The Diocese of Edinburgh’s Warden of Lay Readers, Janet McKinnell, will step down after 15 years of service, The Bishop of Edinburgh announced this week.
Janet, who is part of the congregation of Holy Trinity, Haddington, East Lothian, will bring her tenure to a close at the end of July.
The Bishop of Edinburgh, The Rt Revd Dr John Armes, said: “I am so grateful to Janet for her 15 years of service in this role, for her diligence in pastoral care and in promoting Lay Reader ministry within the diocese and the province.
“I have always found her advice and support invaluable. Lay Readers offer an often unseen yet vital contribution to ministry in many of our charges.
“Thank you, Janet, we wish you well as you explore where your ministry will next take you.”
Lay Readers play a pivotal function in the Diocese of Edinburgh and wider Scottish Episcopal Church, assisting priests with pastoral work, outreach, preaching, teaching and spiritual development. They are not normally paid a stipend.
Alan Baker has been appointed as the new Warden for Lay Readers, and will soon take up formally the position.
The Bishop of Edinburgh commented: “I am delighted to announce that Alan Baker has accepted my invitation to be our new Warden of Lay Readers.
“Alan is Lay Reader at St Ninian’s, Comely Bank, having begun his ministry in the Church of England.”
Alan Baker added: “I am honoured to take on the role of Warden of Lay Readers and I hope that I can fulfil it diligently and compassionately.
“Lay Readers have a great deal to offer and I look forward to working with them, so their gifts may find full expression in the communities they serve, and beyond.”
Please hold Alan in your prayers as he works with Janet over the coming months to enable a smooth transition.
What is a Lay Reader?
Lay Readers preach and teach as lay theologians and are often involved in pastoral work too. They work closely in collaboration with their priest to support and develop the life of the congregation.
Who can become a Lay Reader?
Some Lay Readers have a particular ministerial role in the wider community. Readers are trained to at least Certificate level by the Scottish Episcopal Institute. They are not normally paid a stipend for their work.
Find out more
Information about the discernment process for lay readers is here. Anyone interested in this vocation should speak to the rector or chaplain at their church.
