Sixteen new Readers were licensed in York Minster on Saturday 15th November.You can see all the pictures from the service here.

Archbishop Sentamu said: “People often see vicars and bishops as the face of the church, but the reality is that the church is built on the thousands of lay people, like Readers, who give so much in service to their congregations and communities. It’s wonderful to see sixteen people being licensed to this wonderful ministry, and I give heartfelt thanks to God for their service!”

Steve West, from Tadcaster, is one of those who will be licensed at the service. He said, “I’ve been a Christian for over 40 years, and work in the construction industry as a Quantity Surveyor. Building sites are not the sort of place where God can easily be seen. They are tough places to work and one needs to be broad-minded to accept some of what is seen and heard. But there are people who want to talk about life events and concerns over issues which affect them and they welcome an opportunity to look at things from a faith-based perspective. I have had some deep conversations with colleagues – they are often surprised to learn of my faith and of my training as a Reader.

“My training to be a Reader has been awesome! I never realised there was so much I didn’t know. It was strange being given encouragement to question why I believe what I believe and how my faith has shaped me into the person I am. I look forward to continuing my ministry in the worship life of the Benefice of Tadcaster and to being involved in serving the wider community.”

Graeme Wrightson will serve the churches in Riccall, Barlby and Hemingbrough. He said, “I am an Assistant Headteacher at a high school in Bradford, where most of our students are British Asian Muslims. As an Assistant Headteacher and a Christian, it is crucial to support colleagues and students, but sufficiently challenge them as well. Faith brings to me the ability to be a more rounded leader and very often my moral purpose is inextricably linked to seeing it from my neighbour's standpoint.

“I also play cricket for Guisborough Cricket Club, and I played semi-professionally for 8 seasons and have 20 years 1st team experience as well as 2nd XI for Essex County Cricket Club. Within a cricketing sense, the honesty amongst teammates and desire to win is essential, but my faith sets out boundaries - there are certain standards I won't compromise on such as cheating or harassing officials. We play hard but within the rules of the game!”

Jane Robson will serve the parishes of Christ Church, Eston and St George, Normanby. She said, “Wherever I have lived I have been an active member of my local church. But as the Clinical Pharmacy Manager at North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Trust most of my time has been spent studying various post graduate qualifications for pharmacy. In 2010 I decided I would like to investigate studying theology and whilst praying about this I heard the call to be a Reader. My friends and my Rector confirmed it and in 2011 I commenced the Reader training programme.

“The last three years have been a combination of stress, fun, challenge, opportunity and bewilderment as I discovered unknown talents such as preaching, new skills which I can use at work as well as church and a better understanding of the richness to be found in the wider church. In addition my walk with the Lord has deepened.”

Lynn Comer, Director of Reader Studies in the Diocese of York said, “Through their preaching and teaching and in their pastoral work, Readers help others explore the Gospel message, and share in the Church’s work of caring for people in Christ’s name. Readers lead acts of worship in the church, and they help the good news of Christ come alive through explaining the Bible and Christian belief”.

The people licensed as Readers were:

The following people transferred to Reader ministry in the Diocese of York:

Gerald Edmondson-Jones from Easingwold was made Reader Emeritus.

Go to Reader pages