Anglican Religious
Communities Year Book
This directory contains entries for almost all the Anglican religious communities in the United Kingdom, with addresses for many
more communities worldwide.
The Conference on Anglican
Religious Orders in the Americas
A good many US and Canadian communities are represented on these
overview web pages. Each order is linked to a summary page with a
description and contact information.
The Kingdom is Yours
'On this website you will see examples of how [Anglican] Religious
Communities live and work today. All who visit it will discover
something about this distinctive pattern of Christian discipleship.'
Alton Abbey
A Benedictine monastery in Beech, Hampshire, England. This simple site
provides contact information and a message of welcome.
The Anglican Order of Preachers
'A Domincan Religious Community in the Anglican Community' committed to a spirituality
rooted in St Dominic's vision of a preaching community rooted in contemplation.
Brotherhood of St Gregory
The Brotherhood of St Gregory was founded on Holy Cross Day 1969.
Members of the Brotherhood of St Gregory work in secular jobs such as
nurses, teachers, and social workers while others work for the church
on the parochial, diocesan or national levels. Some work as parish
administrators, musicians, liturgists, pastoral care workers, and
chaplains at hospitals.
Burford Priory
In Oxfordshire, England, an Anglican Benedictine community of nuns and monks.
The Community of All Hallows
This women's community was founded in 1855 by Mother Lavinia Crosse.
Today, the community's work is focussed on All Hallows Hospital,
Ditchingham and Adele House Nursing Home, in addition to All Hallows
Convent.
Community of the
Ascension
A new order for women with the Episcopal Church in the USA. affiliated with the Diocese of Easton.
Community of Celebration
A religious order, located in the Diocese of Pittsburgh, whose roots
reach back more than 30 years to the inner-city Church of the Redeemer
in Houston, Texas. 'Membership includes men and women, married and
single, adults and children, clergy and laity. The Community's mission
is to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ by living in community and
offering ourselves in service to the Church and to the world'.
Community of St Michael the Archangel
A non-cloistral community of Anglican Benedictine Canons in Vancouver, Canada.
Community of the Glorious Ascension,
Prasada
'an Anglican community, established in 1960, whose members live by a
modern interpretation of the Benedictine rule. Members take vows of
poverty, celibacy and obedience'. Houses in Devon and southern France.
Community of the Holy Cross
Rempstone, Loughborough, England. Founded in 1857 by Elizabeth Neale, sister of John Mason Neale.
Community of the Holy Name
'An Anglican Religious Community, founded in 1865 in London. Two moves
later the convent is now in Derby. There are also six other branch
houses. From all houses in the Community the sisters are engaged in a
variety of pastoral and evangelistic works, depending on the particular
gifts of the sister concerned. At the heart of the Community's life is
the Daily Office, the Eucharist and each sister's life of prayer and
intercession'.
Community of the Holy Spirit
Founded in 1952 in New York City, CHS is 'an Episcopal monastic
community for women called by God to witness to the Holy Spirit in the
church and the world, and to foster and express unity in diversity in
its life and work'.
Community of the Paraclete
A religious community of men and women in the Episcopal Church in the
USA. In the Diocese of Olympia in Washington State.
Community of the Resurrection
In Mirfield, West Yorkshire, UK. 'Anglican monasteries for men are few
in number and unfamiliar. Ours is exceptional in the British isles
because of the size of its church and community buildings at Mirfield.
We combine our Anglican heritage with that living monastic tradition
which gives priority to daily corporate worship and also engages in a
wide range of activities at home and away. People of all faiths and
none will find a welcome here.'
Community of St John Baptist (UK)
This women's religious community, founded in 1852 by Mother Harriet Monsell and Canon
T T Carter, now shares its life and work with the Community of the Companions of Jesus the Good Shephard at the common convent near
Oxford.
Community of St John the Baptist
A religious order for Episcopal women.
Community of St Mary (Eastern
Province)
'The five founding Sisters of the Community of St Mary were mature
women of widely varying personalities and gifts, who had served in the
short-lived Sisterhood of the Holy Communion at St Luke's Hospital in
New York City until 1863. Bishop Horatio Potter, Sixth Bishop of New
York, chose the Blessed Virgin Mary as patroness of the new Community
and selected the Feast of Purification, 1865, for the service of these
five sisters at St Michael's Church, Manhattan. Not since the
dissolution of the English monasteries in the 16th Century had an
Anglican bishop dared to stand in a parish church and officially
constitute a religious community'.
