III Late Patristic Period, Middle Ages, Reformation and Trent: Decline--and
Development
By the fifth century the role of the deacon began to diminish. Jealousies over the responsibilities
of deacons and priests, the idea of celibacy of the clergy, as well as, confusion over who had
authority over whom, contributed to the tensions which led to this decline. Certainly, scandal and
abuses of the office contributed to the decline of the diaconate. There were indications of misuse
of funds collected by the deacons and inappropriate behavior, however the decline was gradual
and had more to do with the emerging hierarchical structure of the Church. The Council of Arles
in 314 AD had reminded deacons that they should not offer the Eucharist and established that
deacons should show honor to priests although it seems that the language of the canons of the
Council leaves bishops with the final say over the functions of deacons, “if any of the bishops
shall observe in them [Deacons] distress of mind and meek humiliation, it shall be lawful to the
bishops to grant more indulgence, or to take away[what has been granted].” 21
21
Holy Church Canon: The Seven Ecumenical Councils of the Undivided Church. Canons and Decrees. Canons of
Local Synods with Ecumenical Acceptance. Accessed June 30, 2018
http://www.documentacatholicaomnia.eu/03d/0325-
0787,_Concilia,_The_First_Seven_Ecumenical_Councils_%5BHistory_And_Canons%5D,_EN.pdf/Arles. 15
17