Sentences with phrase «deaconesses belonged»

The burden of proof seems to lie with those who argue that deaconesses belonged to the same order as deacons.

In my judgment, the evidence to date indicates that deaconesses belonged to a women's order analogous to the male diaconate, carried out a ministry to women (in the congregation or in a monastic community), were ordained in rites similar but not identical to those for men (e.g., the typology in the prayers is either feminine or masculine), and were prohibited from the liturgical ministry at the altar entrusted to deacons.