It could be. I may just be that I'm missing something since I'm not a long-time player (~2 years). Reading through the rulebook, I took the Kio statement (under race) to be just as strong as the Milandric Church (under Milandir) entry. To me, both plainly say they don't view themselves as part of Mother Church in any way (which is why I'm confused).

Fair enough, Steve. Let me try and shed some light.

First we have to ask, "How does Smite work?" [And to be clear, this is just for flavor - it should NOT be used to tweak or otherwise change how Smite works!]

In my mind, Smite works because of two things:

1. Your unshakable faith in what you believe in and

2. You understanding that your opponent doesn't believe in what you believe in so fervently.

So, while the Milandric Orthodox Church is hewn from the metaphysical body of the Mother Church, little future Holy Champions are taught not only how the people from the Milandric Church (and others, one presumes) differs, but how what they teach is "wrong". This creates a fundamental belief that followers of such a belief system are heretical teachings offensive to one's own belief structure. And as we know, faith is is paramount to most (if not all) Divine abilities.

Which leaves us with the Kio.

As far as they're concerned, they pay lip service to the Mother Church and have even built cathedrals to its glory. This is mostly a political move to remove any chance of direct invasion/domination by the Empire as well as good business.

As far as the Coryani/Mother Church are concerned, their beliefs are being "followed" and if they are not being taken to heart, well time and missionary work will make that happen.

The Kio say the right things, the Coryani turn a blind eye and no one has to die.

While not perfect, it seems to work.

I hope this sheds some light on my previous statement.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Thanks very much Henry. That does illuminate things for me.