Diaconal Ministries Canada is not episcopalian, but I learn a great deal from their very focused diaconal approach. This article advocates the necessity of doing a community survey ahead of thinking about appropriate mission initiatives. If you'd like a slightly different approach written specially for deacons by a deacon: https://cofedeacons.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/4-session-course-for-parishes-preparing-for-mission2.pdf With a desire for spiritual … Continue reading DEACONS IN MISSION: importance of listening to the community
Author: GillK
Gill has been a missioner in Nigeria, Romania and various parishes in England. She was ordained a 'distinctive' deacon in 1991. In this capacity she was warden of the College of St Philip the Deacon in Exeter diocese, and founder member of the CofE Network of Distinctive Deacons https://cofedeacons.org. She has also written the story of her own call, Deacon by Design. https://www.waterstones.com/book/deacon-by-design/gill-kimber/9781910719794
She's passionate about the diaconate and, now retired, continues to support those who are called to this ministry.
“I am proud of myself!” So said a young woman I met in Belgrade last week. Living with her own challenges, she gave me an insight into how diaconal work is not simply about fixing a problem but about building people up and giving them the belief and confidence in themselves. As I traveled through … Continue reading https://www.eurodiaconia.org/2020/02/weekly-editorial-i-am-so-proud-of-myself/
A Message from Anglican Network of Distinctive Deacons: Dear ‘Deacons on the Move’ attendee, Due to government regulations and advice relating to the coronavirus outbreak, we have sadly taken the decision to postpone our Deacons on the Move conference until next year. While it is disappointing to reschedule, I think we all recognise that everyone’s … Continue reading DEACONS’ NATIONAL CONFERENCE POSTPONED
Sarah Johnson (DD explorer) (Derby) I’m in self isolation due to my health conditions so I’ve printed off, cut up and distributed blank “happy to help” postcards for my local virus community action group. Hubby and I are live streaming evening prayer via FB every evening at 5:30pm (only to friends and family but accepting … Continue reading HOW DEACONS REACH OUT DURING CORONAVIRUS
(image from wikidata) As we continue responding to Coronavirus, a lot of us are wondering how we can walk in faith, resist fear, and support those who are most vulnerable. The first thing to say is that following the advice of experts – especially about washing our hands regularly and self-isolating if we have cold … Continue reading A message from Archbishop Justin Welby on responding to coronavirus
From Deacon Jess Foster's blog A sermon based on the reading set for the first Sunday of Lent. Matthew 4 1-11 A cultural desert, I feel deserted, the desert is barren, it’s a wilderness out there. I like words and I enjoy thinking about what words we put together and what words sound like each … Continue reading LENT SERMON FROM ONE WHO WANDERS IN THE WILDERNESS: Deacon Jess Foster
WHO DO THEY THINK WE ARE? Speaker: Rev Dr Anna Sorensen Deacon’s Weekend Conference at Wydale Hall, Yorkshire (28th February 2020 to 1st March 2020) Report by Sarah Johnson, diaconal enquirer Hosted by York Diocese and audio files from the weekend are aimed to be available through their website. Rev Dr Anna Sorensen (details below) … Continue reading WHO DO THEY THINK WE ARE? Report on York deacons’ conference March 2020
For March, Sr Doris Horn (Germany and former DIAKONIA President) has written this short encouraging reflection. DIAKONIA Prayer Letter March 2020 I just found this meaningful sentence about prayer: Prayer does not replace action. But it is an action, that can not be replaced by any other. (H. … Continue reading DIAKONIA PRAYER LETTER FOR MARCH 2020
Another interesting article, this time from the National Catholic Register, musing over what the ramifications might be for the Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches if one were to go ahead with the reinstitution of deaconesses. All very patriarchal. And of course, a clear distinction made between 'consecration' and 'ordination'. Would Female Deacons Unite or Separate … Continue reading Would Female Deacons Unite or Separate Catholics From the Orthodox?
An interesting read, especially in comparison with the Anglican understanding of the distinctive diaconate (not 'permanent', because deacons can become priests in Anglicanism. It can't be changed to priesthood in Roman Catholicism, because the permanent deacons are usually married men whereas the priesthood is single and celibate). (image: https://www.southworld.net/south-africa-the-appointment-of-ten-new-permanent-deacons/) A Short History of the Permanent … Continue reading SHORT HISTORY OF THE PERMANENT (ROMAN CATHOLIC) DIACONATE
CofE Network of Distinctive Deacons 