As we enter the new era of cooperation among so many Anglican jurisdictions, I am thankful to be a part of the Reformed Episcopal Church, where women participate in positions of service and leadership from the local parish level to the committees that are organized under the direction of the Presiding Bishop, and where the Deaconess Order is offered as a legitimate option for women's service to Christ. This year marks the beginning of an officially recognized seminary program for the Deaconess Order in the REC. The 2009-2010 academic catalog of Cranmer Theological House, our own diocesan seminary, introduces the specialized Master of Arts in Religion with a concentration in Deaconess Studies. (Read the brochure - PDF).

Having graduated from Cranmer House in May of this year, as well as helping to design the Deaconess Studies program, I highly recommend the seminary. Courses are taught from a biblical standpoint, and would be useful for every woman, even those who are not inclined to be Set Apart as Deaconesses. The training in theology, church history, and Scripture is suitable for Sunday School teachers, Bible study leaders, and mothers.

One more opportunity has opened up for women in the REC, and that is the Order of the Daughters of the Holy Cross. This Order for Anglican Women will be instituted in Loganville, GA on September 12. You can learn about the Order from their website, daughtershc.org.

Praise God for His unspeakable gift in Christ Jesus, and for His great love in redeeming us so that we are free to serve Him without fear.

In Christ,

Dss Teresa Johnson

President, Women of the Church
Diocese of Mid-America

dsstrj at dmawomen.org