Community of the St Mary the
Virgin
'Our Community was founded in 1848 by William John Butler, the then
Vicar of Wantage. His desire was to form a committed community of
Sisters combining both a life of prayer and holiness with a concern for
the social needs of the time.' Based in Wantage, Oxford, UK.
Community
of Saints Barnabas and Cecilia
Located in Peterborough, South Australia in the Diocese of Willochra,
this group describes itself as 'firmly grounded in our tradition and
yet desiring the unity for which Christ prayed, and offering a ministry
of hospitality and welcome for all Christian people.' Founded in 1997.
Community of the Gospel
'We [are] organized under the Canons of the Episcopal Church, but are
open to any Christian man or woman who shares our mission. We are not
an “Order” in the traditional sense, but do apply monastic principles
to everyday living as we transform our lives.' Based in Wisconsin.
Community of the Sisters of the Church
A women's religious community with houses in England, Canada, Australia
and the Solomon Islands. Founded in 1870 by Mother Emily Ayckbowm.
Community of Solitude
'We do not restrict admission to this community based on age, gender,
clerical or marital status. If you are a baptized Christian and can
honestly agree with the traditional Creeds of the Church (Apostles,
Nicea and Athanasian) then you are welcome as Christ. It is our belief
that if one is called to this way of life by Jesus, no one can stand in
their way. And once called to this way of life by Jesus, the person
cannot stay as they are; they are now on a path of irrevocable
transformation.'
Community of the Transfiguration
An Episcopal Religious order for Women in the Anglican Communion. The Mother House is in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.
The Companions of St Luke
'A contemporary expression of Benedictine life in the new millennium.
It is rooted in the Rule of St. Benedict while allowing for flexibility
for contemporary life. It is open to single and married men and women,
lay and clergy, of the Episcopal Church and those who are in communion
with Canterbury. Members have the option of living in community or
apart. All members live a life under St. Benedict's threefold vows of:
obedience, conversion of life, and stability. Individuals seeking a
balanced Benedictine Religious experience between the traditions of the
past and the needed flexibility of the future, are welcome to inquire'.
The
Company of Mission Priests
'All members of the Company undertake to observe simplicity of life, to
remain unmarried so long as they are members ("and in all personal
relationships to exercise that care which befits priests leading
dedicated lives"), to observe a personal rule based on the principles
derived from St. Vincent de Paul's instructions, included
in the Company's customary, and to consult the Warden and Council about changes of work.'
Congregation of the Companions of the
Holy Saviour
'A
recognized Christian community for ordained men in the Episcopal
Church, USA, established 1891. Priests living under a rule of celibacy
who seek to strengthen their lives through a common discipline of
devotion and study'.
Episcopal Carmel of Saint Teresa
A contemplative religious community for women in the Episcopal Church
USA. 'This is the first Carmelite community in the Anglican communion.
We are 4 years old and are located in the Diocese of Easton (Maryland).
We have Nuns, Oblates and Associates. A guest house is available for
private retreats.'
Episcopal Sisters of Charity
This religious order for women is based in the Diocese of West Virginia.
Ewell Monastery
This Anglican Cistercian community in England disbanded in 2004, but
you can delve into an 'archive of our life and work at Ewell Monastery
from 1966 to 2004. You can look up details of the life of worship,
prayer, study and work.' The
site is actively maintained by Aelred Arnesen, a former member.
First Order Brothers of the Society
of Saint Francis in Aotearoa New Zealand
'We are involved in the contemporary world, seeking to promote unity
and reconciliation and in caring for the marginalised. We are committed
to the spiritual search in the Christian tradition and seek to follow
the way of St Francis of Assisi in humility, love and joy.'
First Order of the Anglican
Franciscan Brothers in Spain
Founded in 1990, 'at present the first community of Anglican Franciscan
Brothers is sited in Seville. The only condition for becoming part of
the Order being that one must be a communicant member of the Anglican
confession or of churches in full communion with it. Its members must
accept celibacy and the rules of a Third Order Regular. A minimum of
six brothers is necessary for the formation of a community'. (The site
is in Spanish.)
The Franciscan Order of the Divine
Compassion
A traditional, conservative, Anglo-Catholic religious order formed to
preserve the historic Catholic faith as the Anglican Church received
it. First Order members are Friars. Second Order Members are Poor
Clares. Third Order vocations are secular in nature. Tertiaries (Third
Order Members) and Non-Conventual Oblates of St Francis (members of the
Order who have taken one or more of the traditional monastic vows in
addition to the vows of the Third Order) do not live in monasteries.
