All about a Reader
Posted: 02 Nov 2006 @ 00:00
NOT being a Reader myself, I didn't know that Lectors were a minor order
abolished at the Reformation, and brought back later as Readers because the
Church needed them.
A video produced by the diocese of Monmouth could be of
real service to any diocese or parish that wants to explain what a Reader is
and does. It is a very professional production, and totally straightforward,
telling their history, the sort of training they get, and the work they do in a
parish.
The only slight aberration, says Donald Maxfield, secretary to the Monmouth
Association of Readers, is that some of it was filmed while Dr Rowan Williams
was still Archbishop of Wales and Bishop of Monmouth, at a time when he was
keen on the permanent diaconate, and he spends some time in the video
explaining the very subtle differences. I gather from Mr Maxfield that Dr
Williams's views were not widely shared among Readers, and have rather faded
away.
But the video (soon a DVD as well) is excellent value at £6 including
postage, and can be ordered from Canon Andrew Willie, 7 Gold Tops, Newport NP20
4PH.