Stephan A. Hoeller, R.I.P. (1931-2026)

Dr. Stephan A. Hoeller, the Bishop of Ecclesia Gnostica (the Gnostic Church of Los Angeles), passed away on May 3, 2026 at the age of 94. I first interviewed Dr. Hoeller back in July of 2003 for PARANOIA MAGAZINE. He was easily one of the most fascinating gentlemen I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. He was a genuine raconteur. Like his mentor, Manly P. Hall, he had the rare ability to deliver a two-hour-long lecture about the most esoteric topics imaginable without once referring to his sparse notes. In fact, very often he had no notes at all! I spoke to him over the phone as recently as May of 2025, and he was just as lucid and insightful as when I first encountered him. Dr. Hoeller continued to deliver illuminating lectures at the Ecclesia Gnostica all the way up until a few weeks before his death.

Dr. Hoeller was the author of numerous important books including JUNG AND THE LOST GOSPELS: INSIGHTS INTO THE DEAD SEA SCROLLS AND THE NAG HAMMADI LIBRARY (1989), FREEDOM: ALCHEMY FOR A VOLUNTARY SOCIETY (1992), THE GNOSTIC JUNG AND THE SEVEN SERMONS TO THE DEAD (1994), and GNOSTICISM: NEW LIGHT ON THE ANCIENT TRADITION OF INNER KNOWING (2002). This latter book, my personal favorite, is possibly the best and most concise introduction to the complex subject of Gnosticism. It receives my highest possible recommendation. 

The unexpurgated version of my lengthy, in-depth conversation with Dr. Hoeller will be included in my forthcoming collection of articles and interviews (about which, more later). In the meantime, you have at your disposal decades of recorded lectures by Dr. Hoeller that you can watch and rewatch at your convenience. I've recently posted links to some of these lectures. To check those out, click HERE, HERE, HERE, and HERE. I encourage you to search through the official Ecclesia Gnostica YouTube channel and avail yourself of this man's impressive wisdom. You can also find many of his lectures on the Philosophical Research Society YouTube channel.

Rest in Peace, Bishop Hoeller!