Order of Saint Francis

This article is about an American Anglican dispersed religious community. For the other Anglican Orders, see Franciscan orders in the Anglican Communion. For the Roman Catholic Orders, see Franciscan. For the Lutheran Orders, see Franciscan orders in Lutheranism.

The Order of Saint Francis (OSF) is a religious order in the Franciscan tradition, admitting only members of the Anglican church (and churches in full communion), although it does not currently enjoy official recognition within the wider Anglican Church.

Official status

The Order states that it is united in connection with the See of Canterbury, and cites the Bishop of Olympia in the Episcopal Church as its Bishop Protector; however, it has not received official recognition by the Anglican Communion, or any member Province of the Anglican Communion. The Order has resolved not to seek official recognition at the present time. Rather than living in an enclosed communal setting, OSF Brothers live independently in different parts of the world, with ministries based on the needs of their local communities. Members are baptized men who have been confirmed within the Anglican Communion, and who voluntarily commit to live by a set of professed vows for a term of years or for life.

Interpretation of vows

Uniquely amongst First Order Anglican Franciscans, married men may be admitted to membership of the Order of Saint Francis. This has necessitated changes to the traditional vows, particularly those of chastity and poverty. The vows are still taken, but with a broader interpretation. The admission of married men would be problematic to official recognition as an Anglican religious order in many Provinces.

External links

• Order of Saint Francis