Recommendation for Admission

The final decision whether to recommend candidates for admission as Readers will be made towards the end of the training course by the whole Ministry Team, taking into account the chaplain’s reports and recommendation.

When possible, Readers will be admitted and licensed by a Bishop. Otherwise this will be done by an Archdeacon, the Area Dean or another member of the Clergy commissioned to do so.

Depending on the Bishops’ diaries, a candidate may be admitted and licensed after completion of three modules together with practical training, with the expectation that the Diocesan course, The Anglican Tradition, will be completed before or after admission.

Readers’ Robes

Liturgical dress for Readers is generally cassock, surplice and the distinctive blue Reader scarf. If your chaplain so wishes, you may instead wear a cassock alb and a Reader Scarf. You may be able to use robes belonging to the Chaplaincy but might find it useful to buy a cassock and surplice or cassock alb for yourself during training.  You will need them for your service of admission and licensing.  Robes can often be bought locally, alternatively, they can be ordered from a clerical outfitter in the UK. 

Reader Scarf

Readers should buy their Scarf themselves; the Friends of the Diocese have very generously offered to reimburse the cost of the scarf.  Please contact the Ministry Team Administrator for further details and names of suppliers.

Continuing Ministerial Education

The Bishops’ Regulations for Reader Ministry specify that dioceses should make provision for financial support for licensed Readers’ Continuing Ministerial Education. Each chaplaincy is therefore asked to allocate funds for CME for each Reader at the same rate as for their licensed clergy. Chaplaincies with a large number of Readers should consult with the Warden of Readers as to the total amount to be allocated for the licensed Readers. Readers wishing to call on this provision to support their Continuing Ministerial Education should consult their chaplains in the first instance. The Central Readers’ Council organises regular national conferences and an annual study course at Selwyn College, Cambridge. Details of these events are published on the Central Readers’ Council’s website. 

Licences

A Reader’s licence will be for five years and can be renewed until the Reader reaches the age of 70. A Ministry Agreement for Licensed Readers (Appendix 3) should be completed by the Reader and the incumbent or supervising minister prior to licensing and a copy of this should be returned to the Director of Reader Ministry.

The Reader’s ministry will be reviewed every five years and can be renewed until the Reader reaches 70.  After a Reader's 70th birthday, they will be issued with a 'Reader with Permission to Officiate' Licence, usually valid for three years and renewable.  A new Ministry Agreement between the Chaplain and the Reader will be completed and a Ministry Assessment carried out before a licence is renewed.  Safeguarding Leadership Training and Safeguarding checks must be valid whenever the licence is held.

The relicensing of a Reader is done by a Bishop or Archdeacon or, on commission, by another member of Clergy.