DEACON AND LAY READER What Is The Difference? Let’s break it down:- - A Lay Reader is a committed member of the Church who is trained and commissioned by the Bishop to assist in ministry. They can lead services, preach, teach, and support the Priest, but they are not ordained Clergy. Their ministry is powerful, but it remains within the laity. - A Deacon, on the other hand, is ordained, not just commissioned. He is “made” a Deacon through the laying on of hands and is part of the Clergy. A Deacon serves at the altar, proclaims the Gospel, assists in the Eucharist, and is deeply rooted in service, especially to the poor and the Church. - A Lay Reader is commissioned to serve - A Deacon is ordained to serve Both are vital. Both are called. But they operate in different Offices within the life of the Church. The beauty of the Church is this: God uses different vessels, in different ways, for the same purpose. [Worldwide] Anglican Church 2026