• The Divine Feminine •

The divine feminine is the feminine expression of God. We believe that God is neither male nor female but has both feminine and masculine attributes. Historically, the masculine attributes of God have been widely known. However, knowledge and expression of the feminine aspects of God have been ignored or even actively denied and repressed. The feminine attributes of God include, but are not limited to, these qualities: receptivity, containment, nurturance, quietude, being (as opposed to doing), and feeling. While masculine attributes include these qualities: doing, acting, deciding, judging, and creating. The feminine attributes of God have often been called ‘wisdom’ or in Greek, ‘Sophia’.

Mary, the mother of Jesus, fully expressed the divine feminine in physical form just as Jesus fully expressed the divine masculine in physical form. Both Jesus and Mary displayed a perfect balance of masculine and feminine aspects. However, They each chose to outwardly express the form represented by their gender. In this way They offer an example of the perfected form of that expression. We believe that Jesus and Mary shared the mission of salvation of the earth. The difference is that Jesus expressed his crucifixion outwardly, while Mary expressed hers inwardly. We understand that Jesus and Mary are equal in all ways and share dominion of the earth and mediation of the Creator God to human beings. Therefore, the Virgin Mary, having fully embodied the divine feminine, is referred to as Mary Sophia.

In our Order we have found that honoring and valuing feminine expressions in human beings must begin with an acknowledgement and honoring of the divine feminine. We fully acknowledge and value the feminine nature of God and worship Mary, the Mother of Jesus, as an equally important, although different, expression of God’s nature. This attitude filters down through our organization and can be seen in the honoring of feminine attributes and processes throughout the leadership structure. The Order is lead equally by a woman and a man (Mother Clare and Father Peter); there are both male and female priests and deacons. The honoring of feminine aspects in no way diminishes or demeans masculine expressions; instead both are valued and encouraged. Men and women are supported in becoming balanced in their masculine and feminine aspects in order to be well-balanced and fully functioning vessels for the expression of God’s Word and works.