While the news this week has been about Pope Francis’s comments about women and the diaconate with Holy Orders, his synodal processes and the study groups are still in discernment phase. We welcome these opportunities to keep the conversation alive, and to continue to share the value of Holy Orders and the diaconate as a whole.
The Australian Church has recently published the summary of the 2024 Synodal Consultation, with contributions from 25 geographical dioceses and three Eastern Catholic Church eparchies. These were the parts that specifically referenced the diaconate:
Several groups recommended that Church leaders meet people in the community rather than expecting them to walk into the church. The diaconate ministry was seen as being ideal to engage in community listening and accompaniment. #10
The equal dignity of women and men in visible leadership roles within liturgical and governance structures and ministries of the Church was strongly urged to improve mission efficacy and the Church’s credibility in the world. The possibility of women being admitted to the diaconate was seen as a sign of hope by many groups, with widespread agreement across many geographical dioceses. Suggestions were made for dioceses to prepare ahead if this were approved by the Holy See and to consider formation and diaconate programs for women… Eastern Churches voiced their inability to support women’s ordination to the diaconate but strongly advocated for women as lectors, catechists, and workers in Church courts and other Church structures. #32
Some groups argued that the Catholic Church in Australia underutilises the diaconate, despite its unique assets and importance for future pastoral leadership. It was suggested that the Eastern Churches have long understood the diaconate first as a permanent order rather than a path to priesthood, and a deacon’s role in the Church was a good example of co-responsibility. Some responses called for mutual respect and greater formation to ensure cooperation and co-responsibility among permanent deacons and priests. #35
Many groups advocated for greater participation of women, including opening the diaconal ministry and priestly ordination to women, and one suggested de-clericalising the honorary role of Cardinal to make it accessible to women. #66
So together we pray to really receive, value and complete the gift of the reinstitution of the diaconate as a permanent vocation since Vatican II.
Liturgy on the Margins 