A course in two stages by Bishop Vernon of the Ecclesia Sophiana
The Book of Awareness & the Book of Becoming
I have now completed the courses for the Ecclesia Sophiana and would like to record encouragement for anyone who is considering following either or both.
Bishop Vernon offers an opportunity to ‘learn for yourself, to be creative, and to be yourself’. There are no deadlines, no essays to be written (just notes on your reading and thoughts) and no obligation to be consecrated immediately into deacon- or priest- hood. There are projects and suggested books to read, responses to be made in some form (usually written but some as poetry, artwork etc) and development in your practice however you wish this to be.
While the Ecclesia is broadly Christian, it accepts ideas and practices that are not part of conventional church situations. For example, the Lord’s Prayer is said in the Essenes’ version; I often say it in Aramaic as the nearest dialect to that of Yeshua / Jesus. Some of this litany is changeable according to your preference so say it in the old King James version or create your own translation if you wish.
The Book of Awakening is the most interesting course in looking at peripheral practices such as esotericism, Gnosticism, mysticism, Qabalah. I have read books I would never have found and incorporated practices from this these traditions. The project on the Divine Feminine is and will always be an ongoing project for me. No wonder traditional churches struggle when they continue with the all masculine Trinity, the Three Guys. We shouldn’t have to resort to goddess worship or the Catholic version of Marian theology to revere the divine feminine; Sophia exists from Genesis to Revelation but we need to look to find her. This is an Ecclesia which recognises Sophia.
It is part of the Christian way to serve in some way. For many this is by their prayer practice, for others through supporting their local churches. Healing is the last project and discusses this way of serving others. Society is now more accepting of complimentary therapies such as energy therapies, sound healing and so on. Physical, mental and spiritual healing modalities are opportunities for Christians to serve.
Finally, we have the chance to look back over the course, our personal development and also to look forward if we so wish to the Book of Becoming.
This Book trains you to become a priest (or, presumably, priestess if you prefer that term. I am irritated that good actresses call themselves actors as ‘actress’ is deemed inferior. The feminine word should not be seen to be derogatory). It features instruction mainly on the Qurbana (Communion, Eucharist…) but includes discussion of funeral, baptism, marriage rites etc. Inevitably as a web-based course this is short on practical teaching, but this can be gained through observation locally and with practice.
If your main aim is to join a priesthood, this Book will enable you to deliver the required sacraments. For the rest of us with lesser ambitions, we will now be able to practise the Qurbana as a consecrated person. And whatever comes our way in the future as priest/esses, we will be able to serve appropriately and in confidence.
spirit unlimited 