<P> Female deacons are mentioned by Pliny the Younger in a letter to the emperor Trajan dated c. 112 . </P> <P> "I believed it was necessary to find out from two female slaves (ex duabus ancillis) who were called deacons (ministrae), what was true--and to find out through torture (per tormenta)" </P> <P> This is the earliest Latin text that appears to refer to female deacons as a distinct category of Christian minister . </P> <P> A biblical description of the qualities required of a deacon, and of his household, can be found in 1 Timothy 3: 1--13 . </P>

What is the deacon's role in a baptist church