What is a Lay Reader?
A Lay Reader is a person licensed by the bishop to lead public worship under the direction of the member of the clergy in charge of the congregation. The Lay Reader must be a confirmed adult communicant (regular member) in good standing and recommended by the member of the clergy in charge of the congregation. Guidelines for training and licensing of Lay Readers are established by the Bishop.
Lay Readers have traditionally held an important place in the American church, dating from colonial times when clergy were scarce. The first American Prayer Book (1789) used the word "Minister" instead of "Priest" in rubrics in various places to allow greater participation of Lay Readers in the worship of the Church.
A Lay Reader may lead the Daily Offices of the Church along with any other "Office", non-Eucharistic celebration, found in the Book of Common Prayer omitting substituting any form of blessing with "us".
