The “Rule of Saint Benedict” is an “evangelical” rule for living as Christians in community. “The Benedictine Way” is a “mostly” unmoderated discussion group for Christian living with the “Rule of Saint Benedict.” We want to discuss what the “Rule of Saint Benedict” means in today’s world and what it means to be a Christian in today’s world. We welcome comparisons of how the Benedictine life is lived in different churches and different communities.

“The Benedictine Way” is open to the following groups:

• Monks, nuns, postulants, novices and candidates for becoming members of the Order of Saint Benedict. While most Benedictine monasteries are Roman Catholic, we recognize that several churches have Benedictine communities. In addition to those in the Roman Catholic Church, Benedictine monasteries exist within Eastern Catholic Churches, Anglican/Episcopal Churches, Lutheran Churches, and various independent Catholic and Orthodox Churches.

• Oblates and Oblate Novices of Saint Benedict and other groups associated with monasteries of the Order of Saint Benedict.

• Members of other religious orders who live under the “Rule of Saint Benedict.” The lay associates for these groups are also welcome.

• Persons who are seeking a way to live a Christian life in community and who want to investigate the Benedictine Way as an inspiration for living as a Christian in community.

It is our hope that “The Benedictine Way” will offer inspiration for all those trying to live a Christian life in community. We want to encourage active discussion among the members. But we expect and require members to dialogue in a civilized way.