Confessional Agencies

Disclaimer: Many religious groups maintain websites. The following selection is a shortcut to denominational agencies that provide important information for scholarly research on the WWW. Inclusion of a site does not indicate endorsement of its views or activities by Virtual Religion.Net. This list is provided simply as a service for those seeking information.

Catholic.net

Guide to websites reflecting the official Roman Catholic magisterium provides access to archive of papal encyclicals & an online catechism.

The Holy See

Official website of the Vatican offers biographies & documents of modern popes (Leo XIII to Francis) in a growing archive of searchable official Roman Catholic church documents. Other webpages on the Roman Curia, Vatican museums, library, & archives (including documents of 2nd Vatican Council).

Society of Jesus USA

Introduction to Jesuit history & spirituality and links to the order's directory of all Jesuit websites including institutions of higher education.

New Advent: Catholic WebSite

Kevin Knight's elegant website offers an on-line Catholic Encyclopedia, Thomas Aquinas' Summa Theologiae, an archive of the works of church fathers, the texts of all papal encyclicals & capsule summaries of the 21 ecumenical councils.

Opus Dei

Official website of Roman Catholic sanctifying movement provides a historical overview, a biography of its founder, JoseMaria Escriva & selections from his writings as well as an archive of rebuttals to depiction of the order in Dan Brown's novel, The DaVinci Code.

Scientology HomePage

Multi-lingual website of contemporary church established by prolific author, L. Ron Hubbard (1911-1986), provides an official overview, highlights the life & philosophy of its founder, & introduces its theology & practice.

Scientology: A True Religion

Roman Catholic trained philosopher & theologian Urbano A. Galan answers criticism of Scientology & argues that Scientology is a legitimate religion (posted by Church of Scientology International).

Sikhism

Official website of current Sikh leader Sri Guru Granth Sahib meticulously designed to inspire devotion offers video & audio introduction to Sikh gurus & practice, key quotations & a Sikh rosary of divine wisdom.

Sikhism Home Page

Sandeep Singh Brar's cyberbase for Sikhs worldwide provides an elegant introduction to historic Sikh gurus, saints, & shrines; the basic tenets of Sikh philosophy & lifestyle; and an e-edition of Sikh sacred scriptures.

Swendenborgian Church

Official webside of the North-American followers of 18th c. Swedish philosopher & mystic Emmanuel Swedenborg posts capsule history of the "New Church," its beliefs & tenets, & an online library including Swedenborg's complete works in English & Latin.

The Swedenborg Project

Searchable digital library archives complete works of Emmanuel Swedenborg & a bookshelf of modern Swedenborgian texts.

Assyrian Church of the East

Official website of Nestorian Christians features links to archived church news & relief efforts for Christians in war-torn areas of the Near East.

Mar Thoma Church

Digital domain of native Christian church of Kerala, India features articles on its history & heritage, the liturgy of St. James, & samples of its music.

Syrian Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch

Official website of the present patriarch of Antioch posts his messages & activities.

Syriac Orthodox Resources

Authorized digital archive summarizes the history of the first Christian church, posts a digital edition of its Book of Divine Liturgies (in English) & extensive information on the Syriac Bible, as well as links to Syriac Christian institutions worldwide.