The Cleric class in the world

 Continuing the theme of the default D&D world I carry in my head, I want to put down my thoughts on Clerics.  Clerics (Druids and the like) are the class who's presence most defines the game world.  This is covered in greater detail over on Delta's blog.  To sum up my thoughts however; The Cleric class makes The Gods real, and implies a certain cosmology and theology.

As a digression, in my own simplified homebrew game I allow wizards/magic access to cleric/druid spells and have them use a player defined "fetish" as the thing that make their spells happen.  I refer to this class as Sorcerer, and stay mum on any specifics regarding the hows/whys of magic.  Much the same where there is little to define exactly how a Fighter goes about using their weapon.

That said, we talk about and play D&D and the point of this exercise is to try and define a world that fits all/most of D&D.  So with that in mind, below are my notions of how the class fits into that world.

• One does not need to be a member of an organized church/theology to be a member of the Cleric.  Many individuals feel the calling or have a revelation absent any training or organization.
  
• The character can choose the path of the cleric, or the higher power may select the character.  Depending on the character's view point, it can be difficult to know for sure which is the case, and possibly a sore point for the individual.
  
• Gods pay attention to mortals the way we pay attention to squirrels in the yard.  We know they play a roll in the ecosystem and need to be around, most of the time you pay them no mind, you find them amusing, you may have a few "special" ones you tend to recognize and provide for, and if they start causing problems, you will eventually intervene.
• The gods are not omniscient and we would typically define it.  While capable of observing near anything they wish, they don't pay attention to everything at all time. 
  
• In the Pseudo Medieval word, "The Church" is organized and operates much as one would expect the Christian church. Individual Deities fill a roll similar to patron saints. Instead of St. Patrick's Cathedral, you have the Temple of Pelor.
• The Church is in a position to provide stability, guidance, healing & medicine,  and other support to the community and are often aligned with the local secular political structure.
  
• Regions may elevate certain powers over others which can lead to different sects, political schisms, and relations to the otherworldly.  Such distinctions are frequently below the notice or care of the gods themselves. 
• When it comes to relations with Paladins, Druids and others who claim to show the will of higher powers, the Church will often try to fold them into the organization.  It is often a matter of political or personal choice on how those folks take it.
  
• Not all members of the religious hierarchy are members of the Cleric class.
• Leaders in the church tend to be members of the class.  It is the rare individual (no matter how devout or savvy) that can retain their position in the face of one who wields Clerical power.
• The members of religious hierarchies are still mortals and can get caught up in petty earthly concerns, and so may easily come into conflict with others, even those of the same faith.  Particularly in the case of those adventuring clerics always tromping in mud and expecting healing and resurrection.