Share
Witnesses
Deedee Van Dyke
Catholic Chaplain, Joliet, IL
May 2, 2023

[I hope the Church ordains women to the diaconate] to bring a wider witness and expression of God's life, love, and presence to the people of God. Women's voices and leadership will heal, encourage and empower the lives of men, women, and children. It will call forth a new understanding of church vocation and enrich Catholic family life.

I believe [Discerning Deacons] has a solid  foundation to bring this concern to the world-wide church: a culturally inclusive platform, a connection to the formal church's historical roots and scholarship, grassroots involvement, ecclesial partnership and participation. Thank you for doing all this work---a spiritual commitment of patience and time, and a prophetic response to the Spirit's call in our day!

Witness
“This work is essential for challenging the status quo, deeply exploring the Church’s history of the female diaconate, and courageously asking important questions. I also believe that the inclusion of women’s voices and experiences will increase emotional, mental, and physical safety for other women in church spaces.”
Krista Varney
Domestic Violence Advocate, Grand Prairie, TX
Witness
“I know that women are being called by the Holy Spirit and women are living diakonia in creative, ordinary ways today. Now, as a mother of a toddler girl, I want to discern with the Church on how to make way for her to discern her own future calling, should the Spirit call her.”
Ana López
Spiritual Director and Theology Teacher, Los Angeles, CA
Witness
“If women were able to serve as deacons, it would magnify the grace and love of God and make it more widely available.”
Judith Oberhauser
Retired Chaplain, St. Paul/Minneapolis, MN

Receive Our Newsletter

Newsletter signup

Processing...

Thank you for sign up!

This is the hub where we share relevant news, events and opportunities to participate in the work. 
*We will send the newsletter only once each week, and we will never share or sell your information.

Receive Our Newsletter

Newsletter signup

Processing...

Thank you for sign up!

This is the hub where we share relevant news, events and opportunities to participate in the work. 
*We will send the newsletter only once each week, and we will never share or sell your information.