Editing Deacon (section)

==By Christian denomination==
In the Catholic, [[Lutheranism|Scandinavian Lutheran]], Anglican, Eastern Orthodox, [[Oriental Orthodoxy|Oriental Orthodox]], and [[Assyrian Church of the East|Persian]] churches, the diaconate is one of the [[Holy Orders|major orders]]—the others being [[bishop]], [[presbyter]] ([[priest]]), and, historically, [[subdeacon]].<ref name="Svenskakyrkan2021"/> Deacons assist priests in their pastoral and administrative duties, but often report directly to the bishops of their diocese. They have a distinctive role in the [[liturgy]] of the Eastern and Western Churches.

Deacons are also appointed or elected in other denominations, though this is less commonly seen as a step towards the clerical ministry. The role of deacon in these denominations varies greatly from denomination to denomination; often, there will be more emphasis on administrative duties than on pastoral or liturgical duties. In some denominations, deacons' duties are only financial management and practical aid and relief. [[Elder (religious)|Elders]] handle pastoral and other administrative duties.

===Latin Catholicism===
{{Catholic Church Hierarchy|Administrative and pastoral titles}}
Beginning around the fifth century, there was a gradual decline in the diaconate as a permanent state of life in the [[Latin Church]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rcan.org/short-history-permanent-diaconate |title=A Short History of the Permanent Diaconate |website=Archdiocese of Newark |access-date=2019-07-04 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141226134730/http://www.rcan.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=feature.display&feature_id=403 |archive-date=2014-12-26 }}</ref> The development of a {{lang|la|cursus honorum}} (sequence of offices) found men entering the clerical state through [[tonsure]], then ordination to the minor orders of lector, porter, exorcist, acolyte before ordination to the major orders of sub-deacon and deacon, all stages on the path to priesthood. Only men destined for priesthood were permitted to be ordained deacons. As seminaries developed, following the [[Council of Trent]], to contemporary times, the only men ordained as deacons were seminarians who were completing the last year or so of graduate theological training, so-called "transitional deacons".

Following the recommendations of the [[Second Vatican Council]] ({{lang|la|[[Lumen gentium]]}} 29) and the instigation of the [[Society of St. Joseph of the Sacred Heart (Josephites)|Josephites]] (whose work with [[African Americans]] necessitated increased vocational opportunity for married men), in 1967 [[Pope Paul VI]] issued the [[motu proprio]] {{lang|la|Sacrum Diaconatus Ordinem}}, reviving the practice of ordaining to the diaconate men who were not candidates for priestly ordination. These men are known as "permanent deacons", in contrast to those continuing their formation, who were then called "transitional deacons". There is no sacramental difference between the two, however, as there is only one order of deacons.<ref>{{cite web |first=Charles M. |last=Wilson |title=A few additional observations |url=http://www.ewtn.com/library/CANONLAW/WOMENDEA.htm |access-date=2008-08-31 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080621215556/http://www.ewtn.com/library/CANONLAW/WOMENDEA.htm |archive-date=2008-06-21}}</ref>

The period of formation to the permanent diaconate varies from diocese to diocese as determined by the local ordinary, but it usually entails a period of prayerful preparation and several years of study.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Latona |first=Mike |date=2022-05-02 |title=Diocese of Rochester deacons guide potential candidates |url=https://catholiccourier.com/articles/diocese-of-rochester-deacons-guide-potential-candidates/ |access-date=2022-08-12 |website=Catholic Courier |language=en-US}}</ref> Diaconal candidates receive instruction in [[philosophy]], [[theology]], study of the [[Bible]], [[homiletics]], sacramental studies, [[evangelization]], [[ecclesiology]], counseling, and pastoral care and ministry before ordination.

They may be assigned to work in a parish by the diocesan bishop, where they are under the supervision of the parish priests, or in diocesan ministries.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.usccb.org/deacon/faqs.shtml |title=USCCB Diaconate FAQ&nbsp;– Section 5 'Is a Deacon ordained for the Parish or the Diocese?' |access-date=2008-03-09 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080224174854/http://www.usccb.org/deacon/faqs.shtml |archive-date=2008-02-24}}</ref> Unlike most clerics, permanent deacons who also have a secular profession have no right to receive a salary for their ministry,<ref>Canon 281 § 3.</ref> but many dioceses opt to remunerate them anyway.<ref>Details about the permanent diaconate in the United States are outlined in a 2005 document of the [[United States Conference of Catholic Bishops]], ''National Directory for the Formation, Ministry and Life of Permanent Deacons in the United States''. url={{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20050427220636/http://www.nccbuscc.org/deacon/DeaconDirectory.pdf]}}</ref>

