Below are some of the most common questions people ask us. If you question isn’t answered, feel free to send as a message via our contact page.

General Questions 

What is the Apostolic Johannite Church?

We are an esoteric, gnostic, Christian communion within the historic Apostolic Succession. We fully embrace the beauty and mystery of the living Christian tradition: candles and incense, ancient rites such as baptism and the eucharist and robed male and female priests. At the same time, we share a commitment to freedom of thought and an insistence that the fullness of the Divine is known both in the hidden secrecy of the individual heart and in the loving connection of community. We hold the same lines of spiritual lineage as older, mainstream churches as well as some less common, mystical lineages like the Gnostic succession of Jules Doinel. We treasure the fullness of mystical Christian teaching whether orthodox or “heretical” as informative.

What does ‘Johannite’ mean?

The word comes from the name “John” (or “Yohanan” in Hebrew). Johannite refers to a spiritual tradition carried in part through the initiatory tradition of John the Baptist, exemplified in the relationship between Christ and the Apostle John, brought to fruition in the community addressed by the Gospel of John, the Gospel embraced by early Gnostics, and which produced the Revelation to John the Theologian. We strive to embody this tradition today. You can learn more about the Johannite Tradition through the many lectures and workshops on our YouTube channel and books on our Books page.

What is Gnosticism, isn’t it heresy?

“Gnosticism” is no longer understood to be a homogeneous historical phenomenon, but conventionally the term refers to a diverse set of early religious movements (mainly in the first few centuries CE) centred on salvific knowledge (gnōsis). This category is no longer attested as an adequate descriptor for the historical reality of the first few centuries of the common era.

“Gnosticism” should not be considered inherently ‘heretical’, as this designation assumes the establishment of later orthodox boundaries. Historically, “Gnostic” groups existed within the same diverse religious environment that formed early Christianity, and were only later classified as “heretical” by institutional authorities aiming to consolidate doctrinal norms.

As modern Gnostics, we affirm the centrality of “gnōsis” – transcendent, liberating, revealed knowledge of spiritual truth – and that salvation is obtained via its apprehension. Gnosis exists both within the current of mainstream religious belief and systems and beyond its confines, expressing itself primarily in myth and symbol rather than doctrine and dogma. Gnostics stress mysticism, committed spiritual practice, personal responsibility, and practical philosophy.

What does ‘esoteric’ mean? 

Ideas preserved by a small group or those specially initiated; from the Greek esoterikos, a compound of eso “within” thus the more inward and mystically oriented. Esoteric is distinguished from exoteric, which refers to that which can be understood by all. Many faiths and schools have both an exoteric (outer) and an esoteric (inner) form. In our context, it means that we ascribe an experiential reality to the church and its sacraments beyond the ceremonial and symbolic.  

It does not mean we offer or claim ownership to specialised ‘secret’ or mystical initiation, or have access to exclusive ‘true’ Christian praxis or tradition.

Questions relating to the Narthex 

Do I have to be Gnostic or Christian to attend a Narthex meeting?

No, there is no expectation that a person attending a Narthex meeting hold any particular religious views or affiliation. We ask that all who attend our services are respectful of the experience and beliefs of others.

What should I expect when I attend a Narthex meeting?

You can learn more about our liturgy here. We also have information for Newcomers found here.

Do I have to participate in the service?

There is no pressure to participate in the service. You can participate as little or as much as you feel comfortable and should not prevent others from participating as they feel comfortable.

Can I visit your Church any time?

No, we do not have a permanent Church building, unfortunately. We meet in a hired space that is only accessible during our meeting time.

Is the Narthex a place I can fit in?

Yes! We strive to make the Narthex a welcoming, inclusive, and accessible space for all.  

What if I don’t affirm the Trinity as masculine and don’t like using gendered language?

According to our Statement of Principles, and Christian tradition we affirm the Trinity of the Divine. There is no gendered expectation to how a person experiences the Divine Trinity.

Our Church is working toward making the language of our liturgy more inclusive and so the language we use to describe or reference the Trinity is changing and diverging away from the traditional masculine language of “Father, Son, and Holy Spirit”. 

We currently use the language of Progenitor, Logos (Word), and Spirit, though on occasion, we do use other non-gendered forms.

You are welcome to use whatever language feels right for you!

Questions relating to the AJC

What are the AJC’s core beliefs and values?

You can find information about the AJC’s Statement of Principles here

Does the AJC hold divisive or inclusive beliefs?

As you can see in our Statement of Principles, we welcome lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people as full members of our church and we do not discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation in the administration of any of the sacraments of the church, including ordination to the offices of deacon, priest and bishop (and in fact we have serving LGBT clergy). We are delighted to offer the sacrament of matrimony to any two people in a genuine, loving relationship regardless of gender.

What is the AJC’s view on [specific topic]?

Generally, the AJC does not adhere to any strict positions or dogma beyond what is stipulated in the Statement of Principles. The clergy and laity of the AJC represent a cross section of people from many walks of life and nationalities. We count ourselves fortunate and blessed to have differing opinions on social and personal issues, politics, and of course, religion and spirituality. The AJC has preferred an organic unity to a constructed, legislated or enforced uniformity whenever possible. The Church should, we feel, serve as a sanctuary and a place to connect and learn from each other, laity and clergy alike. In order to do this, the Church does not seek to create dividing lines between its members on matters of conscience. Some answers to common questions can be found on the main site here.

Is the leadership healthy and safe?

All leadership in the Apostolic Johannite Church, including seminarians, clergy, and Narthex leaders,are screened through local, national and international background checks, including criminal record checks and sex offender listings. Background checks are conducted every five years for Deacons, Priests, Bishops, and Lay Leaders as a part of licensing. The AJC also maintains very strict policies ensuring, where possible, that no individuals are placed at risk through the participation of laity that are known to the community to have committed sexual or violent offenses.