SIX people from parishes in the diocese were admitted to the office of Reader at Worcester Cathedral.

The Bishop of Worcester, Dr John Inge, conducted the service, licensing the individuals to minister in the parishes they have been called to serve. 

Readers are trained and licensed lay ministers in the Church of England, authorised in particular to exercise a ministry of preaching and teaching.

They undergo a two-year training course before being admitted to the role, which ends with the award of a Certificate in Higher Education by the University of Durham.

After being licensed they carry out a wide range of tasks within their parishes and beyond, especially helping others to reflect on their faith and how it relates to their daily lives.

Those admitted and licensed were:

Nick Stephens, who will serve in the benefice of Warndon St Nicholas.

Fiona Carter who will serve in the benefices of Bowbrook North, and Stoke Prior, Wychbold and Upton Warren.

Alison Martin, who will serve in the benefices of Hanley Castle, Hanley Swan and Welland, and Upton-on-Severn, Ripple, Earls Croome with Hill Croome and Strensham.

Vikki Day, who will be admitted and licensed as a Reader and who will continue to serve as Stourport Deanery Mission Developer.

Roger King, who will serve in the benefice of Oldswinford, Stourbridge St Mary.

Mary Phillips who will serve in the benefice of Amblecote Holy Trinity.

Bishop John said: “Lay Ministers play a very important role in our churches, sharing their faith with others and serving them in God's name.

"I was delighted to be able to license these six people to this very important role.”

Nick Stephens said: "I am especially looking forward to the teaching and preaching role of a reader, and taking the message of Christ out into the community."

The preacher at the service was the Rt Revd Martyn Snow, Bishop of Leicester who is also Bishop for Readers in the Church of England.

Bishop Martyn spoke on the subject of leadership and the importance of working in partnership, saying: “As lay ministers in God’s Church, you are called as followers of Jesus Christ to put the interests of the least at the heart of all you do, to work together and to be leaders for others.” 

The service took place in Worcester Cathedral on Saturday afternoon.