Catholic scholar and author Phyllis Zagano speaks during a symposium on the history and future of women deacons at Fordham University's Lincoln Center campus in New York City. Looking on is Jesuit Father Bernard Pottier, a member of the Vatican's International Theological Commission. The event was hosted by the Fordham Center on Religion and Culture. Photo: CNS photo/Gregory A. Shemitz The majority of people would reject the introduction of female deacons to their parish according to a survey conducted by this paper.
Over 1,300 people responded to a social media survey with two-thirds saying they would not support their diocese if this was considered.
Overall 979 people voted against the idea, while 361 approved.
This comes as Phyllis Zagano, who was appointed to the Papal Commission for the Study of the Diaconate of Women in 2016, said that if the Church decides to restore women to the diaconate it would be up to individual bishops to decide what to do in their diocese. The commission sent their report to the Pope several months ago.
It is not known what Pope Francis will do with the report, the contents of which have not been disclosed. He may publish it, send the question out for more consideration or simply allow each episcopal conference to decide if female deacons are needed in each territory.
This continues to be a growing discussion in Ireland as the amount of vocations to the priesthood decline.
Read Phyllis Zagano’s article ‘What about women deacons?‘ featured last week.