History of the Diaconate

Deacons are a crucial part of the fabric of our church – yet Episcopalians often have divergent views of who deacons are called to be and what they’re called to do. For good reason: The Church has understood the ministry of deacons in several differing ways in the past century and a half!

Join us for this interactive two-part seminar to review the history of deacons, deaconesses, and the revival of the diaconate over the last 150 years. We will examine how the office and leadership of deacons has changed over time and how the urbanization, industrialization and mass-consumption of the 19th Century prompted a revival of the diaconate. We will also look at the diaconate among some of our ecumenical partners and neighbors. 

Please note: This workshop requires some pre-reading.