The Diaconate: A Brief F.A.Q. Sheet
The ordination service for a Deacon states their duties: to serve all people in the name of Jesus Christ: to make Christ known in the world by word and example: to interpret to the Church the needs, concerns, and hopes of the world: to assist the community of faith in worship.
The 1968 Lambeth Conference recommended the diaconate be restored. It was noted that the Deacon’s role is complimentary to that of the presbyter and the bishop. The report affirmed that Deacons symbolize every baptised Christian’s baptismal call to service. They do this through the nature and character of the their ministry
The order of Deacons is an equal but different order from that of presbyters (priests) and thus should not be understood as a “waiting room” for those who are called to be presbyters. The Church of England refers to the order in the Salisbury Report as the “Distinctive Diaconate”.
Deacons may be deployed in a number of ways; hospital/long-term care chaplaincy, counselling, teaching, pastoral care, parish ministry, work in the diocese and the wider church.
Some are involved with community outreach, refugee work, social justice concerns and advocacy work.
Deacons have been in active ministry in the Diocese of British Columbia since 1965. The Reverend Ian MacDonald was in charge of Holy Trinity in Sooke during the 1960s
The Diaconate was intentionally re-instituted in 1991.
All Deacons are licensed to specific ministry. This ensures accountability and support. Deacons are required to be a part of regular clergy meetings, deanery conferences and they must attend Synod
There is a Chapter of Deacons which meets at least once a year
The Director of Deacons, the Reverend Nancy Ford, along with the Bishop is responsible for oversight and support of all the deacons. Anyone who is wondering about the diaconate is encouraged to contact the Director of Deacons at 250-383-2714 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Two useful websites to learn more are the North American Association for the Diaconate (now known as the Association for Episcopal Deacons). http://www.diakonoi.org and the Association of Anglican Deacons in Canada. www.anglicandeacons.ca
For more information read:
The Report of the Director of Deacons
