On the issue of women deacons

Dear Editor, Regarding the question of the diaconate for women, it might be of interest to know what St Edith Stein had to say on the subject.

Edith Stein was a Jewish Carmelite who was gassed at Auschwitz on August 9, 1942. She wrote: “The early Church gave outlet for the manifold activity of women in the Christian communities, even a consecrated ministerial office – the diaconate. Further developments take these offices from women and their juridical position is lowered. This seems to have come from ideas stemming from the Old Testament and Roman law. Modern times show a change. There is an increasing call for women in ecclesial social work and apostolate. 

“On the part of women, there is a growing desire to restore the character of consecrated office to their role and it could well be that this desire might one day be fulfilled… It seems to me that there is no doctrinal obstacle to prevent the Church from introducing it…” (Essays on Woman, Institute of Carmelites Studies, Washington).

The Orthodox Church restored the office of deacon for women in 2005.

Yours etc.,

Sr Mary McGlynn,

Carmelite Monastery,

Knock,

Co. Mayo.