Although under vows, they pursue the 'religious life' while living in
their own homes.
Franciscan Order of
the Sacred Heart
'a traditional Anglican Franciscan family of friars, sisters of the
First Order and Brothers and Sisters of the Third Order Secular'.
Friends of St Benedict
Based in Washington, DC, the 'Friends of St. Benedict carries on the
work of the Canterbury Cathedral Trust in the area of Benedictine
spirituality. The organization will continue to advance an
understanding of the Benedictine roots of our Christian faith and
support people in translating Benedictine insights and values into
their daily lives. Through its programs and other resources, the
Friends of St. Benedict will offer spiritual growth and formation to
individuals, parishes, dioceses and other organizations'.
Korean Franciscan Brotherhood
A Franciscan Brothers' community in the Anglican Church of Korea.
Little Brothers of Francis
Based in the Diocese of Grafton in Australia, this is 'a community of
Brothers who desire to deepen our relationship with God through prayer,
manual work, community and times of being alone in our hermitages.'
Mariya uMama weThemba Monastery
Grahamstown, South Africa. This house of the US-based Order of the Holy Cross
has an informative new site. 'Three guest houses sit on about 50
hectares of hillside. Paths for walking are cleared and you can meander
through the beauty of the Eastern Cape. Bird life is varied and
abounding.'
Melanesian Brotherhood
'The Brotherhood live as brothers to the people, respecting their
traditions and customs: planting, harvesting, fishing, house building,
eating and sharing with the people in all these things. Ini Kopuria
(founder) believed that Solomon Islanders should be converted in a
Melanesian way. Today, the work of the Brotherhood has broadened to
include work and mission among both Christians and non-Christians. The
Melanesian Brotherhood now has three regions: Solomon Islands, Papua
New Guinea, and Vanuatu & Fiji. They have recently opened a house
in Palawan, the Philippines. The Brotherhood aims to live the Gospel in
a direct and simple way following Christ’s example of prayer, mission
and service. The brothers take the vows of poverty, chastity and
obedience, but these are not life vows but for a period of five years,
which can be renewed. They train for three years as novices and make
their vows as brothers at the Feast of St Simon and St Jude.'
Missionaries of Divine Compassion
An
order in the USA, 'established to provide a place for Anglican women to
live out the principles of classic religious life in the context of
active ministry, with a focus on prayer, community, and mission. ... It
upholds the traditional orthodox and catholic faith, which we received
from Christ, as the Anglican Church has received the same'.
The Oratory
of the Good Shepherd
An international community of Anglicans, ordained and lay, who share a
common Rule of Life. The OGS Rule calls members of the Oratory to daily
prayer, Communion, the labour of the mind, and the faithful stewardship
of talents and resources. The comprehensive web site gives you much
more information about this order, of which Alec Vidler and Eric
Mascall, to take just two examples, have both been a part.
The Order of the Ascension
Founded in 1983 in the USA, 'has helped ground and center its members
in their daily life and their roles as parish leaders and developers.
Members take a three year promise "to seek the presence of Jesus Christ
in the people, things and circumstances of life through stability,
obedience and conversion of life"'.
Order of the Holy Cross
The oldest Episcopal order in the US for men. The original house in West Park, New York and
branches in Santa Barbara, California (Mount Calvary), Berkeley,
California (Incarnation Priory), and Grahamstown, South Africa (uMariya uMama weThemba
Monastery) are online.
The Order of the Holy Paraclete
Women's religious order founded in 1915, with houses in England, South
Africa, Swaziland and Ghana. [Website in Flash only.]
Order of Julian of Norwich
'The Order of Julian of Norwich is a religious order of nuns and monks
living a contemplative, monastic life in the Episcopal Church.'
The Order of Mission,
Sheffield, England
Established in 2003 by the Archbishop of York. Members of the Order are
working in partnership with a variety of churches and denominations
around the world, to raise up, equip and support missional leaders who
will pioneer new expressions of church for our day and in our cultures.
The Order of St Andrew
The OSA is an ecumenical religious order of men and women, both single
and married, not living in community, dedicated to the spread of the
Good News of Christ. It is open to membership from any communicant in
good standing of any Church in Apostolic Succession. It is an Order
that supports traditional Anglican beliefs whose corporate worship (at
Chapter and Retreat) is based on the 1928 BCP.
