Theological foundations of the diaconate -- Biblical Diakonia -- The theology of the deacon in Lumen Gentium -- The diaconate as Medius Ordo -- Social mediation -- Social mediation and the people of God -- The witness of history -- Precedents for the deacon as social intermediary -- The transformation and decline of the diaconate -- The deacon today -- The deacon in the liturgy: an epiphany of service -- Evaluating the structure of diaconal ministry today -- Restructuring the diaconate as an intermediate institution.