History

DIAKONIA History Milestones

1947– The DIAKONIA World Federation is established. Motherhouses from Denmark, Finland, France, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland signed the constitution.

1950– First newsletter DIAKONIA News

1951– German deaconess associations were accepted as members.

1954– Deaconess associations from Australia, USA and United Kingdom joined DIAKONIA.

1966– For the first time, at the assembly in Edinburgh representatives from all five continents are present.

1967– Sister Anna Ebert, USA was elected as first female President of DIAKONIA.

1969– Around 100 leaders of deaconess communities in USA and Canada meet in Racine, Wisconsin and decide to work together in preparing the next DIAKONIA World assembly.

1970– DIAKAID is founded as an answer to the growing needs of the communities worldwide.

1972– 25th anniversary of DIAKONIA celebrated during the assembly in New York. In preparation of this assembly, the deaconess associations of USA and Canada formed their own group named “DOTA” (= DIAKONIA of the Americas), known later as DOTAC.

1972 – Deacon associations and communities that include men and women accepted into membership.

1974– The first regional conference of European communities is held in Nyborg, Denmark.

1975– DIAKONIA is granted status as “observer” with World Council of Churches.

1979– The first DIAKONIA assembly within Asia takes place in Manila, Philippines. In preparation of this assembly, the DIAKONIA Region Asia Pacific (DAP) is founded.

1994– The DIAKONIA Region Africa-Europe (DRAE) is founded at Sterling, England.

2001– It is decided to create a DIAKONIA World website.

2010– The DIAKONIA Facebook group is established.

2014– The 100th issue of DIAKONIA News is the last one printed on paper.

2018– DIAKONIA e.V. is founded in Neuendettelsau and registered in Ansbach/Germany. The Dutch Foundation DIAKONIA, registered in Utrecht/Netherlands, is concluded.

2019- Regular online DIAKONIA E-News is established as the primary means of communication.