For many months, representatives from the national church, the Central Readers Council (CRC) and lay ministers have been shaping an update to the Bishop’s Regulations for Reader Ministry. These Regulations were published in 2000 so needed some considerable updating to reflect changes in ministry over the last quarter of a century. The new guidance has now been accepted by the House of Bishops and commended to dioceses.
For most Readers and Licensed Lay Ministers (LLMs), little will change. We remain licensed under canons E4–6; we still preach, teach, lead worship, offer pastoral care and serve missionally; and safeguarding continues to be essential. Many Readers/LLMs have ministries both inside and outside the church. However, the updated guidance clarifies certain issues:
- Retirement: The 2000 regulations required Readers over 70 to surrender their licence and apply for “permission to officiate” instead. The 2026 guidance removes this automatic distinction, stating simply that a licence “may continue after their 70th birthday.” It also emphasizes that Readers should not feel obligated to continue indefinitely and recommends that dioceses consider writing retirement policies for Readers/LLMs. (See section 5 and para 3.4.)
- Emeritus status: Dioceses have diverged in practice over the use of the term ‘Emeritus’. The 2026 guidance states that those with Emeritus (or Emerita) titles are retired from active ministry and should not robe. (See para 5.5.)
- Discernment and Formation: The 2026 guidance introduces references to the national discernment framework exploring specific areas (love for God, call to ministry, love for people, wisdom, fruitfulness and potential) and national formation framework. It also emphasizes diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in discernment processes, with national funding available for disabled candidates or those with additional learning needs. (See section 2.)
- Safeguarding: As expected, safeguarding requirements have been significantly enhanced since 2000. Readers/ LLMs are expected to update their training appropriately, and in a timely manner. Failure to do so may cause their licence to be revoked. (See section 3 especially para 3.10, and para 2.9.)
- Ministerial Development Reviews: There is an increased emphasis on written agreements for Readers/LLMs with continued development and training linked to Ministerial Development Reviews. The 2026 guidance is more detailed about what reviews should cover, including consideration of retreats or sabbaticals. (See paras 4.6 and 4.7)
- Scope of Licence: All Readers/LLMs hold licences which allow them to preach and lead worship within their diocese with their incumbents’ permission and the permission of the receiving incumbent. However, the majority of Readers/LLMs have a named parish or benefice on their licence where their ministry is focused. The new guidance explicitly mentions the possibility of licensing Readers to a diocese or deanery rather than a benefice or parish, providing greater deployment flexibility. (See para 3.7.)
- Working in Two (or More) Dioceses: Occasionally Readers/LLMs are invited to preach, lead worship, or take a funeral in another diocese. They may do so but must first obtain written permission from the bishop of the other diocese. If a Reader/LLM regularly works in two dioceses, they may hold a licence in both dioceses. (See paras 3.8 & 3.6.)
- Vacancies: The 2026 guidance is more nuanced about Reader ministry during clergy vacancies, noting that ‘continuation’ should not be assumed indefinitely during protracted vacancies, and setting clearer expectations for new incumbents to foster collaborative ministry. It also recognises that prolonged vacancies can add a strain to Readers/LLMs and that their wellbeing and ongoing sense of call should be actively monitored rather than taken for granted. (See paras 4.21 & 4.22.)
- Funerals: The new guidance confirms that Readers/LLMs may conduct funerals with the Bishop’s authorisation and appropriate training. The earlier regulations stated that Reader/LLM ministry was ‘voluntary’ and, for some ministers, this was very important. However, since 2014, dioceses have been able to authorise payment to Readers/LLMs for funerals. The guidance clarifies this, although this is still at the discretion of the individual diocese and Readers/LLMs may always decline payment! (See paras 4.10 & 4.11)
- Public Worship with Communion by Extension: This is a new development since the original Regulations were approved. Some dioceses allow Readers/LLMs to lead such services; others do not. The new guidance acknowledges this possibility. (See para 4.9).
- The CRC (Central Readers’ Council): It is good to see that the CRC is acknowledged as the charity supporting Readers/LLMs in England. (Since this new document is published by the Church of England, it applies only to England although the Church in Wales has been given a copy. The CRC also oversees Readers/LLMs in the Church in Wales. See p.2)
Finally, the new document uses the phrase ‘Reader / LLM (Reader)’ throughout. While admittedly clumsy, it reflects the use of both names in the Church of England after the decision (in 2008) that Licensed Lay Minister (Reader) may be an alternative title for Reader.
Dioceses have been sent this guidance and asked to consider it over the next two years in their development of Reader/LLM policies. Hence there may not be instant changes, but it is hoped that more consistency will develop across the Church of England in its recognition of Reader/LLM ministry.
We are grateful to everyone who has contributed to this guidance which aims to be encouraging and supportive. Dioceses will seek to communicate any relevant changes to their Readers/LLMs over the next two years. The guidance can be found at Reader LLM Guidance 2026 or the CRC website.