Developing Diaconal Theology

Developing Diaconal Theology offers an in-depth study of the Roman Catholic diaconate and the need for theological development. A common question regarding the diaconate is, "Why do we need a deacon when we have plenty of lay volunteers and priests?" This question is often asked because there is no action that a deacon does that cannot be done by laity when serving in charity or by a priest when serving in liturgy and Word. Yet the diaconate, as an element of the hierarchy, is required in order for the Church to be complete in the way Christ intended. Yes, the diaconate is functional, but it is also theological.
Developing Diaconal Theology is a doctoral-level study of the following:

• Theological ambiguities regarding the diaconate in the Vatican II documents.
• Survey responses from 51 bishops, 262 priests, and 665 deacons regarding the ontological nature of the deacon.
• The deacon's capacity to act in Persona Christi Capitis (in the person of Christ the Head) and a closer look at the 2009 motu proprio from Pope Benedict XIV, Omnium in mentem.
• Diaconal importance of the Dominus vobiscum ("the Lord be with you...") dialogue.
• Outward diaconal identity (e.g., wearing clerical garb) and its impacts on the laity's understanding of the diaconate.
• The unfortunate consequences of the use of the diaconal labels "permanent" and "transitional."
• Tensions often found between priests & deacons, and ways to improve these essential relationships.
• And much more....