THE head of volunteering for the MS Society, Carrie Myers, has taken up a new position with the Church of England. Her task is to increase and develop all forms of lay ministry.

Ms Myers, who is also a Reader, has been appointed to co-ordinate efforts to train and develop more lay ministers. After studying for a BA and then an MA in theology at Durham University, she worked for USPG, Girlguiding UK, and spent a year as a volunteer with Christian Aid.

She was licensed as a Reader in her parish in Putney, south-west London, in 2013, and has been a member of the General Synod since 2015.

Ms Myers said: “I am passionate about lay ministry. . . and I am excited to be in a role supporting and encouraging others. . . I am looking forward to bringing my professional and theological skills to the job, supporting such a key area.”

The Bishop of Leicester, the Rt Revd Martyn Snow, who chairs the Central Readers’ Council, said: “I am delighted to welcome Carrie, who can help to co-ordinate this work nationally, and enable further growth in both the numbers of lay ministers and their development as theologians, practitioners, and key partners in ministry.”