New arrangements for Lay Reader training
The Rt Revd Ken Clarke, Bishop of Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh, has outlined the new arrangements for lay reader training in the Church of Ireland
When the Bishops presented the Ministry Formation Project plan to the General Synod in Kilkenny on 9th May 2007, the clear intention was to transform both clergy and lay training – and these announcements represent a further fulfilment of that intent.
In planning these new arrangements for the selection and training of lay readers, the Bishops had a number of major aims and aspirations in mind:
Create a common training spine that has diocesan flexibility
Ensure there is consistency across the Dioceses and that equivalence of standard, capability and competence exists across the Dioceses
Make a strong and effective connection to the Church of Ireland Theological Institute (CITI), leveraging existing proven programmes and providing effective linkage to ordinands’ training
That all lay training modules are accredited and ‘cashable’ in terms of the continuation of any further training in whatever form that might take
Facilitate a diversity that does not militate against people moving Diocese and being recognised in another area
Using the Foundation Course as a common base between ordinands and lay readers, creating a common point of reference and continuing to build relationships both geographically and across different Church traditions
Achieve a balance of theoretical and practical – study and practice – with a specific line of development for readers highlighting both equivalence and distinctiveness
Deliver the programme over a two–year time frame, making it easier for those with significant other commitments to engage fully with the course
Recognition of equivalence for accreditation of other programmes
Including our Covenant Partner, the Methodist Church, in our discussions and plans and explore the possibility of a shared training programme
The planning, consideration and consultation for these new arrangements have been taking place over the last 18 months with a wide variety of people involved in lay reader training in the Church of Ireland, including, of course, close consultation with the Wardens of Readers.
The primary common training spine for the new lay reader training programme will be based on the CITI Ordinands’ Foundation Course, with supplementary modules suitable to the ministry of lay readers. Lay readers who subsequently feel called to ordination will, therefore, have completed the Foundation Course.
The three modules common to the Foundation Course are Ministry and Mission, Biblical Studies and the Matrix of Christian Belief. These modules will be taught by a combination of distance learning and through contact hours during Day Conferences – three in a year.
The other three modules – Homiletics, Liturgy and Spirituality – will be delivered through Day Conferences only.
The lay reader training programme will be a two–year course commencing every two years and the first cycle will be March 2012 – March 2014. There will be no facility for inter–year joining.
During the consultation phase, the Bishops were very encouraged by the emphasis placed by the Wardens of Readers on parish involvement and local mentoring. An essential element of the training is involvement in a local parish and regular pastoral support from a local mentor. Each Diocese will be required to establish the appropriate mentoring and support structures.
A central element of the CITI is the connection between learning and practice. Therefore, Dioceses and parishes will be given guidelines as to the appropriate level of regular involvement to facilitate students applying their learning.
Under the new arrangements, readers would be appointed for five–year terms after which, their licence lapses. It may be renewed by the Bishop.
For those who wish to train under these new arrangements, applications will be available from the CITI during January and February 2012 and the course will commence in March 2012. There will also be an orientation day in early spring for Wardens of Readers and local tutors. The precise arrangement of costs and finances is subject to Diocesan determination and those interested can ascertain more details on this from their local Wardens of Readers.
The Bishops are pleased to be able to announce this further significant development in training facilities and the extension of the CITI into the important area of lay training.
Personally, I would particularly like to thank the members of the Working Group: the Archbishop of Dublin; the Bishop of Cashel and Ossory; the Director of the CITI, the Revd Dr Maurice Elliott; Canon Barbara Fryday; Canon Michael Kennedy; Andrew McNeile; and our Methodist Covenant Partners, represented by the Revd Janet Unsworth, Director of Studies at Edgehill, and the Revd Mervyn Ewing, who is responsible for local preacher training in the Methodist Church.
This article is reproduced by kind permission of The Church of Ireland Gazette.
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