Women Deacons
There is some historical evidence for the existence of women deacons in the Roman Catholic Church. In 2002 the International Theological Commission concluded a study of the diaconate that included commentary specific to women deacons. The question was raised again in May 2016, when Pope Francis promised to set up a commission to study the topic anew. The members of this commission were appointed in July 2016. Among them is the American scholar Phyllis Zagano, author of Holy Saturday: An Argument for the Restoration of the Female Diaconate in the Catholic Church.
Articles
Why women deacons could enrich the church
If the church discerns it enjoys the freedom to admit women to the diaconate, should we?
Vatican announces commission on women deacons
The commission includes six women among its twelve members, including Phyllis Zagano, who has written widely on the subject of women deacons.
Why Not Women? A bishop makes a case for expanding the diaconate.
The ordination of women to the diaconate is separate from the question of the ordination of women to the priesthood.
