Theology of the Diaconate: The State of the Question

Over the past three decades, deacons have proven invaluable in a variety of ministries in the church. Today's deacons serve in the traditional liturgical and sacramental areas, but their duties have grown in the areas of management and leadership. What is a deacon really supposed to do? What did the church fathers intend at Vatican II? Have their job responsibilities really changed from the church's earlier vision? These questions and many others are discussed in this seminal work, which is an up-to-date examination of how the order of the diaconate in the Latin Church relates and is in communion with other orders and their ministries. The authors are Owen F. Cummings, William T. Ditewig, and Richard R. Gaillardetz, who discuss diaconal theology from three differing perspectives. This book is composed of their three keynote speeches delivered the National Association of Deacon Directors in April 2004. It is essential reading for deacons, aspiring deacons, diaconate programs, as well as theologians.