The Diaconate in Ecumenical Perspective: Ecclesiology, Liturgy and Practice

by Frederick Christian Bauerschmidt, Anne Keffer, Maylanne Maybee

Leading authorities in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom explore the diaconate from a variety of perspectives, particularly those of the Anglican Communion, the Roman Catholic Church and the Ukrainian Catholic Church.  There are also contributions from the Methodist and Lutheran traditions.

The historical development of the order of deacons and its theological basis in the Western and Eastern Churches is discussed. The contributors examine topical issues such as the case for and against the retention of the transitional diaconate and the place of women in the diaconate. There are essays on the roles of the deacon in prophetic ministry, liturgy and worship, the diaconate in ecumenical dialogue, and best practices in the formation of deacons.

Adopting an ecumenical perspective, the authors emphasize the relevance and potential of the diaconate for the Churches in the twenty-first century, finding much common ground as well as some differences between the Christian traditions. The book therefore makes a significant contribution to contemporary international ecumenical dialogue, notably between the Roman Catholic and Anglican Communions.

216 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 1, 2019

Reviews

[Ross · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book on my own as I look towards preparing for ordination to the Diaconate myself.
It is a collection of essays that address the ministry and place of deacons from a wide spectrum of Christian tradition. The authors discuss the "transitional" or "temporary" deaconate, women in the deaconate, the renewal of diaconal ministry, the liturgical place of the deacon, and how deacons are formed.

Some essays I found particularly interesting:

- Rosalind Brown's essay "The Theological Underpinnings of the Deaconate" is and especially good argument on the importance and distinctiveness of diaconal ministry.

- David Clark's description of the Methodist understanding of diaconal ministry in "The British Methodist Diaconal Order: Medium and Message" highlights the importance of all calls to ministry and the deacons calling to assist in the fulfillment of those callings.

- I read Frederick C. Bauerschmidt's essay "Attentiveness: The Liturgy in the Spiritual Life of the Deacon" at the perfect moment, and it both affirmed my calling to ordained ministry, and made clear an area of intentional formation I would need to pursue for my own spiritual well being.

Of Course D. Michael Jackson writes wonderfully in his additions as well, arguing strongly for the importance of diaconal ministry in the life and liturgy of the Church.

Overall a good read for anyone discerning a call to ordained ministry, or just curious about who Deacons are and what they do.