Description
Book SynopsisAn illuminating historical study of an often overlooked section of the Anglican clergy, tracing the role of the diaconate from the Reformation to the present day and clarifying the debate about its future.
Trade Review"Francis Young's meticulous scholarship and expert grasp of his subject make 'Inferior Office?' a valuable missing piece for understanding how ministry in the Church of England has developed since the Reformation. It is original, beautifully written, and compelling in its proposals for the role a permanent diaconate might play in the twenty-first century church." -Bridget Nichols, Lay Chaplain to the Bishop of Ely "Dr Young's book is a welcome antidote to the generally impoverished view of the diaconate that has prevailed in the Church of England in recent years. It is a timely and significant contribution to the Church of England's understanding of the order of deacons within her threefold ministry, and will be a valuable and informative tool for those charged with the restructuring of the allocation of church resources in the 21st century." -Dr Serenhedd James, Hon Research Fellow of St Stephen's House, Oxford "This is a thought-provoking book for all clergy who are intentional about the ongoing debate of the value of the distinctive Diaconate and of the ministry it can offer to the wider church." -Reverend Mandy Herriman, The Messenger, August 2015 "Young's Scholarship adds much to our understanding of the diaconate within the threefold ministry in the Church of England." -Stephen Platten, Theology 119 (2), March-April 2016 "Young's book leaves the reader much better informed about the history and purpose of the diaconate..." -John Darch, Anvil, Vol. 32 Iss. 1, November 2016 "Francis Young stands clearly on the side of his deacons and is to be congratulated for producing such a handy, concise account of this neglected branch of the ministry - a branch that many think the Church has yet to fully exploit." -Andrew Foster, British Catholic History, 2016
Table of ContentsIntroduction Chapter 1: Deacons and the Reformation, 1550-1642 Chapter 2: Deacons from Restoration to Reform, 1660-1832 Chapter 3: The Victorian Call for Deacons, 1839-1901 Chapter 4: Deacons in the Twentieth Century Chapter 5: Deacons Today Conclusion
