This beautiful poem by R S Thomas was read to us today during our annual Deacons' Day of Reflection. It encapsulates the liminal place that is dear to us deacons: neither outside nor in. THE PORCH Do you want to know his name? It is forgotten. Would you learn what he was like? He was … Continue reading NEITHER OUTSIDE NOR IN
Category: Blog
Please pray for us tomorrow.
The World Deacons Executive changes to consensus This guest post on change to consensus is from Rev (Deacon) Sandy Boyce of the Uniting Church in Australia. Sandy is President of the DIAKONIA World Federation – http://www.diakonia-world.org The change to consensus by the Executive of the DIAKONIA World Federation has been a huge positive. Change from a traditional … Continue reading A DIACONAL APPROACH: using the tools of consensus
https://youtu.be/SPVuLOXh8vE Pentecost Today we feel the wind beneath our wings Today the hidden fountain flows and plays Today the church draws breath at last and sings As every flame becomes a Tongue of praise. This is the feast of fire,air, and water Poured out and breathed and kindled into earth. The earth herself awakens … Continue reading A FEAST FOR PENTECOST
I'm beyond encouraged to receive messages of support from both our Archbishops, for our conference in October. Archbishop John says: I am thrilled that, within the Church of England, there is a rediscovery taking place of the joys of Diaconal ministry. Certainly in the Diocese of York we have seen an increasing number of people … Continue reading ARCHBISHOPS COMMEND DEACONS’ CONFERENCE
May God bless us with discomfort at easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships, so that we may live deep within our hearts. May God bless us with anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people, so that we may work for justice, freedom, and peace. May God bless us with tears to shed for those … Continue reading GOD BLESS US WITH DISCOMFORT: a deacon’s prayer
I'm absolutely delighted to post this paper from the Rt Rev James Newcome, Bishop of Carlisle, on the case for the distinctive diaconate. Recently Bishop James held a two-day conference on the diaconate in his diocese, and is committed to its necessity to the missional task of the church. +James' paper is a masterly overview … Continue reading BISHOP OF CARLISLE: the case for a Distinctive Diaconate
The 8th of May is the feast day of Julian of Norwich, sometimes known as Mother Julian or Lady Julian. She was an English Mystic of the late fourteenth Century, living as an Anchoress (hermit) in Norwich. Her Shewings, or Revelations of Divine Love, a series of mystical visions of and conversations with Jesus, remain … Continue reading JULIAN OF NORWICH
Here's what canon law says: Solemnization of marriage by deacons (see Canon B 35, here) Guidelines issued jointly by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York 1. The minister officiating at a marriage service in the Church of England should normally be a bishop or a priest(1). 2. A deacon may officiate at a marriage only if the consent of … Continue reading DEACONS CAN TAKE WEDDINGS
CofE Network of Distinctive Deacons 