There are now more active Readers in the Church of England as there are full-time parish clergy. Readers have a unique place in the life of the church. They are the only lay-people to be licensed by the Bishop for their ministry. The licence sets out the areas of ministry which they are permitted to do, in leading worship, preaching, teaching and a wide variety of pastoral work. The Reader serves within the team of ministry both in the parish and in the deanery, and brings to the ministry the insights of one who is actively involved as a Christian in the life of the world.
Readers come from every walk of life and men and women are represented more or less equally.
Those admitted as Readers must be baptised and confirmed members of the Church of England, and regular communicants. Reader ministry differs in practice from parish to parish. In the rural areas Readers help to provide regular Sunday worship in small and scattered parishes. In the towns, they serve mainly in their own parishes, and help elsewhere when there is need. Equipped by their training, Readers play a key role in running house groups and Bible study groups.