During the [[Mass (liturgy)|Mass]], the deacon's responsibilities include assisting the priest, proclaiming the Gospel, announcing the [[General Intercessions]], and distributing Communion. They may also preach the homily.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.usccb.org/liturgy/current/chapter4.shtml|title=Divine Worship|website=www.usccb.org|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110806061735/http://www.usccb.org/liturgy/current/chapter4.shtml|archive-date=6 August 2011|url-status=live|access-date=26 April 2018}}</ref> As clerics, deacons are required to pray the [[Liturgy of the Hours]]. Deacons, like priests and bishops, are ordinary ministers of the sacrament of [[Baptism]] and may witness at the sacrament of holy matrimony outside of Mass. Deacons may lead funeral rites outside Mass such as the final commendation at the gravesite or the reception of the body at a service in the funeral home, and may assist the priest at the requiem Mass. They can also preside over various services such as [[Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament]], and they may give certain blessings. While in ancient history their tasks and competencies varied, today deacons cannot hear confession and give absolution, anoint the sick, or celebrate Mass.

[[Image:Dalmatiek.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Ornately embroidered dalmatic, the proper vestment of the deacon (shown from the back with an appareled [[amice]])]]

The [[vestment]]s most particularly associated with the Latin Catholic deacon are the [[alb]], [[Stole (vestment)|stole]] and [[dalmatic]]. Deacons, like priests and bishops, must wear their albs and stoles; deacons place the stole over their left shoulder and it hangs across to their right side, while priests and bishops wear it around their necks. The dalmatic, a vestment especially associated with the deacon but originating with the bishop (see below), is worn during the celebration of the Mass and other liturgical functions; its use is more liberally applied than the corresponding vestment of the priest, the [[chasuble]]. At certain major celebrations, such as ordinations, the diocesan bishop wears a dalmatic under his chasuble, now taken to signify that he enjoys the fullness of the three degrees of holy orders—deacon, priest, and bishop, but owing its origin, like the sakkos of Byzantine-rite bishops, to the court dress of the eastern Roman Empire.

[[File:Deacon dalmatic 20100418.jpg|thumb|A [[Catholic]] deacon wearing his [[dalmatic]] and [[biretta]]|left|upright=0.75]]
The diaconate is conferred on seminarians continuing to the priesthood no sooner than 23 years of age (canon 1031 of the Code of Canon Law). As a permanent state, the diaconate can be conferred on single men 25 or older, and on married men 35 or older, but an older age can be required by the [[Episcopal conference|episcopal]] conference.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vatican.va/holy_father/paul_vi/motu_proprio/documents/hf_p-vi_motu-proprio_19670618_sacrum-diaconatus_en.html|title=Sacrum Diaconatus Ordinem |date=June 18, 1967|author=Pope Paul VI|publisher=Holy See|access-date=26 April 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141027142314/https://www.vatican.va/holy_father/paul_vi/motu_proprio/documents/hf_p-vi_motu-proprio_19670618_sacrum-diaconatus_en.html|archive-date=27 October 2014}}</ref> If a married deacon is widowed, he must maintain the celibate state. Under some very rare circumstances, however, deacons who have been widowed can receive permission to remarry. This is most commonly done when the deacon is left as a single father. In some cases, a widowed deacon will seek priestly ordination, especially if his children are grown.<ref>"National Directory for the Formation, Ministry and Life of Permanent Deacons in the United States", 2005, p. 36</ref>

A deacon is not [[Style (manner of address)|styled]] "Father" as a priest would be, but as "Deacon",<ref>"Deacon Trinidad Soc", ''Church of Our Lady of Sorrows'', bulletin, May 3, 2015, p. 1.</ref> abbreviated variously as "Dn." or "Dcn." This preferred method of address is stated in the 2005 document of the [[United States Conference of Catholic Bishops]], "National Directory for the Formation, Ministry and Life of Permanent Deacons in the United States". 

