The Ecclesia Sophiana is a small group of people forming an independent esoteric Church, pursuing a devotional practice which seeks to rediscover the wealth of Esoteric Christian spirituality. In particular, as the main focus of our work, we seek to restore the understanding and expression of the feminine aspect of God, and to further the Sophianic tradition.
The E∴S∴ is a mystically-oriented Church, and as such promotes private prayer, contemplation, meditation, and reflection. Our self-understanding of our nature and mission as an esoteric community differs in crucial respects from that of traditional, mainstream Churches, therefore we don't seek to mirror the typical congregational structures. However, we also uphold the inherent value of fellowship with others and we celebrate the historical sacraments, especially the Eucharistic Liturgy. In keeping with our heritage, the words used reflect an Esoteric Christian theology embracing both male and female aspects of the Divine. In addition to that, we have liturgical and devotional resources derived from esoteric traditions. With all these, there is freedom for our members to experiment and to be creative in our spiritual practices.
Likewise, our Church accepts a wide spectrum of belief, it is non-dogmatic, and values insights from all spiritual paths. Though there are collections of sacred scriptures which we hold as part of our inheritance, acceptance of the value of these is determined by individual conscience. The Ecclesia Sophiana is within the broadly-conceived Gnostic Revival tradition and thus looks upon scriptural narratives not as literal truth, but as mythology, analogy and metaphor.
We are very few in number, geographically spread-out, and very independent-minded; but we are drawn together by our common practices, our shared principles, our desire for a genuine mystical relationship with the Divine, and our recognition of the irreducible value (and joy) of walking in the company of other spiritual travellers. To facilitate this shared journey in a responsible fashion, the Ecclesia Sophiana has a simple structure based on historical episcopal and collegial forms of governance, with clergy ordained into the apostolic succession.
The Ecclesia Sophiana holds progressive views on social and ethical issues; we are an inclusive community, therefore membership, all sacraments, and all roles are open regardless of gender identity, ethnic and cultural background, sexual orientation, or disability status. In following the ethical teachings of the Mashiakh, we are inspired by the example of our Esoteric Christian predecessors who were embodying and advocating for liberal and progressive causes in their own historical context. Today, these ethical positions are expressed particularly well by the Social Gospel tradition, Liberation Theology, and Progressive Christianity, all of which form an important part of our ethical reflection.
The Ecclesia Sophiana is a healing body and welcomes those who wish to develop a healing practice in an Esoteric Christian context. Some of our members are engaged in healing services of various kinds drawn from various traditions, and we encourage an active sharing of the liturgical and spiritual practices which express this first ministry of the universal Church, whether in its exoteric or esoteric forms.
In short, we want to be good heirs to our Sophanic predecessors and we strive to offer creative contributions to the future of Esoteric Christian spirituality. If what you see here appeals to you, we wholeheartedly invite you to join us - and we would love to hear from you whether as a prospective member, a potential collaborator, or simply a future friend.