Christchurch puts diaconate on hold

Last year, Bishop Jones consulted priests, parish and pastoral area councils on the possibility of introducing permanent deacons, following approaches from men who wanted to be considered for the diaconate.

Bishop Jones said most people consulted were unable to visualise this in operation in a parish setting and it was not seen as an urgent priority.

"Compounding that is the whole question of formation, which would be a major process and we would have to look at how we would do that," the bishop said.

Four years' training is required for deacons.

"There was no opposition and a lot of goodwill, but given that there was no strong voice for the diaconate, we decided to put it on hold," the bishop said. The issue may be revisited at any time.

Hamilton diocese has had permanent deacons for many year. Auckland ordained its first two permanent deacons late last year.