"This helpful collection of academic essays, many of them newly translated into English, shows that the idea of reconstituting the diaconate for women has been around for a very long time. Phyllis Zagano is second to none in the pursuit of this question, and her introduction summarizes beautifully what everyone should know who is interested in the issue."Carolyn Osiek, RSCJ, Charles Fischer Professor of New Testament, Emerita, Brite Divinity School "The ministry of women in the Church continues to be a vital issue. This new collection presents us with an ample dossier of carefully researched essays on the history of women deacons and the possibility of restoring this valuable ministry today. We owe Phyllis Zagano a debt of gratitude for collecting these pieces, many of them appearing for the first time in English. This book deserves serious attention by historians, theologians, and Church leaders alike."John Baldovin, SJ, Boston College School of Theology & Ministry "Since the reestablishment of the permanent diaconate at the Second Vatican Council, some 42,000 men have been ordained throughout the world to serve as deacons. At the same time, there has been a parallel conversation about the possibility of women as ordained deacons. Dr. Zagano and her collaborators have collected important articles on the history and theology of the diaconate for women, some translated into English for the first time. This volume is an indispensable resource for the continuing discussion."Emil A. Wcela, Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus, Diocese of Rockville Centre, New York; Past President, Catholic Biblical Association "Zagano has now assembled an anthology that summarizes the state of current scholarship. Let s see what the Pope s committee comes up with. In the meantime, read this book and get up to date. You won t regret it."Rev. Michael Gilligan, PhD, Parish Liturgy Magazine "A major and essential contribution to the debate on the issue of women in ministry."Robert F. Taft, SJ, Fellow of the British Academy "Dr. Zagano offers a deep understanding of the lost roles of women deacons in the church, supporting the importance of reestablishing the role for women."Catholic Press Association, first place award in gender issues category "Timely and essential reading for anyone interested in the topic and the commission s work."National Catholic Reporter, Luke Hanson, Santa Clara University "Wherever you are on the spectrum of support or distaste for the ministry of women deacons, this book will intrigue you. Zagano s answers are clear. You can t help but be informed, if not overwhelmed, by the research and knowledge that Zagano has made available."Diana Atkinson, Tui Motu InterIslands