Resolution 32
The Ministry - The Diaconate
The Conference recommends:
(a) That the diaconate, combining service of others with liturgical functions, be open to
(i) men and women remaining in secular occupations,
(ii) full-time church workers,
(iii) those selected for priesthood.
(b) That Ordinals should, where necessary, be revised:
(i) to take account of the new role envisaged for the diaconate;
(ii) by the removal of reference to the diaconate as "an inferior office";
(iii) by emphasis upon the continuing element of "diakonia" in the ministry of bishops and priests.
(c) That those made deaconesses by laying-on of hands with appropriate prayers be declared to be within the diaconate.
(d) That appropriate canonical legislation be enacted by provinces and regional Churches to provide for those already ordained deaconesses.