Diakonie/Definition

in German, a lay religious calling, as of a deacon. Also, a religious service of reconciliation in the world combining the word of faith and the action of love. Its aims are said to be: a) furthering ecumenical relationships among associations and communities of the faithful; b) reflecting on the nature and task of religious calling in the Biblical sense; c) furthering a sense of diaconia in the churches and congregations; d) strengthening fellowship among members to render mutual help and undertake common tasks.