Episcopalians Finding Role in Monastery Life

Unlike Catholic Counterparts, They Enjoy Independence From Church Hierarchy
By Lilly Fowler
Religion News Service
Saturday, April 12, 2008

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. -- Mount Calvary looks like your typical monastery. Visitors are greeted by a painting of a white-robed monk, a large cross around his neck and a Bible in his hand, staring ahead.

But the monk in the painting isn't a Catholic, and neither are the men in white-hooded habits who scurry about, welcoming visitors as they prepare the day's meals.

Mount Calvary is actually an Episcopal monastery, one of five monastic communities belonging to the Order of the Holy Cross. The United States and Canada are home to 23 distinct Anglican religious orders, said David Bryan Hoopes, president of the Conference of Anglican Religious Orders in the Americas, yet many people don't know Anglican monks and nuns exist. the rest