Like the previous century, this century belongs to the Dark Ages in the sense that political turmoil reigned throughout Europe and that few written sources survive.

The most important event to happen at the time was the foundation of the Benedictine monastery at Cluny in France in 910.

The abbey's constitution provided it freedom from lay supervision and (after 1016) from jurisdiction of the local bishop. With its independence thus guaranteed, Cluny became the fountainhead of a far-reaching religious evangelization of Europe in the Middle Ages. During its height (c.950-c.1130) it would be second only to the papacy as the chief religious force in Europe.

The Benedictine communities radiated education and reform wherever they were established. And, at the peak of Cluny's influence, nearly 1,000 monasteries and priories located in many countries would perform their ministry under obedience to the abbot of Cluny.

During this century Atto, Bishop of Vercelli (924-961?), wrote to the priest Ambrose presenting two alternative interpretations for the terms ‘women priests’ and ‘women deacons’ mentioned in the ancient records: (a) these women were real ordained ministers; or (b) they were the wives of priests and deacons. Atto says he believes the former opinion (a) is true. See research done by Giorgio Otranto.

Meanwhile Byzantine communities continued to ordain women deacons as can be seen from the ordination rite in the the Sinai codex which dates from this time.