A secret name is revealed

Brother Jasper reveals to the president what his alethiometer reading has told him. The secret name given to Lyra by the witches is ‘Eve’. A gathering of the Consistorial Court of Discipline is held, where the President hopes to seek council from the church’s leading dignitaries.

The meeting does not go well. Brother Jasper starts by reminding the clerics of the Witches’ prophecy, which states that Lyra will either redeem the Church or bring about the triumph of Dust. By being called Eve, Brother Jasper points out, Lyra is irrevocably linked with original sin and sin is known to be the key ingredient of Dust. Ultimately, the church, at all costs, wishes to destroy Dust.

Some clerics argue that the most pressing issue is what is to be done about Lord Asriel. They discuss what is known about Lord Asriel’s recent movements; how he is building a fortress, gathering weapons, and recruiting an army, including troops who are angels.
It is revealed that angels are distrustful of the church due to recent battles and devastating defeats.

They also discuss how the Authority cannot be killed by conventional weapons but how a stab wound from the subtle knife could cause his death. The church has not heard from the Authority. He has not requested any help as yet and some clerics see this as a sign that there is no need to worry.

They discuss trying to recapture the knife.

As the clerics leave the President tells Brother Jasper to gather an army of ‘men who can kill’ and to find Lyra.