The Society of the Holy Cross – or SSC from the Latin Societas Sanctae Crucis – is a Congregation of priests in the Anglican Communion, who live and minister under a common Rule of Life.
There are currently over 630 members around the world in parishes, missions, chaplaincies, schools and other areas of pastoral ministry, committed to witnessing to the Cross of Christ by their lives and ministry.
It was founded in London in 1855 by a small group of Anglo-Catholic priests led by Fr Charles Lowder at a time when the Catholic Revival in the Church of England was threatened by persecution and misunderstanding. These priests came together for support, mutual prayer and encouragement, and Fr Lowder spelled out the objects of SSC:
“To defend and strengthen the spiritual life of the clergy, to defend the faith of the Church, and to carry on and aid Mission work both at home and abroad”.
Priests of this Society live under a common Rule and meet together in their local SSC Chapters every month for prayer, Mass and some kind of study or conversation. Presiding over the Society worldwide is a Master-General who has a special responsibility to ensure an on-going fidelity among the Brethren.