Society of St. John the Evangelist

Society of St. John the Evangelist, a Anglican religious order, was established in Oxford, England in 1866 by Richard Meux Benson, Charles Chapman Grafton, and Selden Peabody Talcott, with the goal of promoting Anglo-Catholicism and providing a framework for monasticism within the Church of England. The order was influenced by the Tractarian movement, which emphasized the importance of liturgy and tradition in the Church of England. The Society of St. John the Evangelist was also shaped by the Oxford Movement, a theological and ecclesiastical movement that sought to revive certain Catholic practices and doctrines within the Church of England. The order's founders were influenced by the writings of John Henry Newman, a leading figure in the Tractarian movement, and Edward Bouverie Pusey, a prominent Anglo-Catholic theologian.

● History

The Society of St. John the Evangelist has its roots in the Oxford Movement, which emerged in the 1830s as a response to the perceived Protestantism of the Church of England. The order's founders, Richard Meux Benson, Charles Chapman Grafton, and Selden Peabody Talcott, were all influenced by the writings of John Keble, John Henry Newman, and Edward Bouverie Pusey, and sought to establish a monastic community that would promote Anglo-Catholicism and provide a framework for spiritual growth and development. The order was established in 1866 and quickly gained recognition within the Church of England, with Archbishop of Canterbury Archibald Campbell Tait serving as a key supporter. The Society of St. John the Evangelist was also influenced by the Cambridge Movement, a theological and ecclesiastical movement that emerged in the 1820s and emphasized the importance of evangelism and missionary work.

● Founding and Development

The Society of St. John the Evangelist was founded in 1866 by Richard Meux Benson, Charles Chapman Grafton, and Selden Peabody Talcott, who were all Anglo-Catholic priests with a strong commitment to monasticism and spiritual growth. The order's early development was shaped by the Tractarian movement and the Oxford Movement, and the founders were influenced by the writings of John Henry Newman, Edward Bouverie Pusey, and John Keble. The order quickly gained recognition within the Church of England, with Archbishop of Canterbury Archibald Campbell Tait serving as a key supporter. The Society of St. John the Evangelist established its first monastery in Cowley, Oxfordshire, and later expanded to other locations, including Boston, Massachusetts, and Toronto, Ontario. The order was also influenced by the High Church movement, a theological and ecclesiastical movement that emerged in the 17th century and emphasized the importance of liturgy and tradition.

● Spirituality and Mission

The Society of St. John the Evangelist is characterized by its strong commitment to Anglo-Catholicism and its emphasis on monasticism and spiritual growth. The order's spirituality is shaped by the Rule of St. Benedict, which emphasizes the importance of prayer, work, and study. The order's members are committed to a life of poverty, chastity, and obedience, and are engaged in a variety of ministries, including parish work, missionary work, and education. The Society of St. John the Evangelist is also committed to ecumenism and has established relationships with other Christian denominations, including the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church. The order has been influenced by the Second Vatican Council, which emphasized the importance of ecumenism and interfaith dialogue, and has also been shaped by the Lambeth Conference, a theological and ecclesiastical conference that brings together Anglican bishops from around the world.

● Notable Members

The Society of St. John the Evangelist has been home to a number of notable members, including Richard Meux Benson, the order's founder, and Charles Chapman Grafton, a prominent Anglo-Catholic theologian. Other notable members include Selden Peabody Talcott, a missionary and educator, and William Walsham How, a hymnwriter and theologian. The order has also been influenced by a number of notable Anglican theologians and clergy, including John Henry Newman, Edward Bouverie Pusey, and John Keble. The Society of St. John the Evangelist has also been shaped by the Cambridge Platonists, a group of theologians and philosophers who emphasized the importance of reason and tolerance in Christianity. The order has also been influenced by the Oxford Martyrs, a group of Anglican martyrs who were executed during the English Reformation.

● Legacy and Impact

The Society of St. John the Evangelist has had a significant impact on the Church of England and the wider Anglican Communion. The order's emphasis on Anglo-Catholicism and monasticism has helped to shape the theology and practice of the Church of England, and its commitment to ecumenism has helped to promote greater understanding and cooperation between different Christian denominations. The order's members have also made significant contributions to missionary work, education, and social justice, and have been involved in a number of notable ministries, including the Brotherhood of St. Andrew and the Society of the Sacred Mission. The Society of St. John the Evangelist has also been influenced by the World Council of Churches, a global ecumenical organization that promotes greater understanding and cooperation between different Christian denominations. The order has also been shaped by the Lambeth Quadrilateral, a theological statement that outlines the core doctrines and practices of the Anglican Communion.

Category:Anglican orders and communities