Deaconess

Elizabeth Catherine Ferard, first deaconess of the Church of England

A deaconess is a woman who performs certain functions in the Church. Certain Protestant, Eastern Orthodox, and Oriental Ortohdox Churches have created this role. Unlike men, deaconesses are not ordained. They see their role in pastoral care, and ofteen they also have a limited role during the liturgy. So far, the Roman Catholic Church does not have this role for women, but therehave been discussons in the past, if it should be created.