Community of the Resurrection

Community of the Resurrection
Name	Community of the Resurrection
Founded	1892
Founder	Charles Gore
Location	Mirfield, West Yorkshire, England
Denomination	Church of England
Tradition	Anglo-Catholic
Notable	Charles Gore, Walter Frere, Percy Dearmer

Community of the Resurrection is an Anglican religious congregation of priests and brothers founded in 1892 in Mirfield, West Yorkshire, associated with the Anglo-Catholic tradition within the Church of England. The community developed amid late 19th-century debates over ritualism and social reform and became influential in theological education, missionary work, liturgical renewal, and ecumenical engagement across England, South Africa, and the wider Anglican Communion. Its life combines monastic worship, pastoral ministry, and intellectual contributions to Christian theology and liturgical studies.

History

Founded by Charles Gore and companions in 1892, the community arose from debates involving figures such as Edward Bouverie Pusey, John Henry Newman, and movements connected to the Oxford Movement and Tractarianism. Early formation intersected with the careers of liturgical scholars and church leaders including Walter Frere, Percy Dearmer, and Hugh Montefiore; its development paralleled controversies like the Ritualist controversies and social engagements similar to those of F. D. Maurice and Charles Kingsley. During the early 20th century, members engaged with overseas missions alongside bishops such as William West Jones and met leaders of colonial churches in South Africa who later participated in regional ecclesial debates including those around apartheid and ecclesiastical responses. Two World Wars affected personnel and premises; the community maintained ties with military chaplains such as Neville Talbot and figures from Church Army. Postwar renewal involved engagement with liturgical revision movements connected to scholars like Dom Gregory Dix and ecumenical dialogues involving representatives who later worked with World Council of Churches delegates and theologians such as Michael Ramsey and Geoffrey Fisher.

Charism and Mission

The community’s charism emphasizes sacramental worship, pastoral care, and theological formation rooted in Anglo-Catholicism and shaped by founders and influencers including Charles Gore, Walter Frere, and Percy Dearmer. Its mission combines monastic spirituality with parish and diocesan service, reflecting influences from Benedict of Nursia-inspired communal rule adapted for Anglican life and the pastoral concerns championed by social reformers like Octavia Hill and William Booth. The community has sought ecumenical collaboration with leaders from Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church, and other Anglican Communion provinces, engaging in dialogues alongside figures such as Dominic Walker and participants linked to Anglican–Roman Catholic International Commission discussions.

Formation and Life in Community

Formation follows a sequence of postulancy, novitiate, and life profession influenced by practices in established religious houses such as those led by Richard Meux Benson and communities inspired by Elizabeth Ferard. Daily life centers on the daily office and eucharistic worship with liturgical contributions reflecting scholarship from Percy Dearmer and pastoral resources used by clergy like Cosmo Lang and William Temple. Members traditionally wore a distinctive habit in keeping with Anglo-Catholic identity associated with clergy such as Edward King and engaged in study and retreat ministry similar to that offered by institutions linked to Mirfield and theological colleges like Ripon College Cuddesdon and Westcott House. Formation also prepared members for chaplaincy and parish incumbencies comparable to roles held by alumni who later served under bishops including F. R. Barry and Henry Montgomery.

Ministries and Outreach

Ministries have included parish work, theological education, retreat leadership, missionary activity, and social outreach. The community staffed parishes and mission initiatives in Yorkshire and beyond, cooperating with diocesan bishops such as William Temple and Alan Webster and with missionary societies like the Church Mission Society. Overseas missions were prominent in South Africa, where members worked alongside bishops such as Arthur Karney and clergy active in anti-apartheid networks involving figures like Desmond Tutu. The community’s liturgical and pastoral resources influenced hymnody and worship practice alongside contributors such as Percy Dearmer and hymn editors like John Stainer; educational endeavors connected with theological educators including H. G. Wood and A. M. Ramsey augmented formation for clergy and laity.

Houses and Global Presence

The mother house at Mirfield became a center for retreat and theological study, often hosting visitors connected to Oxford University, Cambridge University, and theological colleges such as Westcott House and Ripon College Cuddesdon. The community established dependent houses and mission stations in South Africa, and maintained relationships with provinces of the Anglican Communion including Church of the Province of Southern Africa and dioceses in Zimbabwe and Malawi. Links extended to other religious communities and ecumenical partners like Taizé Community participants, representatives of the Roman Catholic Church and Eastern Orthodox Church, and academic networks involving scholars from King's College London and Durham University.

Notable Members and Leadership

Prominent founders and members have included Charles Gore, theologian and bishop; Walter Frere, liturgist and bishop; Percy Dearmer, liturgical scholar and hymnologist; and later leaders who engaged with national church life, such as Hugh Montefiore and chaplains connected to Church Army and diocesan structures. Other figures associated by ministry or formation include clergy who became bishops or influential academics like Michael Ramsey, Cosmo Lang, and educators affiliated with Ripon College Cuddesdon and Westcott House, reflecting the community’s impact on Anglican leadership, liturgical renewal, and mission.

Category:Anglican religious orders