The overseas mission of the Wesley Deaconess Order : theological aberration or inspiration?

Abstract

The Wesley Deaconess order in the Caribbean has been reorganised to permit men to serve in this way alongside the women. Most of the modem Orders have taken this decision, although approaching it in different ways. For the Caribbean church there were two principal issues; that of being members of an Order, and that of a clear parity with the presbyteral ministers. These issues have been addressed in a different manner to that of other Methodist churches, but it is too early to comment as to how well the changes have worked. The matter of membership of an Order has been addressed by recognising that there is a desire for a religious Order within the church and allowing ministers to opt into it should they desire. Parity has been resolved in a related process, according to which everybody offers themselves as candidates for ministry of the Church and, if accepted, is ordained into one ministry. Each minister has the option to choose which role they wish to enter, being stationed accordingly.