Jonathan LeMaster-Smith

With the passing of calendar item 554, Deacons in The United Methodist Church are granted sacramental authority. The phrase: “the deacon is authorized to preside at the celebration of the sacraments” is what does it.

I know many deacons have longed for this day as they seek to more fully live into their vocation. It also provides a level of authority and respect to deacons, as many looked down up deacons as not equal to elders, and this is one of the reasons. It also reminds bishops who may not be friendly to the order of the deacon, that they are clergy and on equal footing with elders.

Not all deacons will have a need or desire to preside because of their ministry setting, but for those who feel it is necessary for their setting it is a relief.