The proper address in written correspondence for all deacons of the Latin Church in the United States is "Deacon ''Name''",<ref>The Official Catholic Directory 2013, A-30</ref> although it is not uncommon to see "Rev. Mr." sometimes used. "Rev. Mr.", however, is more often used to indicate a transitional deacon (i.e., preparing for ordination to the priesthood) or one who belongs to a [[religious institute]], while Rev. Deacon is used as the honorific for permanent deacons in many dioceses (e.g., Rev. Deacon John Smith, or Deacon John Smith). The decision as to whether deacons wear the [[Clerical collar|Roman collar]] as street attire is left to the discretion of each bishop for his own diocese. Where clerical garb is approved by the bishop, the deacon can choose to wear or not wear the "collar".{{Citation needed|date=September 2008}}

Deacons, like seminarians, religious, and the two other orders, bishops and priests, pray the [[Liturgy of the Hours]]; however, deacons are usually only required to pray morning and evening prayer.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Hall|first=Christine|url=https://archive.org/details/deaconsministry00hall|url-access=registration|page=[https://archive.org/details/deaconsministry00hall/page/18 18]|quote=deacons are usually only required to pray Morning and Evening Prayer.|title=The Deacon's Ministry|date=1992|publisher=Gracewing Publishing|isbn=978-0-85244-182-4|language=en}}</ref>

===Eastern Orthodoxy and Eastern Catholicism===
[[Image:Orthodox Deacon.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Greek Orthodox]] deacon in the [[Church of the Nativity]] in [[Bethlehem]], wearing an [[orarion]] over his [[sticharion]]. On his head he wears the clerical [[kamilavka]].]]
[[File:Mshamshono Evangeloyo (Syrisch-Orthodoxer Diakon).jpg|thumb|upright|[[Syrian Orthodox]] deacon with the [[Orarion]] above the [[alb]], a censer and the [[Gospel]].]]

In addition to proclaiming the [[Gospel]] and assisting in the distribution of [[Holy Communion|holy communion]], the deacon [[thurible|censes]] the [[icon]]s and people, calls the people to prayer, leads the [[ektenia|litanies]], and has a role in the dialogue of the [[Anaphora (liturgy)|anaphora]]. In keeping with Eastern tradition, the deacon is not permitted to perform any [[Sacred Mysteries|sacred mysteries]] (sacraments) on their own, except for Baptism ''[[List of Latin phrases (F–O)#I|in extremis]]'' (in danger of death), conditions under which anyone, including the laity, may baptize. When assisting at a normal baptism, it is often the deacon who goes down into the water with the one being baptized ({{bibleverse||Acts|8:38|KJV}}). In contrast to the [[Roman Catholic Church]], deacons in the Eastern Churches may not preside at the celebration of marriages, as in Eastern theology the sacrament is conferred by the nuptial blessing of a priest.

Diaconal vestments are the [[sticharion]] (alb, although it has come to resemble the western dalmatic), the [[orarion]] (deacon's stole), and the [[epimanikia]] (cuffs). The last are worn under the sticharion, not over it as does a priest or bishop. The deacon usually wears a simple orarion which is only draped over the left shoulder but, if elevated to the rank of archdeacon, the deacon wears the "doubled-orarion", meaning it is passed over the left shoulder, under the right arm, and then crossed over the left shoulder (see photograph, right). In modern Greek practice, a deacon wears this doubled orarion from the time of their ordination. Also, in the Greek practice, a deacon wears the clerical [[kamilavka]] (cylindrical head covering) with a rim at the top. In Slavic practice, a [[hierodeacon]] (monastic deacon) wears the simple black kamilavka of a monk (without the rim), but removes the monastic veil (see [[klobuk]]) when vested; a married deacon would not wear a kamilavka unless it is given to them by the bishop as an [[ecclesiastical award]]; the honorary kamilavka is purple in colour, and may be awarded to either married or monastic clergy.

As far as street clothing is concerned, immediately following ordination a deacon receives a blessing to wear the ''[[exorasson]]'' ([[Arabic]]: ''Jib'be'', [[Church Slavonic language|Slavonic]]: r''iasa''), an outer cassock with wide sleeves, in addition to the ''[[anteri]]on'' (Slavonic: podriasnik), the inner cassock worn by all orders of clergy. In the Slavic practice, married clergy may wear any of a number of colours, but most often grey, while monastic clergy always wear black. In certain jurisdictions in North America and Western Europe, a [[Roman collar]] is often worn, although this is not a traditional or widespread practice.

