An Excerpt From…

THE [PROVISIONAL] CANONS OF THE UNITED ANGLICAN CHURCH

As Adopted in Synod, February 2002, Hudson, Florida

18.  OF DEACONESSES

Canon 18.01.  A Woman of devout character and proved fitness, unmarried or widowed, may be appointed and set apart as a Deaconess by the Bishop. Such appointment and setting apart is not under any circumstances to be construed as Ordination, and the office of Deaconess is not under any circumstances to be construed as being within Holy Orders. Subsequent marriage shall terminate the appointment and vacate the act of the Bishop in setting apart of a Deaconess.

Canon 18.02.  A Deaconess shall assist in the work of the Parish or institution to which she may be assigned under the direction of the Rector or Priest in Charge or, if there be none, or if she is not assigned to any Parish or institution, she shall work and function under the direction of the Bishop.

Canon 18.03.  The work and function of a Deaconess are: (1) to care for the sick, the afflicted, and the poor; (2) to give instruction in the Christian Faith; (3) under the direction of the Rector or Priest in Charge, to prepare Candidates for Baptism and Confirmation; (4) to organize and carry out the Church’s work among women and children; (5) under exceptional circumstances, with the approval of the Bishop, to read such portions of the services of the Church as are entrusted to Lay Readers (except the Epistle at Holy Communion); (6) to organize and carry out social work in colleges and schools and to promote the welfare of women students.

Canon 18.04.  A woman desiring to be appointed and set apart as a Deaconess shall submit to the Bishop (1) endorsement of her aspirations by the Rector of the Parish of which she is a member, or if such Parish has no Rector, by some other Priest; (2) recommendation and endorsement of the vestry of the said Parish; (3) a report of the Examining Chaplains that she has passed the examination required by said Board for Deaconesses; (4) proof of the date and place of her Baptism and Confirmation; (5) proof that she is over the age of 24 and meets all the requirements specified in the foregoing Canon; (6) certificate by one or more physicians as to her physical, mental, and emotional health; and (7) recommendation by the Council of Advice of the Diocese.

Canon 18.05.  A Deaconess may be suspended or her appointment vacated by the Bishop for cause, but she may demand trial as provided in Canon 7.09.

 Restated here…

Function of the Deaconess in the United Anglican Church

The work and functions of a Deaconess are…

(1)   To care for the sick, the afflicted, and the poor.

(2)   To give instruction in the Christian Faith.

(3)   Under the direction of the Rector or Priest in Charge, to prepare Candidates for Baptism and Confirmation.

(4)   To organize and carry out the Church’s work among women and children.

(5)   Under exceptional circumstances, with the approval of the Bishop, to read such portions of the services of the Church as are entrusted to Lay Readers (except the Epistle at Holy Communion).

(6)   To organize and carry out social work in colleges and schools and to promote the welfare of women students.

Process of Becoming a Deaconess

A woman desiring to be a Deaconess submits to the Bishop Ordinary of the Diocese:

(1)   Endorsement of her aspirations by the Rector of the Parish of which she is a member, or if such Parish has no Rector, by some other Priest.

(2)   Recommendation and endorsement of the vestry of said Parish.

(3)   A report of the Examining Chaplains that she has passed the examination required by said Board for Deaconesses.

(4)   Proof of the date and place of her Baptism and Confirmation.

(5)   Proof that she is over the age of 24 and meets all the requirements specified in the foregoing Canon.

(6)   Certificate by one or more physicians as to her physical, mental, and emotional health.

(7)   Recommendation by the Council of Advice of the Diocese.

Educational Preparation

Laud Hall Seminary Courses…

(1)   Salt and Light – SL101 and SL102.

(2)   Deaconess (to be written).

(3)   Pastoral Counseling.