“Only women understand all the aspects of being part of the majority of humankind. That perspective is critically needed to fully serve God and God’s people. 

I am the oldest of six sons, and growing up without sisters, I had no one besides my mom to give the girl’s or woman’s perspective on … anything. As I grew and developed friendships with women, especially one who often twitted me, “You’re not thinking like a girl about this,” I came to realize that I know too little about too many people, secularly as well as spiritually and religiously.

If there were women deacons in my parish, lay women would relate in a deep and meaningful way to deacons who look, act, speak and feel more like themselves. 

It’s been too long since the restoration of the permanent diaconate for the ministry to be awash in patriarchal clericalism. 

My call to the diaconate is proof that God has a wild sense of humor. Though I am an unlikely choice to wear the alb and stole, I have a deep commitment to service in Christ’s name and I try to live it every day. Any need that arises, I am ready to shoulder it, though some needs of our sisters and brothers would be well- or better-served by a woman’s different compassion.”