Divided opinion on the topic of this book has caused controversy in Baptist history and life. Most Baptist individuals and churches have strongly opposed women deacons. Some Baptist associations have even disfellowshipped churches that have approved women deacons. And women in general have been suppressed by many recent actions of the Southern Baptist Convention, thereby affecting women deacons. However, thousands of Baptist churches include women in their deacon bodies and find that they make invaluable contributions. The book presents arguments on both sides of the topic, but lands squarely in support of women deacons.

Since the 17th century the history of deaconesses in the Church has been the subject of numerous monographs. What is most evident about the history of deaconesses, however, is how complex the whole subject is. In this exhaustive and thoroughly researched work, Martimort presents a very readable analysis that has become the standard study of the role of women deaconesses in the early Church. He presents in as complete and objective fashion as possible the history, who and what these deaconesses were and what their functions were.

"Deaconesses in Europe and Their Lessons for America" by Jane M. Bancroft is a significant painting that explores the function of deaconesses in numerous European international locations and attracts treasured classes for the American context. Published in the overdue 19th century, Bancroft's book sheds light at the studies, contributions, and challenges faced by way of deaconesses in exclusive cultural and non-secular settings. The author affords an in depth examination of the origins and development of the deaconess motion, highlighting the methods wherein these dedicated girls have served their groups. Drawing from her observations and research, Bancroft emphasizes the nice impact of deaconesses in regions including healthcare, schooling, and social welfare. The book serves as both a historical account and a practical guide for the ones inquisitive about the established order and company of deaconess institutions. Bancroft's insights aren't best informative but also reflect her advocacy for the growth of deaconess work in America, suggesting that similar fashions can be tailored to deal with social wishes and demanding situations inside the United States.

This collection of essays highlights the thorny and divisive issue of the admission of women into the sacramental diaconal priesthood of the Christian Church from the Orthodox theological perspective. The contributions here stem from scientific papers presented at an international conference titled “Deaconesses, Ordination of Women and Orthodox Theology”, organized in Thessaloniki, Greece, in 2015 by the Center of Ecumenical, Missiological and Environmental Studies (CEMES). They cover almost all the fields of biblical, liturgical, patristic, systematic, canonical, and historical theology. The volume’s main focus is the ancient order of deaconesses, in connection with the overall issue of the ordination of women. Although most papers address the issues from an Orthodox perspective, their sober analysis can provide theological argumentation for the wider Christian community, both the Churches and Christian denominations that exclude women from the sacramental priesthood, and those that have already adopted their ordination.

Reprint of the original, first published in 1873.