Yours is not just one ministry among others, but is truly meant to be, as Pope Paul VI described it, a 'driving force' for the whole church' s service role. You are meant to be living signs of the servanthood of Christ' s Church. As Archbishop, I would like to expand upon this statement in three specific areas. First, one of my hopes for the future of the diaconate is that more men of color would come forward and accept God's invitation to serve the Church as deacons. As the population of the Archdiocese becomes increasingly diverse, there is a greater need for deacons from the various ethnic groups.
Language is only one element necessary for effective ministry to our non-white brothers and sisters.
Ministry must also take into account cultural differences that are integral to the life of many people of color. The second area of concern for the future of the diaconate involves the continuing struggle around life issues. More than ever, the Church need not only defend life at every stage, but promulgate Church teaching regarding life issues in a convincing manner so that the truth will permeate every element of society. My hope is that as the ministry of the diaconate grows, it will take a more active role in the all-important struggle to defend life. I would like to say a final word about wives of deacons.