Leading authorities in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom explore the diaconate from a variety of perspectives, particularly those of the Anglican Communion, the Roman Catholic Church and the Ukrainian Catholic Church. There are also contributions from the Methodist and Lutheran traditions.

The historical development of the order of deacons and its theological basis in the Western and Eastern Churches is discussed. The contributors examine topical issues such as the case for and against the retention of the transitional diaconate and the place of women in the diaconate. There are essays on the roles of the deacon in prophetic ministry, liturgy and worship, the diaconate in ecumenical dialogue, and best practices in the formation of deacons.

Adopting an ecumenical perspective, the authors emphasize the relevance and potential of the diaconate for the Churches in the twenty-first century, finding much common ground as well as some differences between the Christian traditions. The book therefore makes a significant contribution to contemporary international ecumenical dialogue, notably between the Roman Catholic and Anglican Communions.