Churches for Gnostics

Since Gnostic Christians are not Fundamentalists, they do not believe what the Roman Catholic Church or the Conservative Protestant Churches believe. For example, Gnostics would not accept the infallibility or inerrancy of Scripture. Nor do Gnostic Christians usually take the Nicene Creed literally.

As you can imagine, this makes finding a church home difficult, especially when accepting a Creed is required. For example, Gnostics would not accept the infallibility or inerrancy of Scripture.

Some Gnostics do not go to church. As Willis Barnstone noted, “The Gnostic can go it alone, without clergy.” They simply practice their spirituality by themselves like the Desert Fathers and Mothers. Others just gather with friends in their home.

Others Gnostics are looking for community. For those, I offer three possibilities. These are churches where you could be a Gnostic and be a member.

I have been a member of all of these churches, except the Quakers. Definitely my loss. I have listed them in the order of their similarity to Gnostic Christianity.

The first is the society of friends, also known as the Quakers. Here we are talking about the Hickite or liberal branch. They are the closest to Gnosticism. Those raised in the church will find this the most uncomfortable choice, because they are the most different from what other churches practiced. But a Quaker meeting is probably the closest to how the Gnostics actually worshiped. Missing is the Five Gnostic Sacraments.

Next is a Unitarian Universalist Church. This is a liberal Church where God and Christianity are optional, not mandatory. Since you are not required to accept a particular belief system, Gnostics are welcome. This will be the most comfortable for Protestants.

Last is the Episcopal Church. Although the Nicene Creed is said during morning worship, acceptance of it is not required for membership. They follow a more traditional Roman Catholic-like style of worship. This will be the most comfortable for Catholics.

I might also mention the Liberal Catholic Church, which is associated with The Theosophical Society. But there are only about six Churches in the United States. Just as there are few churches who call themselves Gnostic. All following Roman Catholic style of worship.

Unfortunately, I can’t tell you which one is right for you. All I can suggest is to try them on and see for yourself which one fits best. You also might want to consider your family when making the choice.