Confronting the structures of domination demands advocating for sustainable, equitable alternatives that prioritize human well-being and environmental stewardship. As followers of Jesus, who challenged oppressive systems and championed the marginalized, we are called to embody the values of his kingdom. This entails actively dismantling systems of exploitation and advocating for a world where justice, compassion, and stewardship of creation reign supreme. In doing so, we align ourselves with the transformative vision of the kingdom of God, where every person is valued, and the well-being of all creation is upheld.
Category: Blog
A fascinating deaconversation! CENDD's education adviser, Dr Deacon Jonathan Halliwell, explores with Sue her call to the diaconate and how she sees her ministry developing.
At the invitation of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Bishop Pete Wilcox is our distinctive deacons' champion.
If this is the kind of community you would be interested in serving and learning alongside, we'd love to hear from you! Opportunities range from regular volunteering, studying with us online through joining our MTMM course, or, if you would like to explore a more immersive training experience with us, please email hello@lighthousewy.org.uk to discuss the possibility of a short term placement or joining our year-long internship programme.
As a ‘go-between’ representing the Church in the court of Charlemagne, he served as an ambassador for Christ in the world.
So as deacons prepare to equip the royal priesthood of God to serve God the Father (Revelation 1:5-6), let us pray that the Holy Spirit will once more fill us, and give us ears to hear how God reveals himself to the Church and in the world today: Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your people and kindle in us the fire of your love. Renew the face of your creation, Lord, pouring on us the gifts of your people.
Deacon Jonathan Halliwell, our education adviser, has kindly downloaded the Six Qualities and Evidences for distinctive deacons to a useful Word document.
In 2017, an historic step was taken by the Orthodox Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa, when he consecrated five women to be deaconesses in the Congo. On May 2, 2024, Angelic Molen of Harare, Zimbabwe, was ordained Deaconess Angelic in the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria and all Africa (the Orthodox Church in the continent of Africa). This is a giant stride for The Orthodox Church, and is inevitably controversial.
God is asking Philip to leave the success story, and move on to something new. We might not have a mighty success story to tell, but it is part of our call as deacons, to be ready to move, ready to change, ready to go at God’s command.
Our life had no hope of eternal happiness before You redeemed us.
CofE Network of Distinctive Deacons 