This handbook is intended for those who believe they may be called to Reader ministry. The office of Reader in the Church of England is open to lay men and women. A Reader, once admitted by the Bishop, is permitted to lead some services, to preach, teach, undertake pastoral work and assist the clergy. Readers are lay people called to be in the front line of ministry, of mission, and of theological reflection, and they need to be equipped to fulfil that vocation. Potential Readers go through a selection procedure and then follow a training course before they are admitted and licensed. These procedures are described in the following pages.