Licensed Lay Ministers at Diocesan Synod gather for an update and planning for the future

Readers with Senior Tutor, the Revd Elaine Labourel (3rd from right) and Director of Training Canon Ulla Monberg (right)
At the diocesan synod in Cologne last week an important "fringe" meeting was held for the Readers who are synod members. Readers (also known as Licensed Lay Ministers) are a vital part of the ministry team of our diocese. As lay theologians and trained preachers, they lead worship, preach and teach the faith, in many of our over 300 congregations.

Reader Angela Mirani, who is based in St John the  Baptist Church, Varese, Italy, now represents this diocese on the Central Readers' Council of the Church of England, in its executive committee. It is good that the Diocese in Europe is represented at this strategic level in the body which seeks to support and serve the over 10,000 Licensed Lay Ministers in the Church of England. Angela reported to the Readers at the Synod on the latest developments in Reader Ministry in the Church of England, including plans to celebrate 150 years of this ministry in 2016.

A small group has formed which will begin the planning for a diocesan-wide conference for Readers towards the end of 2016.

Angela (left) reports on the Central Readers' Council while Reader Madeleine Holmes takes notes

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