Obey my suggestion

“The Pax doesn’t rule,” I said. “It advises.” 

“Precisely,” agreed the old man, pointing his fork at me while A. Bettik refilled his wineglass. “The Pax advises. It does not rule. On hundreds of worlds the Church administers to the faithful and the Pax advises. But, of course, if you are a Christian who wishes to be born again, you will not ignore the advice of the Pax or the whispers of the Church, will you?

Endymion, Chapter 8 - Dan Simmons