Brainstorm for clergy / cleric-y class features

[Ciaran Barnes]

I'm looking for some help generating ideas to serve as inspiration for homebrew class features. The theme is "things that clergy do", but ignoring existing features like casting spells and channeling energy.

Some examples:

Preaching, spreading teachings of deity

Preserving/recording knowledge, sage, theologian

Speaking in tongues

Praying for guidance, intercession, power, etc.

[Silver Surfer]

I always liked the idea of stigmata.... hp in exchange for powering spells

[Claxon]

I'd give them some special abilities to use divine scrolls (whether it be high UMD) or just an innate ability as if they had a spell list which included any divine spell maybe couple with an ability that worked like a mnemonic vestment but more times per day. I like the imagery of a character using "holy scripture" and holy artifacts to replicate spell casting.

You could also use a watered down version of the occultists implements powers to represent holy relics of the church that are received by the character for their dedication the church.

Having a bonus to diplomacy seems appropriate. As do possibly bluff and perception.

[Mechagamera]

RW religions use a lot of ceremonies, and purification ceremonies (like exercisms) could have some in-game use. If magical poison and disease were more like demon possession.....