A ''[[protodeacon]]'' ([[Ecclesiastical Greek]]: {{lang|grc|πρωτοδιάκονος}} {{lang|grc-Latn|protodiakonos}}, "first deacon") is a distinction of honor awarded to senior deacons, usually serving on the staff of the diocesan bishop. An ''[[archdeacon]]'' is similar, but is among the monastic clergy. Protodeacons and archdeacons use a double-length orarion even if it is not the local tradition for all deacons to use it. In the Slavic tradition a deacon may be awarded the doubled-orarion even if not a protodeacon or archdeacon.

[[File:Диакон.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Painting of a [[Russian Orthodox]] deacon leading an [[ektenia]] (litany) by [[Andrei Ryabushkin]] (1888)]]

According to the practice of the Greek Orthodox Church of America, in keeping with the tradition of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the most common way to address a deacon is "Father".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.goarch.org/resources/etiquette|title=Etiquette and Protocol|publisher=Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America|access-date=2009-03-21|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090402030616/http://goarch.org/resources/etiquette|archive-date=2009-04-02}}</ref> 

The tradition of kissing the hands of ordained clergy extends to the diaconate as well. This practice is rooted in the holy eucharist and is in acknowledgement and respect of the eucharistic role members of the clergy play in preparing, handling and disbursing the sacrament during the Divine Liturgy, and in building and serving the church as the Body of Christ.

===Lutheranism===
In the [[Lutheran Church]]es of the Scandinavian tradition, there is a threefold ministry of "bishops, priests, and deacons".<ref name="Svenskakyrkan2021">{{cite web |title=Ministry and Ministries |url=https://www.svenskakyrkan.se/ministry-and-ministries |publisher=[[Church of Sweden]] |access-date=12 May 2021 |language=English}}</ref> Until the 1960s, deacons in the [[Church of Sweden]] were required to be [[Clerical celibacy|celibate]].<ref name="Svenskakyrkan2021"/> For deacons, "vows made at ordination involve seeking and helping anyone in bodily or spiritual need, defending the rights of all, standing beside the oppressed, and exhorting God's people to all good works so that the love of God is made visible in the world."<ref name="Svenskakyrkan2021"/> An ordained deacon's charism includes "visits, helps, and supports those in bodily or spiritual need; gives Christian nurture and teaching in the faith; is a sign of merciful kindness in the parish and society at large, and in all things serves Christ in the neighbour".<ref name="Svenskakyrkan2021"/>

===Anglicanism===
[[Image:Stoledeacon.jpg|thumb|left|upright|An [[Anglicanism|Anglican]] priest vested as a deacon with an alb and a purple [[Stole (vestment)|stole]] over his left shoulder]]
In Anglican churches, such as the [[Church of England]] and the [[Free Church of England]], deacons are permitted to marry freely before or after ordination, as are Anglican priests. Most deacons are "transitional deacons", that is, preparing for the priesthood and they are usually ordained priests about a year after their diaconal ordination. However, there are some deacons who do not go on to receive priestly ordination, recognising a vocation to remain in the diaconate. A permanent deacon is also known as a "distinctive deacon", or a "vocational deacon".<ref>[[Diocese of Sheffield|The Diocese of Sheffield]], [https://www.sheffield.anglican.org/distinctive-deacons "Distinctive Deacons"], accessed 31 May 2022</ref><ref name=cn>Kimber, G., [https://cofedeacons.org/about-distinctive-deacons/what-is-a-distinctive-deacon-answering-some-questions/ "What is a Distinctive Deacon? Answering some questions"], CofE Network of Distinctive Deacons, accessed 31 May 2022</ref> 

Many provinces of the [[Anglican Communion]] ordain both women and men as deacons. Many of those provinces that ordain women to the priesthood previously allowed them to be ordained only to the diaconate. The effect of this was the creation of a large and overwhelmingly female diaconate for a time, as most men proceeded to be ordained priests after a short time as a deacon.

[[File:Church of England Ordination 1790.jpg|thumb|right|Certificate of ordination as a deacon in the Church of England given by [[Richard Terrick]], the Bishop of London, to Gideon Bostwick. February 24, 1770]]
Anglican deacons may [[baptism|baptize]] and in some dioceses are granted licences to [[wedding|solemnize matrimony]], usually under the instruction of their parish priest and bishop. Deacons are not able to preside at the [[eucharist]] (but can lead worship with the distribution of already-consecrated communion elements where this is permitted), nor can they pronounce God's absolution of sin or pronounce the Trinitarian blessing.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.katapi.org.uk/ChristianFaith/LXIII.htm#IV|title=The Christian Faith: Ch 63 – Ordination – (2) As a Sacrament|website=www.katapi.org.uk|access-date=26 April 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161229024332/http://www.katapi.org.uk/ChristianFaith/LXIII.htm#IV|archive-date=29 December 2016}}</ref> In most cases, deacons minister alongside other clergy.

