College Theology Society Book of the Year. A serious effort to faithfully investigate the history and canonical viability of the female diaconate. Based on thorough research, as well as sound historical and theological analysis and reflection, this book makes a significant and historica contribution to the discussion and development of women's roles in the contemporary church. With meticulous documentation, Zagano (communications, Boston Univ., and chair of the Roman Catholic group American Academy of Religion) provides scholarly argument supporting restoration of the role of ordained deacon to women in the Catholic Church. Zagano calls upon accepted ancient and official modern sources in scripture, history, theology, and canon law to advocate formalization of this ministry for contemporary pastoral needs. By separating ordination to the priesthood from ordination as deacon--seen as a vocation in itself, not merely as a step toward priesthood--the author objectively and evenhandedly supplies thorough evidence and historical precedents to conclude that such ministry is canonically possible and most necessary today. This unique study brings balance and reason to an issue long under official study; and whether or not one agrees with this form of ministry for women, it is certain that women will continue to serve as proclaimers and healers within ecclesial structures. Recommended, especially for seminaries and academic collections. -Anna M. Donnelly, St. John's Univ., Jamaica, NY Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. "This book contains a lot of interesting material and should be in the library of everyone studying the ordination of women to the diaconate in the Catholic Church." -- John Wijngaards Motivated by the pastoral needs of the faithful...Phyllis Zagano proffers a case for the restoration of the female diaconate in this succinct and clear work...This is a lucid work which maintains its focus, substantiates its thesis, and has the pastoral needs of the Church always in view --Michael J. Tkacik, Catholic Studies Even "Father Z" is reading Holy Saturday! Look carefully at the bottom of the stack on the left: wdtprs.com/blog/2012/01/stacks/ Zagano provides scholarly argument supporting restoration of the role of ordained deacon to women in the Catholic Church. Recommended, especially for seminaries. Library Journal , -Anna M. Donnelly, St. John's Univ., Jamaica, NY US Catholic interview with Dr. Phyllis Zagano on women deacons: uscatholic.org/church/2011/11/woman-altar-can-church-ordain-women-deacons Phyllis Zagano, Ph.D.is senior research associate-in-residence at Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY and a founding co-chair of the Roman Catholic Studies Group of the American Academy of Religion. Used Book in Good Condition