There are two principle Gnostic Christian lineages in the United States, the French and the English lines. The English branch of the Gnostic Church, Ecclesia Gnostica is under the Episcopal oversight of the Most Reverend +Stephan A. Hoeller, Ph.D., Ep.Gn.(Baron von Hoeller-Bertram). It can be traced back to the Theosophic movement and the Liberal Catholic Church as well as the occult revival in England of the early 20th century with its principal figure of Richard, Duc de Palatine. It is primarily active in California and on the West Coast.
Two closely related churches represent the French lineage in the United States. The Église Gnostique Catholique Apostolique (EGCA), under the direction of the Most Reverend +Robert M. Cokinis, Ep.Gn., is centered in Chicago and primarily active in the Midwest. The Église Gnostique Apostolique (EGA) under the direction of the Most Reverend +Phillip A. Garver, Ep.Gn., is active on the East Coast. The French Tradition is a direct continuation from late 19th century France and the restored Gnostic Church of Jules Doinel. For a complete historical overview, please visit Gnostique.net, a web site dedicated to the French Gnostic Tradition via the link above.
While there are other Gnostic churches in the United States that claim some descent from the French Gnostic Tradition, the EGA and EGCA are the only actively operating Gnostic Churches in the USA that are recognized by the Patriarchal Elders of l’Église Gnostique Apostolique de France as being true representatives of the French lineage. The EGA, and her affiliated organizations, is the official representative body of the Église Gnostique Apostolique de France in the United States today.
