Phyllis Zagano

The question of women in the ordained diaconate arose in the early 1970s at a Synod of Bishops. It was subsequently considered by three iterations of the International Theological Commission and two pontifical commissions. The Synodality took up the question and asked for a review of the research. As a result of October 2024 Synod discussion, the fact that the question is still open for resolution is now part of the Magisterium.

Just Church engages the reader in the synodal pathway to a “Just Church” that can and should reflect its social teaching. An important measure of justice is an ecclesiology open to participation by others beyond celibate clerics, especially in consideration of competing Catholic ecclesial bodies and methods of membership.Endorsements"Just Church is a compelling reminder to the Church, at every level and in every setting, that true justice and authentic synodality require the inclusion of all the baptized in discerning what constitutes constructive mission in the Church's present moment in history. Most notably, Zagano's work underscores that the Church can be a faithful promoter of justice in the world only if justice reigns in the Church."—from the foreword"Pope Francis's vision for the future, synodality, and a Church in which lay women and men become active participants in shaping that future are all addressed here in crystal-clear prose. A trenchant critic of ecclesiastical humbug, Zagano points the way forward to a more just Church."—Paul Lakeland, director of the Center for Catholic Studies at Fairfield University"Just Church looks to connect the dots between Catholic social teaching and the practice of the Church, between affirming the equality of all persons created in the image and likeness of God and the ecclesiology of Vatican II, grounded in the recognition of the equal dignity of all the baptized, and their application to the life and practice of the Church—in particular, their consequences for women. Phyllis Zagano's perceptive reading of how hesitant efforts to develop a more synodal and inclusive ecclesial culture continue to be met by the resistance of clerical exceptionalism sheds light on the wounded credibility of the Church in the world today."—Catherine Clifford, PhD, Saint Paul University, Ottawa, Ontario"Just Church offers a historical and critical analysis of Catholic social teaching and synodality that honors the experiences of women who long for a just Church. Her candid research on women in the Church is essential for realizing Pope Francis's synodal vision."—Erin Brigham, PhD, executive director, Joan and Ralph Lane Center for Catholic Social Thought and the Ignatian Tradition, University of San FranciscoPhyllis Zagano, PhD, has lectured throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia. Her many awards include the 2014 Isaac Hecker Award for Social Justice from the Paulist Center Community in Boston. Her groundbreaking work on women in the diaconate led to her appointment in 2016 to the Pontifical Commission for the Study of the Diaconate of Women. Her most recent book is Women Religions, Women Deacons (Paulist Press, 2022).†

These five essays investigating questions relative to women religious becoming ordained deacons first appeared in Global Sisters Report. Each essay presents themes garnered during years of research and consultation with women religious around the world, and addresses questions such as: Why should women religious consider the diaconate? What are the canonical implications of ordination? Would ordination assist the ministry of women? †

Women: Icons of Christ traces the history of ministry by women, especially those ordained as deacons. The author demonstrates how women were removed from leadership, prevented from using their voices, and eliminated from official ministries in the life of the Church. And she refutes arguments against restoring women to the ordained diaconate. †

Spanish translation of Women Deacons. †

Three groundbreaking essays that discuss the Church’s need and call for the restoration of women to the permanent order of deacon. †

St. Dominic, who died in 1221, took to heart Jesus' charge to make disciples of all nations. He founded a religious community, the Order of Preachers, which differed from most orders of his day. Dominic trained preachers who traveled anywhere and everywhere to spread the Gospel.The Dominicans continue to flourish today. The Dominican Tradition, the first in a spirituality anthology series, provides readers a window into Dominican spirituality. You will learn the core values that shape their way of life. Mostly, you will come to realize that the spiritual legacy established by Dominic is as vibrant today as it was centuries ago.Phyllis Zagano, PhD, is senior research associate-in-residence at Hofstra University, where she teaches in the Department of Religion. She is also the author of Woman to Woman published by Liturgical Press.Thomas McGonigle, OP, teaches in the history department at Providence College in Rhode Island. He specializes in Dominican spirituality and history.

CTS Book of the Year. A serious effort to faithfully investigate the history and canonical viability of the female diaconate. Based on thorough research, as well as sound historical and theological analysis and reflection, this book makes a significant contribution to the discussion and development of women’s roles in the modern church.