The Vatican and the Women Deacons
The Vatican and the Women Deacons is the title of Dr Phyllis Zagano’s recent book published by Orbis, which explores the historical role of women in the early Church and the possibility, if not necessity of restoring the women’s diaconate in the Catholic Church.
Dr Zagano highlights the counter cultural role of women in Jesus’ mission including their participation in key events of his life including his death and resurrection.
She also shares the example of Phoebe, whom St Paul commends in his Letter to the Romans, as an important figure in understanding the role and responsibilities of women in the early Christian community.
The conversation also focuses on whether the restoration of women deacons would represent a departure from Church tradition or a recovery of practices rooted in the early Church, exploring the historical evidence and the ongoing debate surrounding women’s ministry.
Listen to the full interview above.
About the author: Dr. Phyllis Zagano is Professor of Religion at Hofstra University in New York. In 2016 Pope Francis appointed her to the Papal Commission on Women’s Diaconate.
