“Women have undertaken the Church’s diakonía or diaconal ministry from the very beginning as attested in the New Testament, Patristic writings and other sources. Some held the title of ‘deacon’ or ‘deaconess’ through a formal liturgical rite. Throughout the centuries women have engaged in diaconal ministry in myriad, competent and often heroic ways. Recently women have asked the Church to explore the restoration of women in the diaconate in service of the Church’s mission. Discerning Deacons is a timely forum for listening to voices in the Church and advancing this discussion.”