Church of England Readers – 150 Years Old

It is 150 years since lay ministers (Readers) started assisting the clergy in the Church of England. There had been some similar system many centuries earlier, but that had lapsed. But nowadays it is common to find a Reader leading a church service or preaching. They may also be involved in taking funerals or other activity in the parish.

At St Paul’s, there are two readers, Colin Chettle and Hugh James. To mark this anniversary, during this Sunday’s service, Steve invited them to come to the front of the church, where they were interviewed on how long they had been readers, what had led to them starting that ministry and what aspects of it they preferred most.

Steve then prayed for them – praying for God’s blessing on their ministry.

There will also be a number of other events to celebrate this milestone, both centrally in Leicester, and nationally