In requiring a general religious or theological education, we only have one objective: to educate the members of our clergy about most of the historical and doctrinal questions that the external world could ask - on our validity, sacraments, ritual, liturgy, etc.

We know very well that since the time of Our Lord, and in the first centuries of the church, the Deacons and Priests were elected on account of their zeal, faith and immense charity, and not by virtue of a diploma. The Popes themselves chose the cardinals from among the Deacons and Priests, as well as from the Bishops.

This does not mean that our Church spurns all scholarship. On the contrary, she is proud when certain of her children produce profound studies on various subjects. It is there that our Gnostic clergy excel outside of their priesthood.

In effect, one must not confuse scholarship and religious knowledge. The first is the lot of doctors, historians, theologians, etc. That does not make it the primary objective of the Church. The second is the basis for the education for our clergy. We are not upset if on a point of history our seminarians are ignorant of the fact that in 1294 Pope Boniface VIII named four cardinals belonging to his own family (three nephews and an uncle) or that after 1049 in the pontificate of Leo IX the cardinals used the miter in their coat of arms. If they know it, so much the better, and we would rejoice in that, but we prefer that they spend their energy in spreading the charity of Christ, in giving an example of their faith, gnosis and self-sacrifice.

The Eglise Gnostique does strive to have a highly competent and professional Priesthood that is on par with other clergy in similar stations in many mainstream denominations. However, at present, there is no seminary or course of study affiliated with any Gnostic Church (which we would consider valid, at any rate) that is accredited. The rules and regulations set forth by the government are fairly stringent on this. Agencies other than the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada, or the Distance Education and Training Council are not recognized as valid and are, as "national authorizing and/or accrediting agencies", typically created by those same churches wishing to accredit themselves.

As a solution to this situation, the Eglise Gnostique requires all candidates for Holy Orders to complete a training program through our theological institute which offers programs leading to Certificates and Licensure in the more specific aspects of our Tradition of Gnosis.

The Seminary Program Process:

The Eglise Gnostique's theological study program is based on an individualized mentoring process. Each student is assigned a mentor who is a senior clergy member. The mentor serves as advisor and primary point of contact and collaborates with the director of Clergy Training and others involved in the seminarian's training. Students may also choose to have their own spiritual director in addition to their assigned mentor.

Periodic written and oral evaluations, usually on a quarterly basis, are made to assess each seminarian's progress, and the program is adjusted as needed. It is expected that a full program towards ordination will take at least three years.