L iving in the Spirit
Christian Communities in the Diocese of Missouri: They are clergy and lay people, from every walk of life. You may not even notice them as they quietly go about the business of God—unless you happen to catch them wearing special clothes, called a “habit.” They are one of the best-kept open secrets in the Episcopal Church!
What is a Christian Community?
According the Constitution and Canons of the Episcopal Church, a Christian Community "of this Church under this Canon is a society of Christians (in communion with the See of Canterbury) who voluntarily commit themselves for life, or a term of years, in obedience to their Rule and Constitution.” This is a bit different from the Church’s definition of a Religious Order, which specifies vows of celibacy and obedience along with common ownership of possessions. Nevertheless, you will hear Christian Communities also referred to as religious orders, and members often refer to themselves as “Religious.”
The community’s Constitution simply describes how the community is organized and how decisions are made. The Rule describes how members live their lives. Each member makes vows to the community, similar to those made in Religious Orders. Unlike Religious Orders, most communities substitute a vow of “simplicity” for that of “poverty,” recognizing that members of that order still have to make a living in the world. Communities often include those in committed relationships, so the vow is often of chastity, instead of celibacy. Each religious community has its own process of formation, a time when a proposed member studies the community’s way of life, carries out assigned exercises, and begins to develop the habits necessary for lifelong dedication to living the life of the community. At some point, the proposed member asks to be allowed to profess life vows and take on the full life of the community.
What do Christian Communities have in common?
By the Canon, religious communities have three things in common: voluntary commitment, a Rule, and a Constitution. Each Community will also have a particular charism, a set of spiritual gifts that is the community’s main focus.
The Order of St. Francis expresses Franciscan spirituality within the Episcopal Church and Anglican Community. They can often be found working with the poor, with food charities, or simply providing personal ministry to people they meet on the street.
The Rivendell Community strives to live Eucharistically, offering themselves in thanksgiving, intercession, and adoration for the nourishment and healing of the world, and extending God’s hospitality to others. 8
Making Disciples
Building Congregations
For the Life of the World
