But advocates of women priests said the move was a step forward that might eventually make it easier for a future pope to study the possibility of women priests. Scholars debate the precise role of women deacons in the early Church. Pope Francis has set up a commission to study the role of women deacons in early Christianity, the Vatican said on Tuesday, a move that might lead to changes in the role of women in the Roman Catholic Church. Deacons, like priests, are ordained ministers, and as in the priesthood, must be men. "Only when women are equally included in all ordination rites -- as deacons, priests, and bishops -- and at all Church decision-making tables, can we begin to restore our Gospel values of equality and justice," it said.

Source: The Star August 02, 2016 12:56 UTC