Four new lay ministers have been licensed at Wells Cathedral during a service celebrating their role in churches and communities across Somerset. The ceremony on Saturday, 3 October, also welcomed four Readers who have moved to the Diocese of Bath and Wells from elsewhere.

Readers support worship, teaching and pastoral care, including visiting sick and housebound people and helping bereaved families. Those already serving renewed their commitment during the Cathedral service.

The annual gathering began at Flourish House in Wells, with a morning of discussion and learning. Guest speaker Helen Paynter, an Old Testament tutor at Bristol Baptist College, led the session before the afternoon service.

The new Readers will serve parishes including Cheddar, Draycott, Rodney Stoke, Mells, Minehead and Westonzoyland. The four welcomed from other dioceses are serving churches in Weston-super-Mare and Trull with Angersleigh.

In their joint welcome, Bishop Michael and Bishop Fiona said: "Readers have a clear calling and an honoured place in the life of the Church."

The day recognised both those beginning their ministry and the contribution of Readers already supporting congregations across the diocese.

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