Order of Saint Augustine
of Canterbury
'The purpose of the Order then is to strengthen the Church by first
giving ourselves to God, and then to give prayerful support,
encouragement, and assistance to other members of the Order and others
not of the Order so that they, like Saint Augustine of Canterbury, may
also spread and consolidate the faith.' Links to biography of Saint
Augustine and related links.
The Order of St Benedict
The Anglican Benedictines section of their web
site is kept nicely up to date.
The Order of St Edward the Confessor
'We are an order of sages (teachers of knowledge and imparters of
wisdom) which is open to men and women, married or single, of the
Episcopal Church. Please contact us if you have questions about life in
a religious Order. If you have a special interest in education, or feel
called to help people to become better leaders for the Church in the
21st century, then you may want to consider a vocation to serve God and
the Church as an Edwardian Brother (Friar) or Sister. You need not be
an educator by profession, or posess advanced degrees.'
The Order of Saint Francis,
Seattle
'Rather than a communal monastic order, OSF members live independently
in different parts of the country, with ministry based on the needs of
the local community. Members are baptized men who have been confirmed
within the Anglican Communion who voluntarily commit to live by a set
of professed vows for a term of years or for life.'
The Order of St Helena
'The Order of St Helena is a religious order for women in the Episcopal
Church which witnesses to a contemporary version of traditional
monasticism. Founded in 1945, the community is dedicated to the eternal
truths for which Jesus died and lives, and seeks in its ministry to be
responsive to the needs of our own time'.
The Order of Saint Stephen (Wellington,
New Zealand)
'A religious order of young Anglicans aged 16 - 25 years old committed to their faith and each other.' Attractive site.
Order of St Vincent
'World-wide fellowship of lay ministers associated with liturgy and
sanctuary service in the western branches of the One, Holy, Catholic,
and Apostolic Church. Men, women, boys and girls dedicated to
servanthood, discipline, co-operation, education and the preservation
of liturgical knowledge, preparation for service, responsibility and
reverence. Members follow a rule of life that includes daily prayer,
reading of Scripture, and regular participation and reception of the
sacraments.'
Religious of Orthodox
Tradition
'Professed Religious from the worldwide Anglican Communion, who adhere
to the vision and faith of the first apostles and the Undivided Church
of the first thousand years and to the great Tradition of the Holy
Spirit, leading and guiding the Church in every age. We are pledged to
remain faithful to the truth of this Tradition in the contemporary
Church where human differing viewpoints are often at work. We believe
that opinions on those matters that necessitate a decision in communion
with the universal Church, require of us patience and forbearance
rather than hasty and impetuous action that further divides the Church.'
Religious Life
discussion list
A special purpose discussion group hosted by Yahoo Groups.
The Rivendell Community
'a Christian Community in the Episcopal Church for people who want
lives that matter: lives of prayer and hospitality, lives of radical
faithfulness to the Gospel, lives available for the purposes of God in
the world and the Church. Members and Associates include women and men;
celibate and married; lay, ordained, and aspirants for holy orders. The
Community seeks to provide well-educated and holy priestly ministry for
smaller, less affluent, struggling churches, and to create and serve
houses of prayer and hospitality.'
St Andrew's Priory
'a new Benedictine foundation for men located in Alfred, Maine. Being a
new monastic foundation there is a sense of excitement and newness, but
with this comes challenges to be over come. The work of Benedictine
life is ancient, built on the lives of many monks and nuns past.'
Saint Joseph's Monastery
'A Religious Order of Benedictine Monks in The Episcopal Church, and a
part of the worldwide Order of St. Benedict. We follow the venerable
Rule of St. Benedict in ordering our daily life and work.'
St Mark's Benedictine Abbey
This homepage for Anglican Benedictine monks and nuns in Australia
provides information on quiet days, guest houses, parish visits,
retreats, vocations, history and oblates. St Mark's Abbey is located in
Camperdown, Victoria.
St Saviour's Priory, Society
of St Margaret
'St Saviour's Priory is an Anglican community of lay and ordained women
exploring contemporary ways of living the religious life.' The Society
of St Margaret was founded in 1855 by John Mason Neale.
Shin'ai Shujo Kai (The Order of the
Grace of God)
Wakayama, Japan (In Japanese only.)
