The Society of Saint John the Evangelist is a community of lay and ordained brothers who take vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. It is the oldest religious order for men in the Anglican Church, founded by Richard Meux Benson in Oxford, England in 1866. Today the Society in North America has two houses in Massachusetts, and Cowley Publications is one of their ministries.
The contemporary rule that appears here in 49 chapters was adopted in 1996. Martin Smith, the North American Congregation's superior, notes: "A rule sustains identity by mandating the rhythms of worship, spiritual discipline, prayer and rest, work and ministry." He hopes that this resource will serve as an inspiration and a role model for other Christian communities and groups who want to create a structure "to express vision, life and practice."
Some of the most interesting and spiritually edifying chapters are those on the challenges of life in community, silence, hospitality, the rhythm of feast and fast, retreat, rest and recreation, and the hope of glory.