The Essene Foundation
The Essene Foundation was established in the early 1980s
following the death of Edmond Bordeaux Szekely (d. 1980) by
Archbishop Garry White, a long-time associate. Originally
founded as the First Christians Essene Church, it perpetuates
the teachings found in the many books written by Szekely that
grew out of The Essene Gospel of Peace, an ancient text that he
had claimed to have found, translated, and published. The
church believes that ancient Christianity was rooted in the Essene
community, a belief they claim was strengthened by the
discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls. The Essene Gospel of Peace was
released in four volumes, the first in 1937. Volumes two and
three were released in 1974 and the last volume posthumously
in 1981. They present a very different picture of Jesus, including
the idea that he was a vegetarian. The churchs creed emphasizes
the fatherhood of God, the motherhood of Nature,
and the brotherhood of Man. Members are encouraged to follow
a path to enlightenment that begins in adopting practices
that perpetuate physical, mental, and emotional health. Vegetarianism
and the use of natural foods are highly recommended,
as is healing through the use of various forms of naturopathic
remedies.
In the early 1990s the church changed its name to The Essene
Foundation. In 1992 Garry White retired as archbishop
and was named patriarch. He was succeeded as archbishop by
Dr. Emmanuel M. Winocur. The foundation is headquartered
at 2536 Collier Ave., San Diego, CA 92116. It has a number of
affiliated missions scattered across the western United States
(California, Oregon, Arizona), New York, and Arkansas.
Encyclopedia of Occultism & Parapsychology 5th Ed. The Essene Foundation
517
Sources
Berskov, Per. Strange Tales About Jesus. Philadelphia Fortress
Press, 1983.
Szekely, Edmond Bordeaux. The Gospel of Peace by the Apostle
John. London C. H. Daniels, 1937. Reprinted as The Essene Gospel
of Peace. San Diego Academy of Creative Living, 1971.
. The Essene Way, Biogenic Living. Cartago, Costa Rica
International Biogenic Society, 1978.
. Talks. San Diego Academy of Creative Living, 1972.
