The total divestment, which came three weeks ahead of deadline, applies to $400 million in trust funds managed directly by the Episcopal Church. The Church Pension Fund, dioceses, and parishes are exempt.
Prior to 1960, the diaconate functioned largely as a terminal ministry for women and a long-term holding pattern for racial minorities. After the mid-60s, deacons were reframed as having a role representing Christ in a way that functionary priests do not.
