In the Diocese of Edmonton, a Lay Reader is: “a layperson who has been recognized by his/her parish as a spiritual leader, and has been trained and licensed by the Diocese to take up liturgical leadership in the parish according to its needs and his/her gifting, given oversight and support from the parish leadership.”
Lay Readers serve in parishes throughout the diocese. Essentially, they are church members who are gifted and called to lead others in worship. As they and their parishes recognize this call, Lay Readers are trained and licensed to facilitate worship using the liturgies and practices of the Anglican Church.
Lay Readers are involved in many aspects of worship, from prayers and Bible readings to preaching and leading services of Morning and Evening Prayer. On occasion, Lay Readers may also conduct funerals and serve in other liturgical and leadership roles.
For more information on lay readers' training and licensing, or to submit names of candidates for licensing as lay readers, please contact the Chaplain for Lay Readers, the Rev. Nick Trussell.
