Commission Report Highlights Ongoing debate on Women in the Catholic Diaconate
A recent report from a commission tasked with studying the possibility of ordaining women to the diaconate reveals a deeply divided body, ultimately reaffirming the current prohibition while simultaneously advocating for expanded roles for women in church service. The commission, convened by the Synod, engaged in three working sessions – in October 2021, July 2022, and February 2025 – to examine the theological and practical implications of female diaconal ordination.
The commission initially favored exploring new ministries to foster greater collaboration between men and women within the church. In July 2022, a majority (7-1) approved wording that explicitly excludes the admission of women to the diaconate as a sacramental degree, though notably refrained from issuing a definitive, final judgment on the matter.
The final session in February 2025 saw the commission review contributions solicited from the wider Synod.Though, the response was limited, with only twenty-two submissions received from a small number of countries. The commission deemed this insufficient to represent the broader voice of the Synod or the global Catholic community.
The report details the core arguments on both sides of the debate.Supporters of allowing women into the diaconate point to the principle of equality enshrined in scripture – specifically Galatians 3:28 (“there is no longer Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus”) – and the evolving societal expectation of equal access to institutional roles.They argue that restricting ordination based on gender contradicts the inherent dignity and equality of men and women as created in the image of God.
Conversely,opponents maintain that the exclusively male nature of Christ and,consequently,those receiving Holy Orders is fundamental to the sacramental identity and the ”nuptial meaning of salvation.” They argue that altering this would represent a importent departure from core theological principles. This particular paragraph received a tied vote (5-5) regarding its inclusion in the final report.
Despite the impasse on ordination, the commission overwhelmingly (9-1) expressed a desire to broaden “women’s access to ministries established for the service of the community,” and to provide greater ecclesial recognition for the diakonia (service) of all the baptized, especially women. This recognition was framed as a “prophetic sign,” especially in regions where women face discrimination.
Cardinal Petrocchi,in his concluding remarks,identified a fundamental tension between two theological perspectives. One views the diaconate as primarily a ministry of service, perhaps opening the door to female ordination.The other emphasizes the unity of the sacrament of Holy Orders and the spousal symbolism inherent in all three degrees (deacon, priest, and bishop), arguing against a female diaconate and raising the question of why women would be admitted to the first degree but excluded from the others.
The Cardinal stressed the need for further, rigorous study of the diaconate itself – its sacramental identity and its role within the Church – alongside a clarification of its practical application. He noted the significant disparities in the existence and function of the diaconate globally, with some regions lacking the ministry entirely and others seeing its activities overlap with lay ministries.
