The portal for Deacons in the Uniting Church in Australia
This section contains key documents related to the renewal of the diaconate in the UCA.
Sandy Boyce visited Kaiswerswerth Diakonie in June 2011. This is a significant place for the deaconess movement in 19th century in Germany. The influence of the deaconess movement quickly spread to other parts of the world. The attached article is a compilation of resources on the history and influence of Kaiserswerth Diakonie, which this year celebrates 175 years.
Visit to Kaiserswerther Diakonie June 2011
The Lavender Report was the result of the 1995 Assembly decision to initiate the preparation of a report that would spell out the responsibilities and functioning of diaconal ministry in the UCA. Foundational reading and recommended to anyone interested in the history of diaconal ministry in the UCA. Lavender Report
John Collins is a New Testament scholar. He challenges the notion that diakonia is about acts of charity and service of neighbour. The UCA has a broad understanding of diakonia and it is helpful to challenge assumptions that may llimit diaconal ministry to acts of charity and service. This article is an interesting read and invites some further exploration. John Collins article 1
A bibliography prepared by Alison McRae for the National Diaconal Ministry Intensive 2001. A great resource! Selected Bibliography for Diaconal Ministry
An historical overview of liturgical dress, with relevance to Deacons. Liturgical Dress in the UCA by Robert Gribben 2
Occasional Papers are available to download on the Documents/Papers link on the top banner of this website. Volumes 1-10 (Volume #3 is missing – we will upload when we track it down and scan it in!). These papers are invaluable references on diaconal ministry in general, and the renewal of the UCA diaconate in particular.
Deacons leading worship may choose to wear liturgical dress, and the UCA has prepared general guidelines on liturgical dress. Importantly, a Deacon may wear a stole across their body (symbolic of the towel Jesus wrapped around him when he washed the feet of the disciples), over their left shoulder and secured at the right hip. Alternatively, Deacons may wear a stole that hangs down at the front exactly the same as a Minister of the Word. A Deacon candidate or Intern may wear the blue UCA ‘scarf’. You can read more in the guidelines, Guidelines on Liturgical Dress
At the conclusion of a Deacon’s placement, there should be a recognition of the the end of the placement as well as cutting of the pastoral responsibilities. A service outline is here, A Service to Mark the Conclusion of a Placement
This service is to be used to recognise the commencement of a Deacon Intern in placement, and can be downloaded here. The Service of Recognition of an Intern
This service is for a Deacon already ordained, and being inducted into a placement. It is the official order of service from Uniting in Worship and can be viewed here, deaconinduction.