Irish bishop bows to pressure, shelves plans for permanent diaconate
September 16, 2014
An Irish bishop has decided not to institute the permanent diaconate in his diocese, because of protests from supporters of women’s ordination.
Bishop Kieran O’Reilly of Killaloe had begun recruiting candidates for the diaconate, when opposition arose among some women in the diocese. Quickly reacting to the pressure, Bishop O’Reilly announced: “I will not now proceed with the introduction of the permanent diaconate at this time in the diocese.”
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Posted by: Don Vicente -
Sep. 16, 2014 9:52 PM ET USA
You know, it's quite remarkable: the restoration of permanent Diaconate was called for in so many words by Vatican II. This isn't some theologian's interpretation: anyone can go to the actual text of Lumen Gentium. The "Conciliarist" mask has slipped noticably from the feminists opposing Bishop O'Reilly's implementation of the Diaconate. They have no interest in the actual teaching of Vatican II, just in a power play. Sorry His Grace gave in.
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Posted by: mario.f.leblanc5598 -
Sep. 16, 2014 9:44 PM ET USA
I was unaware that any dioceses in the Western world had yet to (re)introduce the permanent diaconate. It's a bit sad that a bishop attempting to implement one of the key ideas of the Second Vatican Council should bow to popular pressure as reported. Also, the title of the press report quoted is misleading, which will come as no surprise to users of CC: a permanent deacon is not a lay minister, but an ordained one, and thus can only be a male as we all know.
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Posted by: [email protected] -
Sep. 16, 2014 8:22 PM ET USA
Wow! What a coward that he would fold so quickly. Does he think these herectical females deserve a hearing or should be just booted. If he cannot follow doctrine then he should resign.
