The Universal Gnostic Church: Apostolic Succession

This post is purely for geeks, and geeks of an unusual type at that. Every church that claims apostolic succession -- that is to say, a direct lineage from one of the apostles of Jesus of Nazareth -- traditionally has the responsibility to list that lineage somewhere for public examination. While the Universal Gnostic Church is not strictly Christian -- it affirms the right of its clergy and members to seek gnosis of the Divine in whatever form, and through whatever channels, they find appropriate -- its historic roots are in the independent Christian sacramental movement, and those deserve to be acknowledged and honored.

Furthermore, like most independent sacramental churches, the UGC recognizes that apostolic succession is not a mere formality.  It is a transmission of spiritual power that has definite, recognizable effects on both the recipient and those who receive sacraments and blessings at the reciplent's hands. Like most Gnostic churches, the UGC does not agree with the theological opinions expressed about Jesus of Nazareth by the religious mainstream, but recognizes the presence of spiritual power and blessing in the lineage that stems from him.

The details of the lineage? Those are below the cut.

(The image, btw, is one of many mystically inspired paintings by Carl Jung, one of the most influential Gnostics of the twentieth century.)
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