International deacons' wives network meeting
The latest online meeting of IDC’s deacons’ wives network took place on May 30th 2026.
The date had been set at our previous meeting in autumn 2025. This time, 11 deacons’ wives gathered together across borders and continents: Giuliana from Italy, two wives from Brazil, Suely and Ioneide, Danielle from Vancouver, British Columbia, Ligia from Mumbai, India, Angela and Jane, both from southern England, Martha, who lives in Malawi, Marie from northern France, not to mention two wives whom we had the pleasure of welcoming for the first time. One is named Dikeledi and lives in Pretoria, South Africa, and the other, Marianéri, lives in Colombia.
The wives of the international network which was initiated by the International Center for the Diaconate thus gathered on May 30 to discuss a topic of great importance : time management within couples where the husband is a deacon. It turned out that this sensitive topic cuts across both continents and couples…
After trying together to define service—which is one of the three pillars of the diaconal ministry—we were enriched by each other’s experiences. Here’s an example: Angela shared this interesting perspective on service. During a retreat, she explained, the facilitator highlighted two key points regarding service : whether the person asking—or the person you’re involved with—wants it or needs it. If it’s a want, then you may or may not always be the one who has to respond, but if it’s a need, then you are.
Our discussions weren’t without humor either: as one of us pointed out, this topic takes on a whole new dimension when a spouse retires from their professional career. That said, church leaders must be willing to redefine responsibilities because the couple deserves to spend time together; we need to be able to communicate and discuss our respective commitments—but let’s face it, it’s hard to say NO. “It’s very difficult to say NO when we’re in church; I know I’m still saying ‘No’ to God, but it’s easier when we’re not in church. I don’t know why!”
The common thread running through our discussions was the conviction that marriage comes first, even though the influence of cultural contexts cannot be overlooked, as Ligia clearly emphasized regarding India. For the wives of deacons, the couple remains the focus of constant attention. What about the children and the extended family? That could be the topic of our next gathering on November 21.
Marie Maincent, from France
Wives representative within the IDC Board.