Inter-American Division

Adventist Church in Haiti Begins Ordaining Deacons and Deaconesses Across Districts

Large ordination ceremony becomes the first such event in the Central Haiti Conference territory.

Haiti
Jean Carmy Felixon and Libna Stevens, Inter-American Division
Deaconesses stand during the special ordination ceremony for 300 deacons and deaconesses from churches in the Central Haiti Conference territory at the Shekinah Adventist Church in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on Sep. 29, 2024. The ordination event was the first ever held in the conference in efforts to highlight the important role of deacons and deaconesses in the church and to encourage local congregations to follow suit in the region and across the country.

Deaconesses stand during the special ordination ceremony for 300 deacons and deaconesses from churches in the Central Haiti Conference territory at the Shekinah Adventist Church in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on Sep. 29, 2024. The ordination event was the first ever held in the conference in efforts to highlight the important role of deacons and deaconesses in the church and to encourage local congregations to follow suit in the region and across the country.

[Photo: Hans Larson Joseph]

In a historic ceremony at Shekinah Adventist Church in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, seventy-seven deacons and deaconesses from the Central Haiti Conference were recently ordained, marking the first large-scale ordination event of its kind in the region. Hundreds of fellow deaconesses, church members, and Seventh-day Adventist leaders attended the consecration ceremony, which was part of a broader symposium on the role and ministry of deacons and deaconesses.

Deacons and deaconesses stand on the front of the Shekinah Adventist Church during the ordination ceremony before they are prayed for.
Deacons and deaconesses stand on the front of the Shekinah Adventist Church during the ordination ceremony before they are prayed for.

“This is a momentous occasion,” said Jude Bien-Aimé, ministerial secretary of the Central Haiti Conference. “Although the laying of hands-on deaconesses has been a part of Adventist practice for over a century, it wasn’t until 2024 that we formally adopted this practice in Haiti.” Bien-Aimé explained that while this act has been included in the church manual for years, it took time for leaders in Haiti to fully grasp the significance of ordaining deaconesses in particular.

“The Bible is clear,” Bien-Aimé emphasized. “Just as deacons are consecrated, deaconesses, who work equally hard and perform similar roles, must also be dedicated. Women contribute significantly to the church, preparing Holy Communion and serving in various ministries. If men must be consecrated for these roles, so should women who carry out the same responsibilities.”

Pastor Richner-Auguste Fleury (center), executive secretary of the Central Haiti Conference, leads the ordination prayer with extended hand in expression of laying hands on  deacons and deaconesses while Pastor Jude Bien-Aimé (next to Richner) and other leaders join in during the ceremony.
Pastor Richner-Auguste Fleury (center), executive secretary of the Central Haiti Conference, leads the ordination prayer with extended hand in expression of laying hands on deacons and deaconesses while Pastor Jude Bien-Aimé (next to Richner) and other leaders join in during the ceremony.

In Haiti, the role of deacons and deaconesses is particularly vital, church leaders said. Many church members, especially those in difficult circumstances or with special needs, rely heavily on the church for support, they added. Deacons and deaconesses not only keep the places of worship in order but also safeguard resources and distribute food to those in need.

The ceremony, held on Sep. 29, 2024, was the fifth such event since the Haitian Union Executive Committee approved the practice during its 2023 year-end meetings, explained Jean-Philippe Extrat, executive secretary of the Haitian Union. “Today’s laying on of hands signifies the commitment of these women who have dedicated their lives to serving the Lord and His church,” Extrat said. “Both men and women are called by God for this important work, and I hope this ceremony will inspire more women to deepen their involvement in the church’s mission.”

One of the deacons and deaconesses attending the special ordination ceremony on Sep. 29, 2024.
One of the deacons and deaconesses attending the special ordination ceremony on Sep. 29, 2024.

Hude Charles, a deaconess from Eben-Ezer Adventist Church, expressed her excitement at being part of the ceremony. “I am thrilled to receive this blessing and continue my ministry as a deaconess,” said Charles, who has been serving since 1981. “This is the first time I’ve witnessed such a significant ordination for women like myself. Becoming a deaconess was one of the best decisions of my life.”

Jeanine Extrat, Women’s Ministries director for the Haitian Union, called the event a milestone for the region. “This initiative breaks new ground and sets a precedent that will help normalize the practice of ordaining deaconesses across our churches,” she said. Extrat also praised local leaders for adhering to church guidelines. “We hope this example will be followed by all Adventist churches, recognizing the sacrifices deacons and deaconesses make to serve our communities.”

Hude Charles, a deaconess from Eben-Ezer Adventist Church, smiles during the the ordination ceremony. She has been serving as a deaconess for the Adventist Church since 1981.
Hude Charles, a deaconess from Eben-Ezer Adventist Church, smiles during the the ordination ceremony. She has been serving as a deaconess for the Adventist Church since 1981.

More ordination ceremonies are planned throughout the conference region. Keven Kelly Pierre, a district pastor, expressed his optimism about this development. “This ceremony is a great beginning,” he said. “Although there’s still some reluctance, I am preparing my district to follow this direction. As a global church, it is important to align with our established guidelines.”

A deaconess from a local church in Port-au-Prince, reads the bible during the Deacons and Deaconesses Symposium before the ordination ceremomy.
A deaconess from a local church in Port-au-Prince, reads the bible during the Deacons and Deaconesses Symposium before the ordination ceremomy.

Jean Bernard Banatte, president of the Central Haiti Conference, echoed the importance of this step. “Ordaining deaconesses is not a matter of personal preference, but a directive from the global Adventist Church that we must follow,” he said. “Our goal is for all churches in the conference to adopt this practice.”

The original article was published on the Inter-American Division website.

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