An Anglican deacon wears an identical [[choir dress]] to an Anglican priest: [[cassock]], [[surplice]], [[tippet]] and [[academic regalia|academic hood]]. However, liturgically, deacons usually wear a [[Stole (vestment)|stole]] over their left shoulder and fastened on the right side of their waist. This is worn both over the surplice and the [[alb]]. A deacon might also wear a [[dalmatic]]. Church of England deacons are supported through the CofE Network of Distinctive Deacons (CENDD).<ref name=cn /> Bishop [[James Newcome]] of [[Diocese of Carlisle|Carlisle]] is the Distinctive Deacons’ Champion in the [[House of Bishops (Church of England)|House of Bishops]].<ref>CofE Network of Distinctive Deacons, [https://cofedeacons.org/about-the-network/ "About the Network"], accessed 30 May 2022</ref>

===Methodist churches===

In Methodism, deacons began as a transitional order before ordination as [[Elder (Methodist)|elders]] (presbyters). In 1996, the [[United Methodist Church]] ended the transitional deacon and established a new Order of Deacons to be equal in status with the Order of Elders. Both men and women may be ordained as deacons. Deacons serve in a variety of specialized ministries including, but not limited to, Christian education, music, communications and ministries of justice and advocacy. Unlike United Methodist elders, deacons must find their own place of service. Nevertheless, the bishop does officially approve and appoint deacons to their selected ministry.<ref>{{cite web|title=Deacons and Diaconal Ministers|url=http://www.gbhem.org/clergy/deacons-and-diaconal-ministers|publisher=General Board of Higher Education and Ministry – The United Methodist Church|access-date=23 February 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170223125110/http://www.gbhem.org/clergy/deacons-and-diaconal-ministers|archive-date=23 February 2017}}</ref> Deacons may assist the elder in the administration of Sacraments, but must receive special approval from a bishop before presiding over Baptism and holy communion.<ref>''The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church'', 2008, para. 328</ref> United Methodist deacons are present in North America, Europe and Africa.

The [[Methodist Church of Great Britain]] also has a permanent diaconate—based on an understanding of the [[New Testament]] that deacons have an equal, but distinct ministry from presbyters. Deacons are called to a ministry of service and witness, and "to hold before them the needs and concerns of the world". The [[Methodist Diaconal Order]] is both an order of ministry and a religious order within the Methodist Church in Britain. It was formed in 1989 as a successor to the Wesley Deaconess Order and is open to both women and men. Diaconal ministry is one of two ordained ministries within the Methodist Church.<ref>{{cite web|title=Deacons and Presbyters|url=http://methodistdiaconalorder.org.uk/index.php?page=deacons-and-presbyters|publisher=Methodist Diaconal Order|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131227082808/http://methodistdiaconalorder.org.uk/index.php?page=deacons-and-presbyters|archive-date=2013-12-27|access-date=2017-02-23}}</ref> The original Wesleyan Deaconess Order was founded by [[Thomas Bowman Stephenson]] in 1890, following observation of new ministries in urban areas in the previous years.<ref name="MDO-history">{{cite web|title=History of the MDO|url=http://methodistdiaconalorder.org.uk/index.php?page=history-of-the-mdo|publisher=Methodist Diaconal Order|access-date=23 February 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161012085958/http://methodistdiaconalorder.org.uk/index.php?page=history-of-the-mdo|archive-date=12 October 2016}}</ref> The order continued as the Wesley Deaconess Order following Methodist Union in 1932, but, following the admission of women to "The Ministry" (as presbyteral ministry is commonly termed in the Methodist Church), a number of deaconesses transferred and recruitment for the WDO ceased from 1978. The 1986 Methodist Conference re-opened the order to both men and women and the first ordinations to the renewed order occurred during the 1990 Conference in Cardiff, which coincided with celebrations of 100 years of diaconal service in British Methodism; deaconesses had previously been ordained at their annual [[convocation]].<ref name="MDO-history" />

The [[Methodist Church of Southern Africa]] ordains deacons who constitute a diaconal order, similar to that in the British church.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Order of Deacons|url=https://www.methodist.org.za/people/deacons|publisher=The Methodist Church of Southern Africa|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170223211910/https://www.methodist.org.za/people/deacons|archive-date=2017-02-23}}</ref>

===Reformed churches===

====Church of Scotland====
There are two distinct offices of deacon in the [[Church of Scotland]]. The best-known form of diaconate are trained and paid pastoral workers. The permanent diaconate was formerly exclusively female, and it was in 1988, the centenary year of the diaconate, that men were admitted to the office of deacon. The offices of deacon and minister are now both open to both women and men; deacons are now ordained (they were previously "commissioned").

