On Sunday afternoon, we gathered at Manchester Cathedral to celebrate the vital ministry of Readers across our diocese. In a joyful service led by Bishop Matthew Porter, six new Readers were admitted, and five were honoured with the title of Reader Emeritus. We give thanks for all Licensed Readers and the invaluable contributions they make to the life and mission of our Church.
Readers are lay people trained for ministry and licensed by the bishop to preach and teach, lead worship, and assist in the pastoral, evangelistic and liturgical work of the Church in the parish or area where they are licensed. They work in a variety of contexts, including parishes, schools, prisons, hospitals, hospices and more, and are sometimes described as lay theologians.
If you are interested in becoming a Reader or would like to find out more, please visit the Readers section of our website.
More of the official photos from the day are available over on our Flickr.
Six Readers Licensed During the Service
Profiles of those licensed as Readers
From left of photo:
Wayne Darbyshire, St Chrysostom, Victoria Park
I serve the parish of St Chrysostom’s, Victoria Park which is a radically inclusive Anglo-Catholic parish within the university corridor. Our ethos is to welcome all regardless of race, colour, sexuality or gender which sustains me and has enabled me to nurture my call to ministry in an equal and loving community. For many years I have been involved in education and currently lecture in Veterinary Nursing as an Associate of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. Teaching and facilitating learning are incredibly important to me and I intend to put this to good use in the church context and local community wherever I can. This is fired by a Passionist spirituality that seeks equality for the marginalised and recognises the name of Jesus written on the foreheads of the poor; a charism that sits well within my parish context.
Shelley Rainey, St Elisabeth, Reddish
I was born and raised in Gloucester, but I have never chased a cheese down a hill. My family attended the local Methodist Church which had a thriving Sunday school, youth club and adults' and children's choirs. One highlight for me was a production of Godspell involving the whole church family. After university and marrying Tim, we moved to Manchester and attended an independent evangelical church with our children, Daniel, Ben and Megan. I became involved in the Anglican Church through the (excellent) choir at the church the school where I work is attached to. Working with a funeral celebrant, initially in a secretarial capacity, led to visiting bereaved families and eventually taking funerals myself. I found doing this work a great privilege and it started a niggle that some sort of ministry might be right for me. This was confirmed by another Christian friend and here I am training to be a Reader, something I never expected! The studying isn't easy but I am enjoying the challenge and am learning so much about the Bible and growing in my own faith at the same time. I am excited to see what God has for me in the future!
Nicola Manwaring, St Peter with St Philip, Bolton le Moors
I have always been part of the Christian church from childhood. It has, however, been a long journey to becoming a licensed Reader, but a fruitful one. My understanding of the Bible and my part in its interpretation have had a significant impact on my life. I have a better understanding of the love, grace, forgiveness and understanding of God, and I feel privileged in becoming a licensed Reader today. The Church has always been a big part of my life, and the support I have received from family and those within the Church has all had a huge impact on where I am today and where I would like to progress in the future. Theological College has surpassed all expectations and has been an amazing experience in many ways.
Jennifer Royle, Christ Church, Heaton, with St Margaret, Halliwell
Born a cradle Christian, I find myself in my 86th year without regional roots but still with ever-growing faith roots; a Bristolian, who after University and College went on to spend a lifetime in a multi-faceted career in the world of education. Church affiliations were ever present including close musical associations with Hereford and Blackburn Cathedrals and work in church schools amid a happy family life. With two sons and their families settled in successful careers we retired to Devon where, with my husband (an ordinand-turned musician!) we worked as church officers for the Minster Church, Axminster. In 2021, following his death, I had to reinvent myself. I came to Bolton. Why had God spared me? Did he have work for me? I resumed my church activities at Christ Church and St Margaret’s in Bolton deciding that I would spend what remained of my life serving God, as he might lead me. This led to authorisation as ALM in 2023 followed by the Reader course at Emmanuel College where I have found great rewards. I look forward to serving the Diocese of Manchester wherever I might be needed.
