for the protection of those at risk, and for the strengthening of those working to combat the disease. May God bless and save you all. ICJAChester, 16 March 2020 UPDATE 18 MARCH 12:05 – Sir Hugh McFarlane has announced that he and his immediate family have tested negative for the coronavirus.

Christmas 2015 celebrated in Austenasia

The past few days have seen Christmas celebrated across the Empire. On Christmas Day, Friday 25th, the populations of Wrythe and Zephyria attended a morning service at Carshalton Methodist Church. The Imperial Family then had Christmas dinner at the residence of the Boxalls (the maternal relatives of the Emperor). On Boxing Day, Saturday 26th, roles were reversed with the Boxall family being hosted at the Imperial Residence by the Imperial Family. Also joining them was Princess Consort Hannah, the Emperor’s unmarried partner. Emperor Jonathan I published his third annual Christmas broadcast on YouTube on Christmas Day, which can be heard here. In the speech, he reflected on the events of 2015 and on the meaning behind celebrations and anniversaries. Furthermore, Pontifex Maximus Alexander III (also known as Bradley of Dullahan) published a Christmas encyclical, which can be read here. The Austenasian Times wishes all its readers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Bradley of Dullahan appointed Pontifex Maximus

Duke Bradley of Dullahan, the Prime Minister of Wyvern, was yesterday appointed Pontifex Maximus after Lord Admiral Joseph Kennedy resigned from the position. The Pontifex Maximus is appointed by the Emperor to serve as a sort of “philosopher/theologian-laureate” for Austenasia. Lord Admiral Joseph transitioned the position into its current form in January, and on 1 July resigned in order to allow the appointment of a successor more suited to the new duties of the office. Emperor Jonathan I has appointed Bradley, Duke of Dullahan, as the Lord Admiral’s successor as Pontifex Maximus. Lord Admiral Joseph had held the office of Pontifex Maximus since January 2014 as Pope Alexander IV (the title of “Pope” having been retained from the position’s days as a Wilcslandian institution). In what is sure to look odd on lists and timelines, Duke Bradley has succeeded him as Pope Alexander III, reassuming the name that he held during his previous brief month-long stint in the office in early 2013, when it was a mere ceremonial title bestowed by the King of Wilcsland. The Duke of Dullahan has been known in the past for making controversial statements about Islam, and, although an atheist, has described himself as “culturally Calvinist” and contributed to several theological debates from a pro-Calvinist perspective. Whatever he writes as Pontifex Maximus is likely to raise much discussion.

Pope of the Parva-Religions becomes Pontifex Maximus

Changes have been made to the Papacy of the Parva-Religions, with the Pope now being known as the Pontifex Maximus. Since June 2013, the Papacy of the Parva-Religions has been an institution designed to “defend” the religions of micronations. However, with no real opportunities being found to exercise this function, the Papacy – which was initially founded in 2004 to lead a cat-worshipping cult in a predecessor state of Wilcsland – yesterday underwent several reforms to increase its relevance and activity. The office held by the Pope – currently Lord Joseph Kennedy, who holds the papal name of Alexander IV – has been renamed to the Pontifex Maximus. The function of the Pontifex Maximus is now to produce works of theology and philosophy, to write commentaries on sacred texts, and to record oral traditions which may otherwise be lost, looking at a wide range of different beliefs and traditions. The Pontifex Maximus is to be appointed by the Emperor from the College of Pontiffs (formerly Cardinals), who are to be appointed by the Pontifex Maximus as advisors and prospective successors. As Austenasia is a secular state, the writings of the Pontifex Maximus will in no way shape or define official government views. However, the creation of the post of Pontifex Maximus will be a means of forming the first Austenasian works of theology and philosophy, a great boost to the cultural and intellectual life of the nation.