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Gø1d13's avatar

Very interesting piece. Thank you for writing it for us.

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Donovan K's avatar

Great statistics in this article. I appreciate that you all remained free from suggesting hypotheses, but the inverse correlation between permanent deacon count and seminarian count seems to be woefully apparent. I have looked on my own for a developed piece of positive theology for the permanent diaconate but the best I have found is this article: http://diospringfieldcefsc.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Contemporary-Theology-of-Diaconate.pdf

I would appreciate a Pillar look at the state of the theology of the diaconate and how it is addressed (or ignored) by theologians and the episcopacy. I at least am incredibly confused by them and why the transitional deaconate is celibate but the permanent is not. I think this confusion is the most immediate foothold for the “female priest” lobby. I know that the history of the Church is full of “try and discern” developments and “ye shall know by the fruits” but my anecdotal experience is that the permanent diaconate has not borne much.

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