Men, women and deacons

Sir, – The decision of the Bishop of Killaloe to delay the introduction of the male-only permanent diaconate may prove to be a pyrrhic victory for the women of Killaloe, who were opposed as they "felt hurt and disappointed" at the proposal, "as they do the majority of work in the parishes" ("Bishop delays male-only diaconate", September 16th).

I would welcome anyone of either gender following their call to ministry, but this is not likely to happen in the near future. But what is a reality already is the shortage of priests and deacons to administer the sacraments. Enlightened parish priests have the authority to facilitate all parishioners – male or female – to take a leadership role within their parishes, with or without a male deacon as part of that parish team. – Yours, etc,

FRANK BROWNE,

Ballyroan Park,

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Templeogue,

Dublin 16.