The Labour of Obedience Paperback

This is a history of the Benedictine community established by the Anglo-Catholic wing of the English Church at Pershore in 1914. It starts with the secession of the Benedictine monks at Caldey Island from the Church of England to the Catholic Church in 1913 and details the attempts thereafter by the so-called Anglo-Papists to re-establish a community of men devoted to the rule of Saint Benedict (there were already women Benedictines in the Anglican fold). It then follows the development of the new establishment right up to the present day at Elmore Abbey. It is a fascinating story, never dull, with a succession of flamboyant characters and stories of personality clashes and tensions within the community. There is plenty of theological argument and discussion of the meaning of contemplative life. It comes right up-to-date with the acceptance by the Catholic Church of the Anglican Benedictine community as part of the Benedictine family. This is not only the history of a religious community, but a story of human endeavour and struggle to fulfil a vision.