Becoming a Community of Disciples

Chapter 2 Legislative Teachings – The Role of the Abbot

Since every monastery has an elected leader (an abbot if it is a men’s community or an abbess/prioress if it is a women’s community), it is good for the community to have a set of guidelines for this leader. We do not have to look too far today to see that power tends to corrupt leaders. And since all leadership positions come with power, it is possible that all leaders will abuse their power. Guidelines for leaders are meant to limit their exercise of power for the good of everyone, making it possible for the community to thrive holistically. All congregational leaders need to be aware of the ways that they may be tempted to abuse their power and, therefore, should not only be eager for there to be guidelines for leadership but should strive with all their might to follow them well. Experience shows that leaders thrive in the midst of limitations. When there are no limitations, chaos often occurs.

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