Joan Johnson, St Peter with St Philip, Bolton le Moors
My first experience of Christian conviction was when I was four years old and this developed throughout childhood and adulthood into a strong belief and faith in Jesus as my Saviour and that God had a purpose for me throughout life; this has proved to be the case. Over many years I have received God given opportunities in Christian ministry particularly since becoming an Authorised Lay Minister in 2016 and these have been a tremendous encouragement and confirmation to me in what I believe to be God’s calling to take this further into Reader ministry. This was further confirmed when I was approached by Bolton Parish Church (St Peter Le Moors) about becoming a Reader with them and which I am now looking forward to. My ultimate aim and goal is to accept God’s calling and use the gifts He has given me to serve my church and to make a difference in world which, although it doesn’t recognise it, is crying out for Jesus, and to glorify God in all that I do.
Martin Whitehouse, St Ann, Manchester
Two years ago, I walked the Camino de Santiago, out of gratitude and to find what God wanted me to do. God wants me to be licensed as a reader. I have experienced many things. God has given me a voice and he wants me to use it to help others.
Five Readers Honoured with the Title Reader Emeritus
Profiles of those Licensed as Reader Emeritus
From left:
Susan Horobin, Deeplish and Newbold; St Chad, St Mary and St Edmund, Rochdale
My journey to become a reader started early in 2010, my sister Natty invited me to a stepping stones day. The Lord prompted me to go on the Foundations for Ministry course, and I started it that September, believing I would not be called to ministry. During the course I was once again prompted very strongly to apply for Reader training, and I found myself on the training course within three months of applying. I was licensed in 2014. The last 11 years have been both challenging and rewarding, a blessing and a joy. A time of personal and spiritual growth.
June Partington, Christ Church, Denton
In my seven years of being a reader I have grown in faith confidence and a love for spreading the Gospel. My mission has grown and flourished, meeting and helping people along the way whilst continuing to grow. It is truly special when you meet people who are new to church / faith and an honour to be able to support and help especially in our own community. Being involved in outreach and working together in our mission partnership has enlightened my life, seeing messy church grow from a seed to a beautiful strong tree of life having fun and fellowship with all ages. Funeral ministry has also been a privilege however hard it sometimes is, supporting families and ensuring their loved one's last journey is special and meaningful plus following up to check families are coping afterwards: it does not end there it can be a beginning of trust in God. So, I thank God for choosing me and moulding me to the person I am today: his disciple.
Christopher (Max) Robinson, St John and St Luke, Heywood
I am retired, married with three grown up children, and three grandchildren. At St Luke’s Church Heywood, I am Warden, Sunday School Teacher, and All-Age Worship Leader. I preach monthly and am training in funeral ministry. I have a particular interest in maintaining our beautiful Grade Two Star listed building. It has been a privilege, albeit a challenge, to benefit from quality teaching, at Emmanuel College, with the support of a group of wonderful colleagues. Hopefully I can bring the learning to bear on my various church roles, and continue to make a few more faltering steps towards Christ.
Gail Randall, St Thomas, Moorside
Some years ago, I composed a choral setting of George Herbert’s poem ‘The Call.’ As I worked on the music, it became God’s call to me and to ministry. The Foundations for Ministry course led to ALM training focusing on worship, followed by training for ministry as a Reader. Approaching the end of a two-year interregnum, I feel privileged to have been able to share the Word of God and the love of God with so many people in so many ways. My music is performed worldwide and sometimes I receive a message to say how it has made someone feel close to God. With joy I embrace this next stage in my ministry.
Sharon Betton, Clifton
I can only express thankfulness that when I felt far from God, he was there; changing me gradually over 43 years into the woman I am: a woman guided by faith that has experienced some sad times, but so many more glad times, who praises the Lord and knows “I am a new creation”.