The other office of deacon can be found in congregations formerly belonging to the [[Free Church of Scotland (1843–1900)|pre-1900 Free Church of Scotland]], with a "Deacons' Court" having responsibility for financial and administrative oversight of congregations. Only a few congregations still retain this constitutional model, with most having since adopted the Church of Scotland's "Model Constitution" (with a kirk session and congregational board) or "Unitary Congregation" (with just a kirk session). Most of the Free Church congregations united with the [[United Presbyterian Church of Scotland]] in 1900 creating the [[United Free Church of Scotland]], which itself united with the Church of Scotland in 1929.

====Related churches====

The 100+ congregations of the remnant [[Free Church of Scotland (since 1900)|post-1900 Free Church of Scotland]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Leadership & Team |url=https://dowanvale.org/leadership-team/ |access-date=2025-03-21 |website=Dowanvale Free Church of Scotland |language=en-GB}}</ref> alongside those of the [[Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland|Free Presbyterian Church]], the [[Associated Presbyterian Churches]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-04-18 |title=Inverness APC {{!}} Associated Presbyterian Church - Associated Presbyterian Churches |url=https://www.apchurches.org/congregations/inverness/ |access-date=2024-12-02 |language=en-GB}}</ref> and [[Reformed Presbyterian Church of Scotland|Reformed Presbyterian Church]], continue to ordain men as both elders and deacons, with deacons (operating through a Deacons' Court) caring for the financial and property requirements of the congregation, and attending to the mercy ministry of the local church.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Act 7, 1846 (VII) (Class 1) - Act anent the Duties of Elders and Deacons. 30th May 1846. |url=https://freechurch.org/acts-in-force/act-vii-1846-act-anent-the-duties-of-elders-and-deacons-edinburgh-30th-may-1846-sess-22/ |access-date=2024-12-01 |website=Free Church of Scotland |language=en-GB}}</ref> Both elders and deacons have to subscribe to the [[Westminster Confession of Faith]] before being ordained to the office.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Constitution |url=https://www.rpcscotland.org/what-we-believe/constitution/ |access-date=2024-12-01 |website=Reformed Presbyterian Church of Scotland |language=en}}</ref>
[[File:Ordination of Deacons.jpg|alt=Ordination of Deacons|thumb|The ordination of five new deacons in a [[Free Church of Scotland (since 1900)|Free Church of Scotland]], each signing 'The Formula', signifying his assent to the [[Westminster Confession of Faith]], with the ordaining minister looking on.]]

=== Other Presbyterian churches ===
One of [[John Calvin]]'s legacies was to restore the diaconate as a servant ministry.<ref>{{cite web |last=Apple |first=David S. |date=2005 |title=The Role of the Deaco |url=http://old.tenth.org/fileadmin/files_for_download/ACTS_articles/Role_of_the_Deacon.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413132304/http://old.tenth.org/fileadmin/files_for_download/ACTS_articles/Role_of_the_Deacon.pdf |archive-date=2014-04-13 |access-date=2013-10-23}}</ref> Individual congregations of the various [[Presbyterian]] denominations, such as the [[Presbyterian Church (USA)]], [[Presbyterian Church in America]] and [[Orthodox Presbyterian Church]], also elect deacons, along with [[Elder (Christianity)|elder]]s. However, in some churches the property-functions of the diaconate and session of elders is commended to an independent board of [[trustee]]s.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pcaac.org/resources/bco/|title=Book of Church Order (BCO) |publisher=Presbyterian Church in America: Administrative Committee|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171007192253/http://www.pcaac.org/resources/bco/|archive-date=7 October 2017|url-status=dead|access-date=26 April 2018}}</ref>

==== Dutch Reformed churches ====
In many Dutch Reformed churches deacons are charged with ministries of mercy. As such, the deacons are also members of the local church council. A special feature of the Dutch Reformed churches is the fact that the diaconate of each local church is its own legal entity with its own financial means, separated from the church itself, and governed by the deacons.