The Sisterhood of St John the Divine
SSJD
is a contemporary expression of the religious life for women, within
the Anglican Church of Canada, founded in Toronto in 1884. Today we are
a growing community, with an active novitiate. We have come from a
number of Christian traditions, and from different ethnic and national
backgrounds. We bring a variety of gifts, interests, and personalities.
We all share a commitment to seek God and to enter into the life of the
Gospel.
Sisters of the Good
Shepherd
'a new Anglican community for women, called to live the religious life
in the style of the Oratory of the Good Shepherd, a highly respected
men's community founded in Cambridge, England, in 1913.' Most members
of this dispersed community are women in parish ministry in Wales.
Sisters of the
Grace of God
This Japanese Anglican women's religious order is headquartered in Wakayama Prefecture.
Sisters of the Servants of
Our Lord
A Benedictine order of nuns in the Diocese of Central Florida, within the Episcopal Church in the USA.
The Sisters of St Mary (Mukwonago, Wisconsin)
Historically, in the Diocese of Milwaukee, the order has been
associated with the Dekoven Center in Racine. Now, besides pursuing
individual ministries, the sisters spend much of their time offering
prayer, spiritual direction, and retreats.
Society of St Francis
A religious order within the Anglican Communion, at this link you can learn about the Order worldwide, including the Community
of St Francis (sisters), the Poor Clares (sisters) and the Third
Order (see below for more about the Third Order).
Society of St Francis of Australia
Part of the Society of St Francis, this is the Third Order.
Society of St John the Evangelist
The oldest Episcopal men's order in the States.
Society of St John the Evangelist (UK)
An Anglican order of monks founded in 1866 at Cowley in Oxford.
Society of St Margaret
The Society of St Margaret is an Episcopal religious community of women
seeking to find Jesus present in worship, in the common life, and
ministries which concentrate on responding to the needs of the times.
Society of St Michael
'a fraternity of Anglican clergy, organized as a society of apostolic
life. The SSM's special charism is dedication to the Catholic faith and
practice in its Anglican tradition. The SSM exists for mutual support,
encouragement, and fellowship, and witnesses to Anglican tradition in
its Catholic fullness.'
Society of the Precious Blood, Burnham Abbey
'We are a contemplative Augustinian community [of women] and our
principal work is worship, thanksgiving and intercession.' Founded in
1905, at Burnham Abbey since 1916.
Society of
the Sacred Cross, Tymawr
'The Society was founded in Chichester in 1914 within the lively
Anglo-Catholic parish of St. George, Wyke. Under the wise guidance of
the Rector, the Revd Dr Glover, a disciplined life of prayer and study
was encouraged among parishioners. From these beginnings a limited form
of community was lived and four women resolved to leave homes and
employment to found a House of Prayer. This they did at Tymawr in 1923.
Warmly welcomed by the Bishop of Monmouth shortly after the
disestablishment of the Church in Wales, the Society has received
constant and caring support from the Diocese and the Province.'
Society of the Sisters of
Bethany
One of the earlier orders of nuns within the Church of England, founded in 1866.
Solitaries of DeKoven
'The Solitaries of DeKoven is an eremetic Religious Order in the
Episcopal Church with an ecumenical expression. There are three circles
of membership: Core members, hermits who live alongside each other at
the Vigeat Radix Hermitage; Extern members who live in their own homes
and faith communities; and Companions, who are associates of the Order.
Membership is open to all Christians who share a belief in the Triune
God, the Creeds of the Ancient Church, and the Sacraments'.
The Third Order
of the Society of Saint Francis
Early in his ministry, Francis of Assisi recognized the need to include
within his movement of reform and renewal, people from all walks of
life. The work of following Christ in simplicity, love, and joy, which
is the vocation of all Christians, could not be restricted to the
traditional religious life of the Friars and Sisters. This was true in
the 12th century and it remains so today. The Third Order, a religious
order within the Society of Saint Francis, consists of those men or
women, married or single, clergy or laity who, though following the
ordinary professions of life, are called to dedication through lifelong
discipline and vow.
Worker Sisters/Brothers of the
Holy Spirit
Worker Sisters of the Holy Spirit was founded in the United States in
December, 1972. The Worker Brothers of the Holy Spirit originated in
1979 and the Community expanded to Canada. The Community was officially
recognized by the Episcopal Church Standing Committee on Religious
Orders of the House of Bishops in 1984.
