Deacons, Deaconesses, and Women's Ordination

Summary

The video explores the historical role of women in the early Catholic Church, focusing on deaconesses who assisted in ministerial duties, especially toward other women. Scriptural references and writings from Church Fathers suggest women were active in ministry, though not as priests. Councils like Nicaea and Chalcedon mention deaconesses, but their exact authority remains debated. Modern theology distinguishes the diaconate from the priesthood, meaning women could potentially serve as deacons without conflicting with Church teaching. Ongoing studies, including those commissioned by Pope Francis, continue to examine the possibility, highlighting that women are called to active and meaningful roles within the Church today.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Catholic Church today is led entirely by men, though women increasingly hold high-ranking administrative roles.
• 😀 Early scripture and church history indicate women once had active ministerial roles, such as deaconesses.
• 😀 1 Timothy 3:8–11 ambiguously mentions women in the context of deacons, suggesting the possibility of female deacons.
• 😀 Women traveled with apostles in the early church as co-ministers, not as wives, supported by interpretations of 1 Corinthians and writings from early church fathers.
• 😀 Phoebe in Romans 16:1 is explicitly referred to as a 'diaconos,' confirming women served ministerial roles in the early church.
• 😀 Deaconesses existed historically, assisting in baptisms and ministering to women, but generally did not perform sacramental or priestly functions.
• 😀 Church councils offered mixed guidance: some allowed deaconesses, others forbade them, reflecting regional variations in practice.
• 😀 The diaconate is distinct from the priesthood; women are excluded from priesthood due to acting 'in persona Christi,' a restriction not applying to deacons.
• 😀 Pope Benedict XVI clarified that deacons serve in liturgy, charity, and the Word without acting in the person of Christ, separating the diaconate from the priesthood.
• 😀 Modern discussions about women deacons are ongoing, with Pope Francis commissioning studies and organizations like Discerning Deacons advocating for awareness and exploration of this ministry.

Q & A

What role did women play in the early Church?

Women in the early Church were involved in ministry, sometimes serving as deaconesses. They assisted in various capacities, including performing baptisms, helping in the pastoral care of women, and ensuring decency during liturgical functions, especially in contexts where male presence might cause scandal.

What does the scripture say about the role of women in the Church?

Scripture offers some evidence of women in leadership roles. For instance, in 1 Timothy, women are mentioned alongside male deacons, though the language is ambiguous. Saint Paul in Romans 16:1 refers to Phoebe as a 'diakonos' (deacon), indicating that women were involved in ministry.

Did women serve in the same capacity as male deacons in early Christianity?

No, women did not serve in exactly the same role as male deacons. They assisted in liturgical and pastoral functions but did not perform priestly duties, such as offering blessings or celebrating sacraments. Their role was more about assisting in areas that involved women or required decency, like baptizing women.

What was the role of deaconesses according to the early Church Councils?

Early Church Councils, such as the Councils of Nicaea and Chalcedon, acknowledged the role of deaconesses, sometimes ordaining them through the laying on of hands. They were responsible for assisting in the baptism of women, ensuring modesty during liturgical practices, and other forms of ministerial work.

Why is the issue of female deaconesses controversial in Church history?

The controversy arises from the ambiguous nature of the term 'deaconess' and the differing interpretations across regions. Some Church leaders viewed the role as an honorary lay position, while others argued that it involved actual ordination. The controversy also revolves around whether such ordination should grant women similar sacramental authority as male deacons.

Did women ever receive full sacramental ordination as deacons?

While there are records of women being ordained as deaconesses, it is unclear whether they were given the same sacramental authority as male deacons. Early Church documents suggest that women helped in liturgical roles but did not perform sacramental acts such as celebrating the Eucharist.

What distinction does the Catholic Church make between the priesthood and the diaconate?

The Catholic Church distinguishes the priesthood from the diaconate based on the role of acting *in persona Christi*. Priests act in the person of Christ, while deacons serve the people of God in liturgy, the word, and charity. This distinction is why the Church does not prohibit women from being ordained as deacons but does prohibit them from being priests.

Why are women excluded from the priesthood but not the diaconate?

Women are excluded from the priesthood because priests are understood to act in the person of Christ, a male figure, which the Church teaches is a role that requires male ordination. The diaconate, however, is seen as a separate order focused on service, not sacramental representation, which is why women can be considered for ordination to this role.

What is the theological argument against ordaining women to the diaconate?

The argument is not widely theological but more traditional, based on concerns that ordaining women to the diaconate might blur the distinction between deacons and priests. However, some argue that the diaconate is distinct and could include women without conflict, as deacons do not act *in persona Christi*.

Is the possibility of a female diaconate being reconsidered by the Catholic Church today?

Yes, Pope Francis has commissioned studies to explore the possibility of reinstating the female diaconate. Organizations such as *Discerning Deacons* are also advocating for this change, sharing the stories of women in ministry and emphasizing their call by the Holy Spirit to serve in the Church.