Canon Rosalind Brown has given permission for this draft of her article for Ecclesiology to be published here. In it she argues for a further development of the theological underpinning of diaconal ministry which recognises that the ministry of Jesus was empowered by the Holy Spirit and that he sent the Holy Spirit to empower … Continue reading SPIRIT-FILLED: developing a pneumatological understanding of diaconal ministry
Month: July 2017
A fun video made by the Coptic Orthodox Church explaining how deacons should behave in the Sanctuary! (The tonia is the white embroidered tunic) https://youtu.be/A025mh0H4O4
'It is a movement from diaconal ministry as something Deacons undertake on behalf of the church ‘out there’ to Deacons equipping and empowering the laity, the whole people of God, for diaconal ministry, and Deacons collaborating in collective action with others in the community, beyond the four walls of the church'. DIAKONIA President Rev Deacon … Continue reading DEACONS AT THE HEART
The global DIAKONIA conference which has just finished in Chicago, comprising more than 400 deacons worldwide, was addressed by Rev Dr Michael Kinnamon in an outspoken critique of current American politics, and the essential place of the diaconate in the fallout of these policies. This is the second half of his address. You can find … Continue reading DIACONAL VISION
Speak We cannot forget the poor and the powerless, even if it is nothing more than speaking up on their behalf: speaking to people we know; putting ourselves out there when we hear others forgetting about our responsibility, as a nation, to the poor; speaking on behalf of those who have taken to the streets … Continue reading SPEAK UP!
We can feel overwhelmed by a world of fear and chaos. Or, we can be open to hearing the message of Jesus who says the reign of God has come into our midst - where peace and justice meet, with the promise of a whole new future for our world graced and animated by the Holy Spirit.
Children of God Never mind your weakness; it is the very thing that qualifies you. Never mind your feelings of inadequacy; it is God’s work, not yours. Simply make yourself available, and let go of any need to impress others, or prove yourself worthy, or achieve “success.” What matters is that God has chosen … Continue reading NEVER MIND YOUR WEAKNESS …
Discerning the Diaconate http://www.here-i-am.org.uk/features/diaconate.html (2011) This short paper is designed to help Vocations Advisers, DDOs and Bishops’ Advisers in their discernment of candidates with a vocation to the distinctive diaconate. It surveys some of the current thinking about the diaconate within the Church of England, but it does not attempt to be the last word … Continue reading ANGLICAN CATHOLIC VOCATIONS INITIATIVE
'1st service as deacon this morning, 1st chance to wear my alb and the all seasons stole which was co-designed by the artist Yvonne Bell and myself.' Congratulations to John McWilliams and all those ordained a vocational deacon last week. May blessings and joy be yours!
From Diaconal Ministries Canada Go TO the people Live among THEM Learn from THEM Love THEM Start with what THEY know Build on what THEY have: But of the best leaders When their task is done The people will remark "WE have done it ourselves."
CofE Network of Distinctive Deacons 