For such a time as this takes a radical look at the ministry of deacons in the Church. It brings biblical, theological and ecumenical perspectives to bear on a ministry that many believe has not yet realized its full potential.Diakonia is reinterpreted in the light of recent biblical research as fundamental commissioning for ministry -one that expresses the essential nature of the whole Church and underlies all ordained ministry. Deacons are seen as go-between or link persons in the mission space between the Church's liturgy and the needy world.This report of a Working Party of the House of Bishops, set up by the General Synod, also comments on the implications for lay ministry and proposes a concrete lob description' or ministerial profile for a renewed diaconate, one that is not merely transitional to the priesthood.The report argues that the diaconate comes into its own at times of social change and cultural crisis and that the time is now right to renew the diaconate for the sake of mission.