The office of Reader is one of the oldest in the Church. The growth in Reader ministry has been one of the great success stories in the Church of England and there are now over 10,000 Readers, of whom there are around 80 active in Hereford Diocese. It is the only lay ministry that is voluntary, nationally accredited, episcopally licensed and governed by Canon. In the Church, Readers can be distinguished from their ordained colleagues by the distinctive blue Readers’ scarf. Readers exercise what is sometimes called a teaching and preaching ministry within a pastoral context. They lead worship, teach and preach, and are engaged in a great variety of other roles according to their context. Some examples include pastoral work, leading Bible study groups, baptism, confirmation and marriage preparation, school assemblies, and taking funerals. They are sometimes described as 'lay theologians': their close contact with everyday situations helping them to interpret the Gospel, and to proclaim Christ's teaching both in the Church and well beyond it. Many are involved in planting new congregations and in building bridges between Church on the one hand and the workplace or community on the other.
What is HDRA and who is a member of it?
HDRA stands for Hereford Diocesan Readers' Association. It is the formal structure and leadership for Readers in our diocese. The Association is led by a committee, composed of fourteen members and is presided by The Bishop of Hereford, Rt Revd Richard Jackson supported by the Warden, this is presently held by Revd Neil Patterson The full list of HDRA Committee members is below:
Committee members
|
Deanery | Sub-warden |
Abbeydore | Vacant |
Bromyard | Vacant |
Hereford |
Mr Malcolm Robertson 01432 351134 |
Kington & Weobley | Mrs Anne Ingham |
Ledbury |
Mrs Linde Melhuish 01531 631403 |
Leominster | Vacant |
Ross & Archenfield |
Revd Chris Blanchard 01989 762368 |
Bridgnorth |
Revd Garry Ward 01746 710304 |
Clun Forest |
Mr Jonathan Kemp 01547 530398 |
Condover |
Revd Nancy Cleaton 01694 723387 |
Ludlow |
Revd John Beesley 01584 841488 |
Pontesbury |
Revd Nancy Cleaton 01694 723387 |
Telford Severn Gorge |
Revd Garry Ward 01746 710304 |
If you wish to talk to someone about becoming a Reader, please contact the Warden of Readers Revd Neil Patterson
We have created a number of documents to support you in your role as a Reader these include a prayer diary which is produced annually and various documents such as travel expenses, Annual review forms and working agreement template. If you require support with another matter please contact the Warden of Readers Revd Neil Patterson
- Reader Prayer Diary
- Payment of fees for voluntary ministers (Please refer to the section on Guidance for Voluntary Ministries)
- Working Agreement template
- Reader ministry nomination form
- Vacancies & accredited ministers
- A grievance procedure for licensed ministers
- Form to request a licence/PTO for a Reader transferring from another benefice
- Annual Review & Report Form
- Travel expenses claim form
- Readers Licensing service
- Bishop's Regulations for Reader Ministry
- Supporting a Reader - a guide for PCCs
- HDRA Constitution