Scores of people attended a special service at Carlisle Cathedral to celebrate lay ministry and welcome newly licensed Readers.

The Acting Bishop of Carlisle, the Rt Rev Rob Saner-Haigh led the annual Admission and Licensing of Readers service which took place on Saturday 16 November at 2pm.

Two people were admitted as Readers, having completed their training with Emmanuel Theological College:

• Lois Sparling to serve in the Benefice of Lorton and Loweswater with Buttermere
• Ian Wilson to serve in the Beacon Team

Meanwhile three others were licensed having moved from other Dioceses:

• Judith Morris transferred from the Diocese of Worcester to serve the South Barrow Team
• Susan Kiernan transferred from the Diocese of Blackburn to serve in the Benefice of Threlkeld with St John in the Vale and Wythburn
• Gordon James transferred from the Diocese of Liverpool to serve in the Benefice of St Aidan with Christ Church, Carlisle

Each was presented with a Bible whilst more than 40 other Readers gathered to renew their commitment to ministry.

Annie Garden, Warden of Readers, said: “I think Reader ministry is really important because we sort of straddle the church and folks not in the church. There’s a sense in which we are standing in both worlds and therefore can speak to both worlds.

“This service is always a joy. It’s wonderful to see our Readers gather together and to be able to welcome new Readers to our Diocese.”

The Rev Canon Michael Leyden, Dean of Emmanuel Theological College, preached at the service and Readings included John 3: 5-8 and Luke 18: 1-8.

There are currently about 90 Readers in the Diocese of Carlisle who work with clergy and churchgoers in communities across Cumbria to spread the Gospel message. They can lead worship or preach on a Sunday.

Their licence is recognised nationally, and if they have to move due to family or work circumstances, then they can be licensed in their new parish or diocese.

Newly admitted Reader Lois Sparling started leading worship online during Covid and then chose to train as a Reader.

She said: “The training has been quite tough to be honest and it takes a lot of time, so I was really glad that I was only working part-time. It has been amazing, and I have learnt so much. It’s been inspiring to meet people from across the Diocese. Training with them has been a real privilege.”

As the Church becomes more diverse, increasingly Readers are finding a ministry not just in the life of their parish church but also in the workplace, the community, Fresh Expressions of church and in chaplaincy (schools, prisons, hospitals, the armed forces).

Bishop Rob said: “It was great to be here and to celebrate the ministry of Readers, to welcome new Readers into the Diocese and to admit Ian and Lois.

“All of us have a vocation and possess God-given gifts that can be used to do the work of God in the world. Within that we have the ministry of Readers; these people who teach, preach and give pastoral care and who are so important in the life of the Diocese, caring for churches, helping people grow in faith and new people come to faith.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

Click here to view a film of the Admission and Licensing of Readers.

Photo caption

Caption for newly admitted and licensed Readers, from the left: Annie Garden, Gordon James, Ian Wilson, Lois Sparling, Susan Kiernan, Judith Morris and the Rt Rev Rob Saner-Haigh.

For further information contact Dave Roberts, Diocesan Head of Communications, on 07469 153658 or at communications@carlislediocese.org.uk.