WHAT IS A READER?

The office of Reader Voluntary Nationally accredited Episcopally licensed and governed by Canon Over 10,000 Readers in Anglican Church-men and women numerically equal Lay people

Training of Readers Nationally authorised ……BUT Organised on a Diocesan Level Moderation Continual Ministry Development (CMD)for Licensed Readers

HISTORY OF READER MINISTRY Biblical root of Reader ministry is traced to Jesus’ reading in the Synagogue- Luke chapter 4. People reading in Christian worship- Colossians 4 :16; Revelation 1:3.

The early Christians take up the mantle. Justin Martyr-c.100-165AD-”Lectors” Tertullian-200AD-”Lectors of Established Church Ministry” Evidence from c. 200AD-400AD of un-ordained worship leaders in Asia/Europe -leading worship, burying the dead,-BUT NOT PREACHING

The Elizabethan Era(c.1570) Matthew Parker-Archbishop of Canterbury created office of Reader in Church of England Duties: Reading Morning and Evening Prayer from Cranmer’s 1549 BCP in clergy-less parishes short term measure

Victorian Era-Why was Reader Ministry re-introduced?? Grave shortage of clergy Population explosion

Victorian Era-How was Reader ministry re-introduced 1850s-Convocations of Canterbury The Select Committee of Bishops and Clergy on Reader Ministry for MEN- Reader Ministry to be under Canon Law regulation……….. led to …………………..

1866-READER MINISTRY IS REINTRODUCED Read Lessons at 1662 BCP Morning and Evening Prayer at the Chancel Step Say BCP The Litany at the Chancel Step Teaching and pastoral work Preach in pubs, clubs and meetings outside church Wear a Readers Medal

1884 Regulations of Canon Law Readers permitted to read Morning and Evening Prayer, except the Absolution, at the Chancel Step.

THE TWO TIER READER MINISTRY 1882 CANTERBURY CONVOCATION –suggested that there should be : Lower Class Assistant Parochial Readers Upper Class Diocesan Readers……….. Principles adopted under 1904 Canon Law Regulations 1941-ALL Readers licensed to both Diocese and Parish

1904 Regulations of Canon Law Two tier Reader System introduced Allowed to preach in consecrated buildings at the Chancel Step for BCP Morning and Evening Prayer but NOT at Holy Communion

1941 Regulations of Canon Law Two tier System abolished-All Readers licensed to Diocese and Parish Readers allowed to preach in a pulpit-but NOT at Holy Communion Readers allowed to wear robes

1969 Regulations of Canon Law WOMEN ALLOWED TO BECOME READERS Allowed to preach at Holy Communion Readers Blue Scarf introduced to wear with/instead of Readers Medal

1979 Regulations of Canon Law Allowed to conduct Funerals and Cremations Allowed to conduct the Churching of Women

1988 Regulations of Canon Law Readers permitted to administer the consecrated elements of Holy Communion without any further authorisation of the Bishop being regularly sought.

2008 Reader Upbeat General Synod Report currently being debated Every Reader in England being asked their opinions in their ministry, both good and bad ( Sheffield –Questionnaires) –what is the future? Recognising that Reader ministry varies widely from Reader to Reader, Parish to Parish, Diocese to Diocese Eg Who robes?? What is Reader Ministry?

2008 Reader Upbeat (contd) Thirty Recommendations in report including : allowing Readers to Baptise Giving Readers authority to look after some churches Re-naming Readers “Local Lay Ministers” Recognising Unique Role of Readers Still being debated at Diocesan/National Level in 2015

READERS TODAY-THE ROLE OF THE READER A member of parish staff team expected to fully share in the life of the parish Where staff meetings form part of church life ,Readers should be included and involved.

READERS TODAY-DUTIES OF A READER Canon E4 states the role of the Reader can include : Pastoral visiting Preaching Preparation of candidates for Baptism and Confirmation

READERS TODAY-DUTIES OF A READERS (continued) Leading worship Assisting in the administration of the Sacraments at Holy Communion Taking Holy Communion to the sick Conducting funerals and cremations All the above and other pastoral duties at Incumbents wish

READERS TODAY-CONTINUAL MINISTERAL DEVELOPMENT VITAL Conducted at a Diocesan and Parochial level Readers Website: www.readers.cofe.anglican.org/

READERS TODAY-CONDITIONS OF SERVICE Bishops Regulations for Readers(Canons) Ministry Agreements Records of Service Episcopal Reviews Outside engagements

READERS TODAY-CONDITIONS OF SERVICE(continued) Membership of PCC Robing Diocesan Readers Executive/Website Central Readers Council/The Reader Magazine

BEING ADMITTED AND LICENSED. Declaration of Assent and Presentation of New Testament Admittance of a Reader (Canon E5). Licence of Reader. Oath of Canonical Obedience to The Bishop and Minister of Cure

READERS IN 2015 Reader Ministry influenced NATIONALLY by: -Central Readers Council The Reader Magazine Central Readers AGM Bi Annual Conference National events eg Ordination of Women Bishops ?? New Badge/Emblem introduced

READERS IN 2013 CONTD READERS IN 2015 CONTD Diocesan Reader Ministry is changing .. -EACH Diocese is becoming more independent of it’s neighbours in it’s ministry AND differing programmes following Reader Upbeat Eg Are we Readers( Sheffield) or Local Lay Ministers ( Oxford) ??? Ways of responding to Reader Upbeat

SHEFFIELD DIOCESAN READERS-2015 Following Bishop of Sheffield’s “Strategy for Sustainable Ministry 2012 presentation -suggested that parishes form local clusters-including sharing Readers in the clusters/being licensed to a cluster rather than a parish Aim for younger Reader base ( Bishop of Sheffield’s Key Note talk at 2012 Diocesan Readers AGM) by encouraging young people in our churches to look at Reader ministry

SHEFFIELD DIOCESAN READERS 2015 Readers Website Diocese of Argentina Readers link with Sheffield Diocesan Readers 175 Celebrations 2016

ANY QUESTIONS?????