High Council

The High Council is the the theocratic governing body of the Covenant. It can be compared to a Covenant Cabinet. The High Council consisted of Elites and Prophets and was headed by a triumvirate known as the High Prophets or "Hierarchs." Most of the Elite members of the council were assassinated in Halo 2 as part of the High Prophet of Truth's plan to replace Elites with Brutes in Covenant society.

The theocratic Covenant follows the orders of the high council to the letter. They are the entire government of the Covenant. The High Council seems to be split into smaller sub-groups, with different tasks and goals.

As of now, the exact status of the High Council is unknown - the expulsion of the Elites would have left a significant power vacuum, especially in the more military-focussed aspects of Covenant leadership, and it is not known if the Brutes would have assumed these yet. Add to this the invasion of the Covenant Capitol "World" High Charity by the Flood apparently devastated much of the Covenant leadership, wiping out a good portion of the Covenant population, and it is entirely likely that the High Council no longer exists.

The Council of Concordance
As they created the Writ of Union, and the Ratification Parley, it is likely that they deal with legal and civilian matters of the Covenant.

The Council of Deed and Doctrine
As the essay from the Prophet of Supposition on the Flood was sent to this council, it is likely that they deal with intelligence matters.

The Council of Masters
Deals with tactical and strategic matters, and may be present in theaters of combat.

The Ministry of Tranquility
Apparently hires Jackals as mercenaries against UNSC civilian vessels, and may be a Special Warfare branch of the High Council. Combined with the fact that they also have an extensive library of Forerunner Glyphs (mentioned by Joseph Staten in an interview), the Ministry of Tranquility may be the Covenant version of ONI.

The Ministry of Concert
Represents the interests of the various client races within the Covenant to the High Council. Notably biased in favour of the more prominent races.

Known Council Members
High Prophets


 * High Prophet of Truth
 * High Prophet of Mercy
 * High Prophet of Regret

Prophet Councilors


 * Prophet of Supposition
 * Prophet of Disdain
 * Prophet of Pity
 * Prophet of Objection

Councilor Elites


 * Soha 'Rolamee

Trivia
"What hope has this alliance If we cannot conquer Doubt of faith not each other- If our belief should falter? But put an ear to the stones of this Holy City Inside Their voices echo still: "Seven rings begin the Journey!""

- Excerpt, Ratification Parley, High Council or Concordance