The following material comprises both a statement on the theology and ministry of deacons, and a series of practices to assist the Anglican Church of Canada in our continued restoration of a thriving diaconate. They have been prepared by a working group established by Anglican Deacons Canada (ADC), and monitored by the Faith, Worship and Ministry Coordinating Committee of General Synod. Both have been subject to wide consultation with deacons, directors of deacons, bishops, Indigenous leaders, theological educators, and ecumenical partners. Feedback received from these groups has been incorporated into the document.

Why does this matter at this time? The recovery of a robust diaconate promises renewed relevance for the Church in a fractured world. As the Church reclaims its outward-facing missional identity, deacons will ignite and mobilize the People of God to fulfill their baptismal ministry not only in the praise of God, but in service of the world.

Regarding the Statement

In 2022, ADC sponsored a national survey of Anglican deacons, which revealed significant diversity between and within dioceses respecting both the function and understanding of the diaconate. Many expressed a desire for greater consistency. This statement is presented for adoption by General Synod as a shared theological basis for local decisions concerning such matters as discernment, formation, placement, ministry descriptions, accountability and compensation.

Regarding the Practices

Throughout its work, the writing group has been acutely aware of the importance of context in the practice of ministry. What may be possible or desirable in one diocese may be impossible or undesirable in another. We have taken the position that what matters is that we proceed from a common understanding of what the diaconate is: in other words, we may choose to do things differently, but we do so for the same reasons.

Early on, we adopted the language of “best practices” to describe this work. This is language which has fallen into disfavour in some other sectors, since it can convey a certainty which is not warranted in times of plurality, change and transition (such as our own). At the same time, no matter how well we are doing, or constrained we may be, the Church is always being called to look beyond its grasp. Therefore, we have opted to aim high, with the proviso that every diocese will adopt or adapt these practices as is feasible or advisable in their own circumstances. For the most part, the practices are framed as aspirational statements, and every effort has been made to eliminate “should” language.

This is a living document subject to ongoing testing, implementation, review and advisable change. General Synod will be asked to commend it to the Church.

Members of the Writing Group

The Most Reverend Dr Lynne McNaughton, bishop (BC & Yukon) The Very Reverend M. Ansley Tucker, convener & priest (BC & Yukon) The Reverend Jeffrey Preiss, deacon (BC & Yukon) The Reverend Krista Dowdeswell, deacon (Northern Lights) The Reverend Canon Dr Maylanne Maybee, deacon (Canada) The Reverend Paul H. Jennings, priest (Canada)