Teemu Räty

“In Wendland’s concept, the arena of diaconal engagement is in the world, promoting freedom, equality and human dignity.”
― Stephanie Dietrich, Diakonia as Christian Social Practice: An Introduction

“diaconal action should consider the root causes of poverty and suffering; it should become more comprehensive, preventative and liberating. Or, as noted above: bold action as mediation and ‘go-between’. The growing acknowledgment of the political implication of diakonia contributed to the framing of the theme ‘prophetic diakonia’ which urged diaconal agencies to stand up against injustice, and promote the rights of the poor and marginalised.”
― Stephanie Dietrich, Diakonia as Christian Social Practice: An Introduction

“In the first place, diakonia should not be conceived of as humble service or as self-effacing care for people in need. Much more, its biblical background presents it as bold action that announces good news for the poor. Secondly, diakonia cannot be limited to professional work; it belongs to the mandate given by the triune God to the church as an integral part of its mission. As such, the reinterpretation of diakonia has reconfirmed its ecclesiological and missiological nature. And thirdly, its performance is modelled by the one who has given the diaconal mandate, as in John 20:21: “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” In other words, as the sending of Christ encompassed words and deeds, so also the mission of the church is mandated to include proclamation and acts of healing, reconciliation, advocacy and inclusion; or, as Collins describes the tasks of the deacon, assuming a ministry of ‘go-between’ or as mediator.”
― Stephanie Dietrich, Diakonia as Christian Social Practice: An Introduction

“In Moltmann’s understanding, diakonia is following Jesus, the Crucified, and in the horizon of the inbreaking Kingdom of God. Both references are fundamental in order to understand diakonia in its holistic meaning. To follow Jesus implies walking as he did, embracing the poor and the sick, and bringing them healing, salvation, hope and a future, as announced in his ‘manifesto’ in Luke 4:18-19. In”
― Stephanie Dietrich, Diakonia as Christian Social Practice: An Introduction