Deacons are ordained United Methodist clergy called to carry God’s words and works outside church walls. This year marks 30 years since The United Methodist Church declared deacons to be a distinct, permanent order of ministry.
The lifelong United Methodist, who died July 9 at age 77, was inspired by the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. to fight injustice. She went on to inspire countless others as a deaconess and servant leader.
United Methodist deacons are discussing best practices now that General Conference has approved their new responsibility to preside at baptism and communion “when contextually appropriate.”
