The Alexandrian Gnostic Church
A Modern Sacramental Esoteric Community

Home | FAQ | Welcome from Bishop Thomas |Getting Started | Contact Us | Bookstore Donate | Prayer Requests | News & Updates |Pastoral Services | Healing & Healing Classes Our Clergy | Order of Mary Magdalene| Statements and Documents | Links

Statement by the Alexandrian Gnostic Church
on Vatican Decree of
Immediate Excommunication of Ordained Women

May 31, 2008
The Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The Alexandrian Gnostic Church deplores the decree issued by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith of the Apostolic See of Rome excommunicating women who have received holy orders and those bishops who have ordained them. We offer our prayers to Holy Wisdom that they may be moved by love to recognize that God does not choose by gender those whom are called to a sacramental ministry.

The Alexandrian Gnostic Church extends our blessings to our sisters and to those who have assisted them in following God’s will. We applaud their courage as the Church of Rome excommunicates her children. We pray that you find peace in knowing that you are doing that which has been asked of you. We stand with you, remembering that the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, previously known as the Holy Office of the Inquisition, has excommunicated many others who have followed the promptings of the Spirit. You stand in noble company.

The Alexandrian Gnostic Church supports your efforts and unites with you. Our teacher Jesus brought the Gospel of Light and Love to all; men and women alike. He called all to the Royal Priesthood.

Today, as we commemorate the Feast of the Visitation of Mary, the Mother of Jesus, to Elizabeth, the Mother of John, we are reminded that women played significant role in the ministry of Jesus.

Throughout history women have held leadership positions within the Church. They walked with Jesus and spread his message. Details of the suppression of their roles in promulgating the teachings are only now becoming evident. That which has been hidden is visible. Women were healers, teachers and spreaders of the Divine Word. Epigraphic and literary evidence exists of women bishops. There is also evidence that women served as priests during the 4th and 5th centuries. Until at least the ninth century women were ordained as deacons.

We know that it was Mary Magdalene who was the first to fill the Apostolic Office, as Apostola Apostolorum, apostle to the apostles. She was the one who was first called to spread the message of the Resurrection, when the men, including Saint Peter, had fled in fear.

There is nothing to be feared from women who are called to public ministry and service. We pray that the light of Gnosis open our dear Brothers eyes and that with love, they understand that the restoration of the Pleroma occurs only when we unite with one another and ourselves.