A special service was held at Carlisle Cathedral to celebrate lay ministry and welcome newly licensed Readers.

The Right Reverend Rob Saner-Haigh, the Acting Bishop of Carlisle, led the annual Admission and Licensing of Readers service at 2pm on Saturday, November 16.

Two individuals completed their training with Emmanuel Theological College and were admitted as Readers.

Lois Sparling will serve in the Benefice of Lorton and Loweswater with Buttermere, while Ian Wilson will serve in the Beacon Team.

Three others were licensed, having moved from other dioceses.

Judith Morris transferred from the Diocese of Worcester to serve in South Barrow.

Susan Kiernan joined the Benefice of Threlkeld with St John in the Vale and Wythburn after transferring from the Diocese of Blackburn.

Gordon James joined the Benefice of St Aidan with Christ Church, Carlisle, after transferring from the Diocese of Liverpool.

Each received a Bible, while over 40 other Readers came together to renew their commitment to ministry.

Annie Garden, Warden of Readers, said: "I think Reader ministry is really important because we sort of straddle the church and folks not in the church.

"There’s a sense in which we are standing in both worlds and therefore can speak to both worlds.

"This service is always a joy.

"It’s wonderful to see our Readers gather together and to be able to welcome new Readers to our Diocese."

Lois Sparling, a newly admitted Reader, started leading worship online during Covid and then chose to train as a Reader.

She said: "The training has been quite tough, to be honest, and it takes a lot of time, so I was really glad that I was only working part-time.

"It has been amazing, and I have learnt so much.

"It’s been inspiring to meet people from across the Diocese.

"Training with them has been a real privilege."

Bishop Rob said: "It was great to be here and to celebrate the ministry of Readers, to welcome new Readers into the Diocese and to admit Ian and Lois."