====Uniting Church in Australia====
In the [[Uniting Church in Australia]], the diaconate is one of two offices of ordained ministry. The other is Minister of the Word.

Deacons in the Uniting Church are called to minister to those on the fringes of the church and be involved in ministry in the community. Deacons offer leadership in a ministry of service to the world. The primary focus of the ministry of deacons is on care and compassion for the poor and oppressed and in seeking social justice for all people. They take both an active role in leadership in such actions themselves, but are also play a key role in encouraging other Uniting Church members in similar action.

Some examples of service that deacons may take include: prison chaplaincy, acting as youth or community workers, in community service agencies, in schools and hospitals, or in mission placements in Australia or overseas. Although the primary responsibility for worship in congregations lies with the Ministers of the Word, deacons have a liturgical role appropriate to their distinctive ministry, including ministries where their main leadership is within a congregation.

In the Uniting Church both ministers of the word and deacons are styled ''The Reverend''.

The [[Uniting Church]] has recognised deacons since union, but it was not until the 6th Assembly in 1991 that the Uniting Church began ordaining deacons. This was partly because the historical, theological and sociological roles of deaconesses and deacons was being widely discussed in Churches throughout the world at the time that the Basis of Union was being drafted <ref>McCaughey, J. D. ''Commentary on the Basis of Union'', Uniting Church Press: Melbourne, 1980.</ref>

===Anabaptist Churches===
====Amish====
The [[Amish]] have deacons; they are elected by a council and receive no formal training.

====Schwarzenau Brethren====
=====Church of the Brethren=====
The [[Church of the Brethren]] also have deacons, as do other Brethren denominations. They are elected by the congregation to serve in ministries of compassion. They are elected for life in some congregations.

===Baptists===
[[Baptists]] traditionally recognize two ordained positions in the church: elders (pastors) and deacons, as per [[1 Timothy]] 3. Some Baptist churches in the Reformed tradition recognize elder and pastor as separate offices.

Baptists have traditionally practised [[congregationalism]], giving each church the ability to discern for themselves the interpretation of scripture. Thus, Baptist churches hold a wide variety of views on the qualifications and activities of deacons: some Baptist churches have the deacons decide many of the church affairs, while others have deacons in serving roles only.

The predominant view among Baptist churches (especially theologically conservative ones, including the majority of [[Southern Baptist]] and [[Independent Baptist]] churches) is that a deacon must be a male, and married (or a widower) and not divorced previously. If a deacon subsequently divorces, he must relinquish his office (but if his wife dies he may continue to serve). However, there are Baptist churches where women are allowed to be deacons or deaconesses (primarily in the United Kingdom and in the United States among African-American and theologically moderate churches). In the [[General Association of Regular Baptist Churches]], deacons can be any adult male member of the congregation who is in good standing.

In some African American [[Missionary Baptists|Missionary Baptist]] churches and in churches affiliated with the [[National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.]] male and female deacons serve as one board. Other churches may have two separate boards of deacons and deaconesses. Most often the deacon or deacon candidate is a long-standing member of the church, being middle aged, but younger deacons may be selected from among members of a family that has had several generations in the same church. They are elected by quorum vote annually. Their roles are semi-pastoral in that they fill in for the pastor on occasion, or support the pastor vocally during his sermon. They may also lead a special prayer service, generally known as "The deacon's Prayer". Their other roles are to accompany the pastor during [[Eucharist|Communion]] by handing out the remembrances of bread and wine (or grape juice) and to set a good example for others to follow. Their administrative duties sometimes include oversight of the treasury, Sunday school curriculum, transportation, and various outreach ministries.

See [[Baptist Distinctives]] for a more detailed treatment of deacons in churches in other associations, particularly the UK.

===Quakers===
Deacons in the structure of most meetings of the [[Religious Society of Friends]] (Quakers) are called overseers. This is not an ordained role but rather a temporary ministry that is discerned every three years. They are responsible for coordinating pastoral care within a community while elders (the equivalent of the Biblical presbyterate) take care of the spiritual concerns of the meeting. Other names include "pastoral care" or "care and counsel".

