The Deacon's Bench
From the press release:
CARA, The Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate at Georgetown University, has released results of a new survey of religious superiors, female and male, in the United States regarding the sacramental ordination of women as deacons.
The survey sought to understand these superiors’ awareness of and attitudes about The Study Commission on the Women’s Diaconate. Pope Francis stated his intention to form this papal commission during a 2016 meeting with the International Union of Superiors General (UISG) when he was asked by a superior “What prevents the Church from including women among permanent deacons?” In his answer Pope Francis remarked, “I would like to constitute an official commission to study the question: I think it will be good for the Church to clarify this point.” The papal commission was formed and met for the first time in November 2016.
Overall, 76% of religious superiors were aware of the commission before being surveyed and 69% knew that the commission had formed and met. Seventy-three percent of responding superiors believe it is theoretically possible to sacramentally ordain women as deacons (77% of female superiors and 76% of male superiors). Seventy-two percent believe the Catholic Church should authorize sacramental ordination of women as deacons (74% of female superiors and 69% of male superiors). Despite the majority believing it is possible and that the Church should authorize female deacons, a minority, 45% of the respondents, believe the Church will do so (50% of female superiors and 35% of male superiors). If the sacramental ordination of deacons were authorized by the Church, 58% of superiors believe their bishop would implement this and sacramentally ordain women as deacons.
Seventy-eight percent of superiors believe the sacramental ordination of women as deacons would be “somewhat’ or “very much” important for the Catholic Church (53% “very much” only). Yet, many do not believe this would be as important to their community. Forty-five percent believe female deacons would be “somewhat” or “very much” important for their religious institute or society (16% “very much” only). A majority of respondents, 64% were at least “somewhat” aware of any history of women ordained as deacons.
Many, 84%, also believe that the sacramental ordination of women as deacons would at least “somewhat” create a greater call for women to be ordained as priests. On multiple occasions, Pope Francis has noted that female priests are not an option. Most recently, in a 2018 interview with Reuters, he remarked, “John Paul II was clear and closed the door, and I won’t turn on this. It was a serious thing, not capricious.” Most superiors of women’s institutes or societies do not believe that an opening for female deacons would bring more candidates to their community. Sixty-one percent do not believe they would see an increase in candidates, 18% didn’t know if they would, 17% thought maybe they would see more candidates and 4% believe the sacramental ordination of women as deacons would increase the number of candidates seeking to join their institute or society. Half of female superiors do not believe any of their current members would be interested in becoming a deacon.
And you can read the complete survey here.
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