Readers
Readers have been part of the ministry of the Church of England for over 140 years, and this year we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the admission of women to that office. They remain the only nationally licensed lay ministers and there are over 10,000 serving in England at present.
Currently there are 180 active Readers in the diocese. These are ordinary men and women who have felt a vocation to lay ministry that focuses on leading worship, preaching, teaching and pastoral work.
New Readers are licensed by the bishop after three years of initial training in biblical studies, preaching, leading worship, mission, and pastoral studies. During their training they also develop greater self awareness, personal confidence and the ability to reflect about where God is at work in the world they know.
After licensing, further training helps to develop and widen these horizons. The Diocese is actively working on the Continuing Ministerial Development of Readers.
As well as working in parishes, Readers now work with the Mission to Seafarers, retail outlets, hospitals and prisons.
For more information about Readers, or if you are interested in this ministry in any way, please contact Bishop.of.Jarrow@durham.anglican.org
(This page is still under construction and will be updated shortly)