Modern developments in Christian community living within the Church of England since 1945, with special reference to St. Julian’s, Lee Abbey and the Pilsdon community

Abstract

In the six chapters of this thesis the concern is with the growth in England of non-monastic, Anglican-based communities, which have arisen since 1948. The meaning of the word 'Community', in both the general and Christian sense is examined, in the light of both the sociological and Biblical traditions. Essential also in this is the historical perspective, and so the developments in community living in the Anglican tradition since the Reformation are considered, including the revival of the religious life which began in the nineteenth century. Three communities serve as particular illustrations of the type and variety of these developments. The first is St, Julian's, founded in 1941, with a particular concern for caring for missionaries on furlough, though the ministry has widened considerably in subsequent years. The second is Lee Abbey, a conference centre in North Devon which began as a community in 1945, Here some sixty people, lay and ordained, run holiday house parties and conferences geared to promoting evangelism and renewal in local Churches, or simply a time of refreshment and relaxation in a Christian atmosphere. Finally, the Pilsdon Community is examined, founded in 1958 as a 'therapeutic' community. Its aim is to minister to those in special need or difficulty, individuals whom society often rejects and discounts. These three examples have been chosen because they have all been established for over twenty years and therefore some assessment of the work they have done and continue to do is possible. In the last chapter, as well as looking briefly at other more recently established developments in Christian community living, an attempt has been made to assess the significance of all this for the Church at large and to show how the local Church can learn from the example and life of these communities.