The Vows Book: Anglican Teaching on the Vows of Obedience, Poverty and Chastity

The Vows Book reveals that many issues and concerns for vowed religious have universal aspects to them. These reflections on the monastic vows can be helpful for all who seek to live Christian life with joy and integrity. The Vows Book opens the meaning of the traditional religious vows of obedience, poverty and chastity from the little-explored perspective of Anglican religious orders. The author, Clark Berge, SSF, writes from his experience as a life-professed member of the Anglican/Episcopal Society of St. Francis, and a priest in The Episcopal Church. Grounded in Baptismal vows, the religious vows are inspiration and strength for members of orders and others (their admirers), engaging in the Gospel work of justice and healing for the world. Often discredited as repressive and old-fashioned, the vows protect a precious way of life that is radical vulnerability to God and service to the world.