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The article discusses the question of the role of women in the Catholic Church in Germany. It is pointed out that the position of women in the Church is being discussed worldwide and that many churches are demanding greater recognition and inclusion of women. In Germany, it has been decided to recognize and strengthen the diaconate of women. It is emphasized that women are already active in pastoral practice and that it would be desirable to also sacramentally recognize their role. There are various initiatives and support for the issue, but so far no significant results from the Pope's commission. It is emphasized that vocations need conditions and that it is the responsibility of the local churches to create and promote good conditions for vocations. The article also deals with the role of non-ordained men and women in pastoral care in the Diocese of Osnabrück and emphasizes the importance of well-trained volunteers. It is argued that it is urgently necessary to open the diaconate to women and to enable women to hold responsible positions in the Church. [Extracted from the article]

The Caritas, the welfare association of the Catholic Church in Germany, has a high proportion of female employees. Women already take on many pastoral activities but do not have access to all positions in the church. It is argued that a change in thinking is necessary to strengthen the diaconate of women and combat discrimination against women in the church. Many local churches are calling for openness towards women in order to increase the credibility of the church. It is recommended to reflect on the theology of the diaconate and promote the participation of women in decision-making processes. [Extracted from the article]

The article "»Do not wait for time, because time does not wait for you« (Catherine of Siena)" in the magazine Diakonia discusses the topic of the diaconate for women in the Catholic Church. It is pointed out that there were deaconesses in the early Church, but that this role is not recognized in modern times. The article also mentions the annual "Day of the Deaconess," which has been taking place since 1998 and is supported by various women's associations. The goal of this action day is to end the discrimination of women in the Church and to promote equal participation of women in all areas of the Church. The article calls for the inclusion of women in the ecclesiastical structure of offices and the introduction of the sacramental diaconate for women. It emphasizes that the time for action has come and that women and men should have equal dignity and equality in the Church. [Extracted from the article]

The Network for the Diaconate of Women advocates for the sacramental ordination of women as deacons in the Roman Catholic Church. It was founded in 1997 and has launched various initiatives in German dioceses. Although there are officially no female deacons in the Catholic Church, the first 13 women were certified in 2002. Despite resistance and criticism, the network has continued to fight for the training of female deacons. In 2019, it launched its third diaconate circle with the theme "Diaconal Leadership Services for Women". The fifth synodal assembly in March 2023 voted overwhelmingly in favor of opening the sacramental diaconate to women, which the network considers a success of its work. It emphasizes the need to exercise the diaconate jointly by women and men in order to achieve a gender-equitable and diaconal church. [Extracted from the article]

The article by Margit Eckholt titled "The Significance of the Female Diaconate for the Development of a Fraternal Church: Theological and Pastoral Reflections" discusses the theological and pastoral importance of the female diaconate in the Catholic Church. It points out that women were active as deaconesses in the early centuries and received sacramental ordination. However, over time, the office of deaconess became an honorary position and merged with the office of abbess. In the Western tradition, the office of deaconess was no longer provided for in the second millennium, and women had no access to sacramental ordination. However, discussions about the female diaconate continue. It emphasizes that the question of the female diaconate should be discussed in relation to a reflection on the theological and pastoral significance of the diaconate. The article refers to the network "Diakonat der Frau" (Diaconate of Women) and provides a link to the website www.diakonat.de. [Extracted from the article]

The article "The Dynamics of Beginnings as a Lasting Challenge: New Testament Perspectives on the Question of the Diaconate of Women" by Hanneliese Steichele discusses the question of the diaconate of women in the New Testament. It emphasizes that the interpretation of relevant passages can vary and that personal convictions can influence interpretation. The significance of the terms "diakonein, diakonia, diakonos" in the New Testament is examined, and it is pointed out that they can include both men and women. The article also addresses the problem of translating the Greek original text into German. It argues that women could play a significant role in the church and that the church should adapt to changing gender roles. [Extracted from the article]

The article "On the significance of the diaconate of women for the pastoral care of the Church in Germany: It is time for a new and credible commitment to humanity" by Franz-Josef Bode discusses the possible introduction of the diaconate for women in the Church in Germany. The diaconate represents the diaconal service of the Church and the service to humanity, especially the poor and disadvantaged. Women already play an important role in the diaconal work of the Church and should also be able to play a role in the diaconate. It is argued that the Church should open itself to new ways of ordination in order to recognize the female contribution in pastoral care. The Bishop's Synod in Rome is called upon to conduct a thorough discussion on the diaconate of women. [Extracted from the article]

The article titled "And if not?" deals with the question of how people can continue to live in the Catholic Church if their hopes for changes regarding the sacramental diaconate of women are disappointed. The author emphasizes that the positions of the Vatican are clear and that women are not allowed to be ordained. He raises the question of whether those affected can remain in the Catholic community or whether an understanding of vocation should be developed that allows for conversion to other Christian churches. The article appeared in the magazine "Diakonia" in August 2024. [Extracted from the article]

The article "CONTENT" in the magazine Diakonia discusses the question of the admission of women to the diaconate in the Catholic Church. Although there is widespread agreement in Germany that there is no need for further theological arguments for the admission of women to the diaconate, the discourse has not made progress so far. The article raises the question of whether there is actually a discourse of power behind this discourse in a patriarchal church. It is argued that in order not to lose further members, the church must respect the socially accepted minimum standards of gender equality. Furthermore, it is emphasized that denying women the diaconal activity is a sin against the sacramental structure of the church. [Extracted from the article]