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1. Is your group an Order or a Community? This Community is a Christian Community
formed according to the Canons of the Episcopal Church USA.
2. Is the Community associated with a major order like Franciscans or Benedictines?
The Community is not based exclusively on any one major tradition. The richness of diversity
that each offers forms the basis of our discipline. You will find building blocks of many of these
great traditions in every corner of our lives. For example, much of our Prayer life is based on
Benedictine tradition; our life of Study is somewhat Dominican; and our life of Service is
Franciscan or Jesuit.
3. How old is the Community? The Community’s foundation dates back almost 2,000 years.
This particular expression of the Christian Community began in 2007.
4. What does it cost to become a member of the Community? How are you supported
financially? The philosophy of the Community is to let our members know the cost of doing
things; processing applications, paying legal fees, renting web space, etc. Members are then
asked to consider what they can do to cover these costs. Some members can not contribute
much because of their circumstances, and others contribute more. Somehow, it all works out!
No one is pressured to contribute funds, and everyone's contributions are held in the strictest
confidence. Members are encouraged to grow into the discipline of tithing, but this is primarily
directed toward the Member’s local parish or causes that further the love and compassion of
Christ. Members are responsible for their own books, travel and communication expenses.
5. I am a member of another Order. Can I also be a member with your Community?
Our guidelines allow dual memberships. However, this arrangement must enhance one's
spiritual transformation, and must not be detrimental to either vocational expression. Some
Orders will not permit vowed members to become members of a second Order or Community.
Check this out with your current Order first.
6. How old must I be to be a member? You must be at least 21 years of age to be considered
for membership in the Community. There is no upper age limit.
7. What Prayer Book is used by the Community? The official prayer book of the Community
is based on the Book of Common Prayer of the Church, but members select the prayer book of
their choice for personal use. When united at Convocation or other regional meetings, the CTG
Prayer Book is generally used to unify the celebration.
8. Do members have a formation program? All members are considered to be under
continuous formation. (See the Formation page for further information.) Essentially, each
member is assigned a Formation Guide who assists the member with his or her formation.
9. Do you wear habits? Our habits are primarily “habits of the heart.” The attention we draw
to ourselves should be because we are unique manifestations of God and are treating others
as though they were Christ. While Members are free to use neck crosses, prayer shawls and
stoles, our main habit is the external behavior we exhibit toward others and toward ourselves
in keeping with the love of Christ in our hearts. Local parish customs may permit the wearing
of our celebration vestments, which include an alb, cincture, and scapular. While we wear no
distinguishable clothing in public, we ask our members to dress simply in keeping with our
value of simplicity.
10. Is the Community open to both single and partnered relationships? The Community
is open to any person over the age of 21, single or partnered, who seeks to live their life
according to the Gospel. The expectation is, however, that any relationship is based on fidelity
and integrity.
11. What types of membership are available with the Community? There are Friends of the
Community, and there are committed members of the Community. Committed members begin as
Postulants, then may become Novices. After this period of initial formation, members
may petition the Community to become Professed Members. (See the Formation page and
Members page for further information.)
12. What type of references will I need to apply to the Community? Members applying to
the Community will need the support of their spouse or partner, if there is one. Letters of
recommendation may also be asked of pastors or friends.
13. Do you have oblates? Oblates are lay people who associate themselves with a particular
monastery or abbey in order to support, and be supported by, that association through some
formal arrangement. Because of our simple structure, we do not have oblates.
14. Who are “Friends of the Community”? Friends of the Community are those people
interested in associating themselves with the Community, but who do not wish to have any
formal commitment or may not be a member of a group in communion with the See of
Canterbury. Friends support us in prayer and other resources as they are able, and
are supported by our prayer.