Anglican Religious Life
A yearbook of religious orders and communities in
the Anglican Communion and tertiaries, oblates,
associates and companions.
SINGLE CONSECRATED LIFE
One of the earliest ways of living the Religious life is for single people to take a vow of consecrated celibacy and to live in their own homes. This ancient form of commitment is also a contemporary one with people once again embracing this form of Religious life. Some may have an active ministry whilst others follow a contemplative lifestyle.
In 2002, the Advisory Council (for Religious communities in the Church of England)
set up a Personal Vows group in response to enquiries from bishops and others to
advise those who wish to take a vow of consecrated celibacy. The Sub Group now provides
support for those who have professed this vow and arranges an annual gathering. In
the Roman Catholic Church, this form of living the consecrated life was affirmed
by Vatican II, which re-
People exploring this call should be single, mature Christians (men or women) already committed to a life of prayer and willing to undertake a period of discernment before taking a temporary vow, which may precede a life vow. An appropriate spiritual director and support from a Religious community or through the single consecrated life network is important to ensure adequate formation.
The vow is received by a person’s bishop. The bishop (or his appointee) becomes the ‘guardian of the vow’ and the act of consecration is registered with the Advisory Council.
Further information may be obtained from this address: The Single Consecrated Life, c/o St John’s House, 652 Alum Rock Road, Birmingham B8 3NS
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