A definitive history of one of the most significant religious orders to emerge in the Anglican church, the Cowley Fathers - the first men’s religious order to be founded in the Church of England since the Reformation.

The Society of St John the Evangelist, otherwise known as the Cowley Fathers, was the first men’s religious order to be founded in the Church of England since the Reformation, as a result of the spread and influence of the Oxford Movement and its Anglo-Catholic spirituality in the 19th century. Established in Oxford in 1866, its charismatic founder, Richard Meux Benson worked closely with American priests and just four years later a congregation was founded in Massachusetts that flourishes to this day. The charism of the order embraced high regard of theology with practical service, fostered by an emphasis on prayer and personal holiness. Cowley, a poor and rapidly expanding village on the outskirts of Oxford, provided ample opportunity for service. At its height, the English congregation had houses in Oxford (now St Stephen’s House) and Westminster where figures such as C S Lewis sought spiritual direction. Now no longer operating as a community in Britain, this definitive and comprehensive history records its significant contribution to Anglicanism then and now.

This is the story of an Anglican Religious Community established in the parish of Cowley, Oxford, England in 1866—the Society of S. John the Evangelist. From their geographic location they soon became known as “The Cowley Fathers”. Four years later they expanded their work in America, first in Boston and later in Philadelphia where they were invited to take charge of S. Clement’s Church. Soon after their arrival there was suspicion and misunderstanding on the part of many in the Diocese of Pennsylvania who did not accept this mostly foreign group of priests from England. The deep compassion for the poor and marginalized, the relief work in the face of tragedy and disaster won their critics over and eventually opposition ceased. The Cowley Fathers whose influence attracted the poor and wealthy soon spread beyond the confines of the parish. Their ministry through teaching, preaching, retreats, missions and spiritual counsel attracted many. Interest in the Society grew. By the end of the 19th century there were branch houses in India, South Africa and Scotland. This book offers a unique account of the SSJE Community in Philadelphia and the parish they served.

A biography of George Congreve showing his contribution to the Society of St John the Evangelist (SSJE) and the Church of England by describing his teaching and quoting much of his unpublished or out-of-print writing.

Christians of all denominations are looking today to the ancient discipline of a rule of life to strengthen their sense of living in Christ and participating in a wider community. For the first time the brothers of the Society of Saint John the Evangelist are making their rule—completely rewritten and revised—available to the church at large. The book is composed of 49 short chapters that develop classical monastic themes of hospitality, poverty, celibacy, and obedience, exploring what these might mean to men and women living at the end of the millennium. And because this is a modern rule, it provides guidance and reflection in less traditional areas, too—leadership, conflict, the use and abuse of authority, work, the need for rest and silence, vocation, and fellowship with the poor. Therefore it has much to teach Christians in other kinds of communities, including the family, the parish, and the workplace. Concluding chapters give suggestions for meditating on the Rule and for its use as an aid to discernment and spiritual growth for prayer groups and parish life committees.

Paul Cowley grew up in Manchester amid the chaotic world of his alcoholic parents. His early exposure to heavy drinking, explosive arguments and the unnerving aggression of his father led him into homelessness and crime. By seventeen he was behind bars. Years later, following a career in the army which 'made a man of him' yet ultimately failed to give him direction and purpose, Paul's search for meaning resulted in an unexpected encounter with God that changed his life for ever. This remarkable and touching account of his early years, from thief to prisoner, soldier and, eventually, priest, should inspire anyone who feels their life is out of control. It is, by turns, a dramatic, traumatic and comic story, yet one that stands as a testament to how God offers hope to all who have the courage to respond.

A brother and sister's search for a new life and new home . . . 5,000 years ago in ancient Mesopotamia during a terrible drought, Jomar and Zefa's father must send his children away to the city of Ur because he can no longer feed them. At fourteen, Jomar is old enough to apprentice with Sidah, a master goldsmith for the temple of the moongod, but there is no place for Zefa in Sidah's household. Zefa, a talented but untrained musician, is forced to play her music and sing for alms on the streets of Ur. Marjorie Cowley vividly imagines the intrigues, and harsh struggle for survival in ancient Mesopotamia.

‘Michael is living proof that love always has the power to bring you home.’ Charlie Mackesy ‘A cracking read. Really gets to the bottom of the madness of a man fighting his demons.’ Ray Winstone ‘His life may have had its ups and downs, but it is wonderful example of God’s transforming power.’ Nicky Gumbel, Vicar of HTB & pioneer of ALPHA ‘Take it from me, Michael got up to some mischief. And to find some peace at the end of it all! You really need to hear this story.’ Former London Crime Boss Growing up, Michael wanted nothing more than to follow in his dad’s footsteps and join the family business. Aged 18, he did just that and entered into the glamourous, dangerous world of organised crime. Michael’s father, a career criminal and contemporary of the infamous Krays, was a wayward role model. Soon Michael’s criminal activities were funding a reckless lifestyle of drugs, sex, and violence. But the high couldn’t last. In 1993 both men were arrested for their involvement in a £13-million smuggling operation. Michael was sentenced to twelve years, serving time in the same prison as his dad. Inside HMP Exeter, Michael found something he had never expected: answers. A chance encounter in the prison chapel led to an experience that would shake the foundations of his life. This is a true story of trauma and transformation, one man’s search for redemption, and the struggle to become the father he never had.

A young boy living 15,000 years ago in southeastern France is initiated into manhood by his clan and sets off on a journey to trade his valuable fire rocks for an ivory spear thrower.