Oneness considers the role monastic life plays within the life of the contemporary church. Using a focus on the life, practice and history of the Shepherds Law community as a starting point, the book broadens the discussion to consider how such communities negotiate the boundary between the solitary life and life within their community. With a foreword from Justin Welby and an afterword from Rowan Williams. Table of Contents: Foreword by Archbishop Justin Welby Prologue by Diarmaid MacCulloch Part 1: Setting the Scene Introduction - Stephen Platten 1. Religious Communities and Their Citizenship - George Guiver 2. Northumbria's Long Tradition - Sarah Foot 3. Father William's Baton - Peta Dunstan 4. Shepherds Law: The Story so Far - Stephen Platten Part 2: Unfolding the Mystery 5. The Skete - Andrew Louth 6. Francis of Assisi: A Hermit and His Hermitages - Brother Nicholas Alan Worssam SSF 7. The Monastic Sacrament in Life, Liturgy, Saints and Buildings - George Guiver 8. Gregorian Chant and Monastic Life - Dom Xavier Perrin OSB 9. Monastic Architecture and the Building of Shepherds Law: Monastic Life and Architecture - Christopher Irvine and Ralph Pattison 10. Waiting While Running - George Guiver Afterword by Rowan Williams

The renewed call to contemplative life is one of the deeper challenges to contemporary culture. In a world of noise and distraction, many are turning to silence and attentiveness. In an age of anger and conspicuous consumption, many now hunger for serenity and simplicity. In our climates of fear and fanaticism, many long for fathomless faith and measured contemplation. This remarkable book will prompt some profound soul-searching for all who take time to dwell on its’ message. The engaging reflections that each author provides will surely lead to a renewed vocation – to go deeper with God in the shallows of our time. -- Martyn Percy
This is an informative and exciting book which explains why sacred places such as Shepherd’s Law are sacred – and why they continue to be sorely needed as an oasis in our world, where one can encounter God in the peace and silence -- Brother Benedict SSF

Stephen Platten is Rector of St Michael's Cornhill. He was the last diocesan Bishop of Wakefield in the Church of England. He has written and edited numerous books including Rebuilding Jerusalem: The Church's Hold on Hearts and Minds (2007)