===Church of Christ===
In accordance with [[Churches of Christ|Church of Christ]] doctrine and practice, only males may serve as deacons (deaconesses are not recognized), and must meet Biblical qualifications (generally [[1 Timothy]] 3:8–13 is the Biblical text used to determine if a male is qualified to serve as deacon). A deacon may also be qualified to serve as an [[Elder (Christianity)|elder]] (and, in fact, may move into that role after a period of time if his service as deacon is considered acceptable).

The role of the deacon varies, depending on the local congregation. Generally a deacon will have responsibility for a specific non-spiritual function (e.g. finance, building and grounds, benevolence); however, the deacons (like the rest of the congregation) are under the subjection of the elders, who have spiritual and administrative authority over the deacon's function.

In congregations which lack qualified elders (where, in their absence, the men of the congregation handle leadership duties), often there also are no deacons, as they are usually appointed by the elders of the church.{{citation needed|date=May 2025}}

===Irvingian churches===
====New Apostolic Church====
In the [[New Apostolic Church]], the deacon ministry is a local ministry. A deacon mostly works in his home congregation to support the priests. If a priest is unavailable, a deacon will hold a divine service, without the act of communion. (Only priests and up can consecrate holy communion.)

===Restorationist Churches===
====The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints====
{{main|Deacon (Latter Day Saints)}}
The office of deacon is generally open to all 12- and 13-year-old male members of the [[the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints|LDS church]]; all are encouraged to become deacons. Duties include:

* Gather fast offerings.
* Pass the sacrament.
* Serve as the bishop's messenger.
* Care for the grounds and physical facilities of the church.
* Assist in service projects or welfare assignments as assigned by the bishop.
* Watch over the church and act as standing ministers (see [[Doctrine and Covenants|D&C]] 84:111).
* Be involved in missionary and reactivation efforts (see D&C 20:58–59).
* Assist teachers in all their duties as needed (see D&C 20:53, 57).

===={{lang|it|italic=no|Iglesia ni Cristo}}====
{{lang|it|italic=no|[[Iglesia ni Cristo]]}}'s deacons serve as etiquette checkers and offering collectors for males during worship services, with deaconesses as their female counterparts. In the Iglesia ni Cristo, deacons and deaconesses are usually required to be married. There are also head deacons (an exclusively male role with no head deaconess counterpart) who lead the congregation in the prayer before the sermon and the prayer for offerings. They can also be promoted to Bishops if they are faithful to the rules.
====Jehovah's Witnesses====
Deacons among [[Jehovah's Witnesses]] are referred to as [[Organizational structure of Jehovah's Witnesses#Ministerial servants|ministerial servants]], claiming it preferable to translate the descriptive Greek term used in the Bible rather than merely transliterate it as though it were a title.<ref>"Questions From Readers", ''The Watchtower'', June 15, 1962, pp. 383−84, "The religious words or titles 'bishop' and 'deacon' are simply words that have been more or less closely transliterated into the English language; that is, they are carried over much like the way they appear in the Greek instead of being translated. These two words are {{lang|grc-Latn|epískopos}} and {{lang|grc-Latn|diákonos}}.&nbsp;... However, at an early time the apostate church made titles out of these designations and applied them to men who held positions&nbsp;...known as 'bishops' and 'deacons'.&nbsp;... New World Translation as well as certain others, such as An American Translation, do not render {{lang|grc-Latn|epískopos}} and {{lang|grc-Latn|diákonos}} as titles but according to the meaning of the words, as 'overseers' or 'superintendents' and as 'assistants' or 'ministerial servants'." [emphasis retained from original]</ref> Appointed ministerial servants aid [[Elder (Christianity)#Jehovah's Witnesses|elders]] in congregational duties. Like the elders, they are adult baptized males<ref>"Those 'Acquiring a Fine Standing'", ''Our Kingdom Ministry'', September 1978, p. 1, "The Bible sets high standards for a ministerial servant. (1 Tim. 3:8–10, 12) Brothers recommended should clearly be meeting these. Becoming a ministerial servant is no routine thing; it is not as if almost every adult, baptized male should have the position as a sort of titleholder. Ministerial servants should be exemplary, spiritual men."</ref> and serve without a salary.<ref>"Congregations for Building Up in Love and Unity", ''Doing God's Will'', 1986 Watch Tower, p. 12, "As in the first century, so today, qualified, mature, and experienced Christian men are designated as elders, or overseers [among Jehovah's Witnesses]. These supervise the congregation and look after its spiritual needs. They are assisted by other faithful men known as ministerial servants. These men receive no salary or other financial benefit but serve voluntarily, meeting their own expenses"</ref>