The Canonical Implications of Ordaining Women to the Permanent Diaconate /

includes index and biblioraphy

The Historical Development of the Diaconate ....................... 5 The Development of Deacons .............................. 6 The Development of Deaconesses Deaconesses in the Early Christian Community ............... 8 Deaconesses in the Eastern Churches .................... 9 Deaconesses in the Latin Church ....................... 13 The Decline of the Diaconate in the Church ..................... 16 The Debate about the "Ordination" of Deaconesses in the Early Church .... 18 The Restoration of the Permanent Diaconate ....................... 22 Theological Reflection Issues of Method ..................................... 24 Significance of Culture Importance of Culture for the Church ..................... 26 Women and Culture ............................... 28 The Sacrament of Orders ................................ 31 Canonical Implications Preliminary Issues ..................................... 35 Analysis of the Canon Law on Orders ......................... 38 Analysis of the Canon Law on Clergy ......................... 41 Analysis of the Canon Law on Deacons What Deacons Can Do According to the Law ................ 42 What Deacons are Restricted from Doing .................. 46 Analysis of the Canon Law on Religious ....................... 47