Women deacons

What it means

Some churches that reserve the eldership for men open the diaconate to women. They point to Phoebe, whom Paul calls a "servant" (the same Greek word as deacon) of the church at Cenchreae, and read 1 Timothy 3:11 as giving qualifications for women deacons. Because deacons serve rather than govern or teach the whole church, they see no conflict with Paul's restriction on women exercising authority over men.

Others answer that the Greek word for "servant" is used for many people who held no office, that 1 Timothy 3:11 more naturally describes deacons' wives, and that the very next verse requires a deacon to be "the husband of one wife". They also note that in many churches deacons in practice share in governing, which raises the question of authority again.

Orthodox Christians who agree on the gospel hold both views. The site displays which a church holds so that members can find a church whose practice matches their conscience.

In Scripture

• Romans 16:1

  Romans 16:1

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  Paul commends Phoebe as a servant (Greek diakonos) of the church at Cenchreae.

• 1 Timothy 3:11

  1 Timothy 3:11

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  'The women' must be dignified and faithful: read by some as women deacons, by others as deacons' wives.

• 1 Timothy 3:12

  1 Timothy 3:12

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  Deacons must be the husband of one wife, which those who close the office see as decisive.

• Philippians 1:1

  Philippians 1:1

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  The deacon is a recognized office alongside the overseers.