The Community of Deacons

The Community of Deacons

“Deacons are to model and lead, by inspiring, empowering, and engaging every baptized person in living out the diakonia of all believers in everyday life.”

"Diakonia: A Statement of Theology", Association for Episcopal Deacons, June 2016

The Ven. S. Jane Griesbach, St. Francis, Holden. Photo: submitted

The Rev. Beatrice Kayigwa, All Saints, Worcester. Photo: submitted

The Rev. Terry Hurlbut, St. David's, Agawam. Photo: Rev. Eric Elley

The Rev. Rachael "Jac" Essing, St. Paul's, Holyoke. Photo: Rev. Tanya Wallace

The Rev. Ann Wood, Retired. Photo: Sts. James & Andrew, Greenfield

The Rev. Audrey Cronin, Good Shepherd, Oxford. Photo: submitted

”In diakonia, those serving and those served are both transformed; the purpose of diakonia is to make Christ’s redemptive love known by word and example, not to proselytize.”

"Diakonia: A Statement of Theology", Association for Episcopal Deacons, June 2016

Left: The Rev. Linda Taupier, Christ Church Cathedral, Springfield. Right: The Rev. Pat O'Connell, Family Leave. Photo: submitted

“Christ’s suffering on the cross compels us to identify especially with those of our sisters and brothers who suffer today, moving beyond politeness and pretense, breaking the silence and risking speaking truth to power, even when this threatens the established order and results in hardship or persecution. This is the heart of the prophetic diaconal calling.”

"Diakonia: A Statement of Theology", Association for Episcopal Deacons, June 2016

The Rev. Beth Washburn, St. Stephen's, Westborough & St. Paul's, Hopkinton. Photo: submitted

The Rev. Jason Burns, St. John's, Northampton. Photo: submitted

The Rev. Dianne Wilson, St. Michael's-on-the-Heights, Worcester. Photo: Episcopal WMA

The Rev. Michael Hamilton, Holy Spirit, Sutton. Photo: submitted

“Deacons do not – cannot – 'do' diakonia on behalf of the baptized, but they help to lead all people, including the ordained, into the servant ministry of all believers which is the essence of our baptismal covenant.”

"Diakonia: A Statement of Theology", Association for Episcopal Deacons, June 2016

The Rev. Eric Elley, St. Mark's, East Longmeadow; Digital Minister of the Southern New England Conference, UCC. Photo: SNECUCC @ Facebook