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On Saturday afternoon (3rd October), Bradford Cathedral was a sea of blue Reader scarves as many of the Diocese's 130 Readers attended the triennial re-licensing with Bishop David. The AGM and annual conference was also held which celebrated the 40th anniversary of women's entry into the ministry. Three new Readers were admitted: Margaret Anthony for Utley, St Mark's, Lesley Higson for Skipton, Holy Trinity and Carolyn Warnes for Yeadon St John. Pam Darlison was also welcomed and licensed for Thorpe Edge and Greengates having moved here from Lincolnshire.
In addition the Readers said farewell to their Warden, the Revd Paul Booth and welcomed the new Warden, the Revd Christine Shedd - who is the first female Warden of Readers in the diocese.
Training Officer, The Revd Canon Steve Allen, says, "Christine has a long track record of encouraging women in ministry and her appointment has been welcomed throughout the Diocese. She replaces Paul Booth who has done a marvellous job over the last five years. Paul has overseen the most recent moderation (inspection) of the Reader training course and has done much to raise the profile of Readers and their ministry throughout the Diocese".
Christine Shedd says, "What really came over during the day was the diversity and breadth of Reader ministry from taking funerals and confirmation preparation to hospital and sea-cadet chaplaincies. With that in mind, I want to encourage Readers to develop the great potential within them and to develop the wide diversity of things they can do".
