Archbp. Müller (Prefect of the CDF): No need for deaconesses

WDTPRS ^ | July 5, 2013 | Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

[NYer]

In The Bitter Pill (aka The Tablet) I spotted something sure to irritate feminists:

No need for deaconesses: Müller

4 July 2013

The Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF) has questioned the notion that a special office could be created for women deacons.

Archbishop Gerhard Müller said that in order to create a specific, non-sacramental office for women deacons, it would be necessary to prove that such an office was necessary. He was responding to a proposal by Cardinal Walter Kasper to create a specific deacon’s office for women an expression of the common priesthood of all the faithful.

He pointed out that women were already doing charitable and catechetical work besides being pastoral assistants and recalled that, according to Church teaching, only men could validly be ordained as deacons.

“One would have to prove that a specific, non-sacramental ministry for women analogous to that of women deacons in the Early Church was necessary today,” Müller concluded.

[NYer]

As one commenter posted: “Iron fist in a velvet glove”. :-)

[Tax-chick]

This is just common sense. We have religious women, and we have lay women. The only reason to propose “deaconesses” is to confuse people about the Sacrament of Holy Orders.

[trad_anglican]

The only reason to propose “deaconesses” is to confuse people about the Sacrament of Holy Orders.

Agreed. Also, there's already enough confusion about Holy Orders.

[Tax-chick]

Also, there's already enough confusion about Holy Orders.

That's the truth!

[Wiser now]

I was a member of an American Baptist church that had Deaconesses. We prepared communion to be served once a month and kept track of those who were sick and the shut-ins. We took food to those recovering from hospitals stays, etc.
The church needs such service, and it doesn’t infringe on any Biblical restrictions with regard to women teaching men.

[x_plus_one]

A deacon in the RC tradition can give communion. That is where the line is drawn in the sand...

[markomalley]

When the Church goes back to performing full immersion baptisms with nude people, then you (those who support “deaconesses”) can get back with me...

[SuziQ]

Catholic women already perform these services as Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist, taking Holy Communion to the homebound, or even to those in the hospital, praying with them, as they receive Christ's Body and Blood. They also serve in other 'ministries' in Parishes such as Bereavement groups, and helping parents prepare for the Baptisms of their children. I see no need to create another layer of 'orders' for what these women are already doing.

The only ones pushing for 'Deaconesses' are those who want a toehold into Holy Orders.

[Wiser now]

Thanks for the information. I didn’t know how the Catholic church provided for those needs.