Glossary

Terms beginning with D

Deacon

1)     The ‘diaconate’ is an order of ministry first referred to in the Acts of the Apostles. In the text seven men were set aside to serve at tables and help with the administration. The word is Greek for servant. Both in the eastern and western churches this order is seen as a stepping stone to ordination to the priesthood. In recent years a permanent order of deacons has been reintroduced in both the Anglican and Roman Catholic churches.

Dean

1)     A dean is a priest who, with the help of his colleagues in the chapter, is responsible for the day to day ordering of cathedral life and worship.

Diocese

1)     The diocese is a locality of Church Parishes under governance and guidance of a diocesan bishop.

Disciple(s)

1)     A disciple is a follower of Jesus Christ. The first twelve were a group of men although the term was soon used of a much larger group including women. Those who accept Christian discipline and try to put into practice the teachings of Christ are still called disciples.

Doctrine

1)     A body of teaching found in both scripture and the tradition of the Church. This material is formulated into a statement of beliefs which are recited in the various creeds.

5 Terms with 5 Definitions