Pope Francis: Restoring Commission to Study Women Deacons, My Response: Stop Waffling, Affirm Women Already Doing the Job and Ordain Women Deacons

My Response: Scholars have concluded that there were thousands of women functioning as deacons in the early Church. There are a number of excellent books listing the historical evidence. No need to continue stalling! It is time to take decisive action, affirm the full equality of women and act as if this is a reality in the Church now. The truth is women are already doing diaconal ministry in the Amazon and in many places in the world where there is a serious shortage of priests. Women preach, baptize witness marriages and provide pastoral care for countless faith communities with the approval of their local bishops. 

We don't need more study, we need action to transform the Church into a community of equals. Bridget Mary Meehan ARCWP   

"And after the 185 male voting members at the month long Synod of Bishops said in their final document that the idea of ordaining women as deacons had been "very present" during their discussions, Francis announced he will be summoning his commission on the issue back to work, and adding new members to its ranks. 

"I am going to take up the challenge … that you have put forward, that women be heard," the pontiff said in spontaneous remarks after close of the synod's business Oct. 26..."