CONTENTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preface          5

 

Deacons in History and Practice          11

 

            by Edward R. Hardy

                Professor Hardy traces the development of the diaconate from its biblical origins to the present.

 

The Deacon in Protestantism          37

 

            by Robert S. Paul

Dr. Paul discusses the diaconate as the office is understood historically and theologically in major Protestant heritages.

 

The Order of Diaconate in the Roman Catholic Church          57

 

            by Josef Hornef

Incorporating the decisions of the Second Vatican Council’s Third Session, Dr. Hornef traces the most recent developments in the thinking and practice of the Roman Catholic Church, with emphasis on the beginnings of these developments in Germany. Translated by Patrick Russell.

 

The Problem of Diaconate in the Orthodox Church                      81

 

            by Georges Florovsky

Dr. Florovsky comments on the problem of the diaconate in the Orthodox Church, with special emphasis on the deacon’s liturgical functions.

 

The Order of Deacons in Anglicanism          99

 

Richard T. Nolan introduces this chapter with a survey of the order of deacons in Anglicanism. Subsequently, Dr. Theodore Parker Ferris focuses upon an “internship” use of the office, and Archdeacon George H. Emerson discusses his involvements as a perpetual deacon.” Concluding this chapter, Dr. Edmond La B. Cherbonnier offers his thoughts as one who has chosen to remain in deacon’s orders.

 

The Diaconate in the Church of South India          125

 

            by Arnold H. Legg

Since the Church is a sort of synthesis on Anglican, Methodist, Presbyterian, and Congregational traditions, Bishop Legg examines the theory and practice of the Church of South India regarding the diaconate. Its attitudes toward that office are particularly instructive. The Office of Deaconess                   143

 

            by Mary P. Truesdell

The exact place of the office of deaconess in modern ecclesiastical economy has not been fully resolved. Its history and potentials are offered by Deaconess Truesdell.

 

The Diaconate: Sacred or Outmoded?          169

 

            by Kenneth Scott Latourette

                Dr. Latourette takes a church historian’s view of the future of the diaconate.

 

Notes                175

 

List of Contributors        187