" Women Deacons and the Synod " with Dr. Phyllis Zagano
By: Maha Al-Rayes
Dr. Phyllis Zagano
On the eve of International Women’s Day, March 7, 2026, Concerned Lay Catholics (CLC) hosted a webinar on the question of women deacons in the Catholic Church, featuring scholar Dr. Phyllis Zagano. The event was opened by Ms. Cathie Pead, who welcomed more than 70 participants from across Canada and beyond. Speaking on behalf of CLC, she highlighted the organization’s mission to promote healing, accountability, and the active participation of the laity in the life of the Church. The gathering began in prayer and reflected a shared commitment to renewal within the Church.
Dr. Zagano offered an informative presentation drawing on history, theology and canon law, and her experience as a member of Pope Francis’s 2016 commission on women deacons. She noted that, despite recent media reports, no definitive Vatican decision has closed the question of women deacons. She suggested that some recent documents interpreted as final decisions may not carry the authority that has been attributed to them.
During the presentation, Dr. Zagano also referenced the New Testament example of Phoebe, whom St. Paul describes in Romans 16:1 -2 as a ‘ deacon (diakonos) of the church at Cenchreae.’ Paul commends Phoebe to the Christian community in Rome and acknowledges her as a trusted leader who assisted many believers, including Paul himself. This reference highlights the important role women played in the early Christian communities.
Dr. Zagano also addressed theological arguments sometimes used in the discussion emphasizing the Church’s teaching on the equal dignity of women and men as persons created in the image and likeness of God. She encouraged continued reflection on how the Church can recognize the gifts and participation of women in its mission.
The presentation placed the issue within the broader context of the Synod on Synodality, noting that questions about women’s participation and leadership emerged in consultations from many parts of the world. Dr. Zagano emphasized that discernment about women’s ministry continues as the Church reflects on its mission in today’s context.
A lively question - and - answer session followed with discussion on canon law, the role of bishops, lay ministries and the realities of women’s leadership in the Church.
The webinar provided participants with an opportunity to reflect on the ongoing conversation about synodality, baptismal dignity and ministry in the Church, encouraging thoughtful engagement and continued discernment.
Afterword: in her presentation, Dr Zagano informed us that she had been working on an English translation of the letter to Pope Leo Summary of the Study Commission on the Female Diaconate, published in December 2025.
At the time of publication, the letter was available only in Italian. We are providing here the newly-released English translation for our readers’ information. CLICK HERE TO READ THE DOCUMENT