In 1947 a worldwide federation was established made up of associations, organisations and communities of deaconesses, deacons, diaconal brothers and sisters, diaconal ministers and other church workers from around the world.
The Federation
- furthers the understanding of the diaconate
- provides a network of mutual relationships crossing church traditions and cultural boundaries
- strengthens a sense of community and understanding among all member organisations
- encourages member organisations to explore their diaconal calling
- provides a forum for discussion of diaconal issues including social justice and reconciliation
- organises a world assembly every four years
The Federation is organised into three regions: DIAKONIA Region Africa-Europe, DIAKONIA Asia-Pacific and DIAKONIA of the Americas and the Caribbean.
Each region meets regularly to share support and information. Once every four years the Federation has a world-wide meeting. Along with business sessions and regional gatherings, worship, Bible studies, lectures, small group discussion, workshops, singing and celebrating are important elements of these gatherings.
DIAKONIA regularly publishes e-news about current activities and news from member associations, and reports from the DIAKONIA World Federation.
DIAKONIA is financed by membership fees and donations.
DIAKAID, a program of DIAKONIA World Federation, seeks to fund special diaconal projects and emergency responses of member associations and communities throughout the world.
DIAKONIA World Federation also works with other ecumenical agencies in the world, including the World Council of Churches, PIECR (Permanent International Consultation on Religious Life) and International Diaconate Center (IDC).
DIAKONIA offers an international and ecumenical community of diaconal friendship,
connecting us in diversity and commonality.
DIAKONIA broadens our worldview and
deepens our sense of diaconal vocation.
DIAKONIA reminds the church of God’s call to justice, compassion, and peace for creation,
and assists us in living out our ministries in the world with vision and hope.
We believe that the church is not the church without diakonia.
Photos below: Scenes from the 2017 World Assembly held in Chicago, United States.
DIAKONIA ASIA-PACIFIC (DAP)
DAP is comprised of a variety of groups, some with relatively small numbers, from a range of denominations in different countries in the region - Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, Aotearoa New Zealand, South Korea, Philippines and Australia.
The most recent regional meeting of DAP was held in July 2019 in Fiji
Reports to the World Diakonia Federation
2020 Dap Report to World Diakonia Federation Executive Meeting July 2020
Report from DAP covering the work in South Korea, Japan, Philippines, Fiji, Indonesia, India, New Zealand and Australia.