The Revd Liz Carrington reports from 'Who Do They Think We Are?'
- this year's Diocesan Deacons' Conference at Wydale Hall.
____________________________
“Deacons are less churchy and more feisty,” the Revd Dr Anna Sorensen told 35 deacons and enquirers from the Diocese of York gathered at Wydale Hall for their annual conference at the end of February.
It was a remark made to her by Bishop Cuthbert during her PhD research into the diaconate, since she had served as a deacon prior to the ordination of women as priests in the Church of England from 1994 but recognised that most people in churches know little about deacons.
Deacons as Servants of the Church
All Christians have a servant ministry by virtue of baptism, but the deacon’s focus is to model and enable others to respond to human need by loving service which resonates with the third mark of mission. Anna explored the common misinterpretation of the deacon’s service as servile, inferior or second best, considering where some of the misunderstandings have arisen historically.
We were reminded that the charism of service is not servility as theologian John Collins argues. It is a Christ-like ministry following the hard service of Christ crucified. The leadership of deacons is about challenging and enabling others to carry forward the mission of God, a point borne out by the three deacons who shared their personal stories of ministry.
Transitional Diaconate
Deacons are called to a liminal ministry - this is different from the sacramental focus of priest and broader than serving as a social worker. The diaconal experience of transitional deacons is different, and largely focused on preparing to become the priest. Therefore the old adage “once a deacon, always a deacon” does not resonate with the calling of distinctive deacons in a way that develops deep understanding. The majority present felt that direct ordination would help clarify each calling.