Leading Morning and Evening Prayer: Guidance on Lay People
Canon B 11 provides that Readers, lay persons authorised by the bishop, or "some other suitable lay person" may, when invited by the minister with the cure of souls, lead Morning or Evening Prayer (excluding the Absolution). Where the benefice is vacant or the minister is incapacitated, churchwardens may issue such an invitation.
The Book of Common Prayer contains similar provision, but frames this within the context of "a case of need". This suggests that the involvement of a lay person who is neither authorised nor formally licensed is intended to address an exceptional situation rather than establish a regular, long-term pattern of ministry.
The phrase "some other suitable lay person" is not defined in either the Canon or the Prayer Book. However, suitability cannot be understood as simply willingness or availability. Those exercising responsibility for worship must do so in a manner that is safe, accountable, and consistent with the Church's safeguarding standards.
To clarify:
Incumbents exercising discretion under Canon B 11 should be able to explain why they consider an individual to be suitable to lead public worship.
Any such decision must take account of current safeguarding policies and good practice.
The regular leadership of public worship by individuals who have no recognised training, current ministry role, accountability structure, or safeguarding preparation is not to be encouraged.
Therefore, worship should be led by clergy, Readers, Licensed Lay Ministers, or Authorised Lay Ministers.
In situations where an unexpected difficulty arises, and the person due to lead a service is unable to do so, a churchwarden may lead a simple form of Morning or Evening Prayer. Such arrangements should normally be regarded as temporary and exceptional rather than a planned or routine provision.
This guidance is not intended to restrict worship but to enable worship that is safe, accountable, and offered to the highest possible standard. Training and authorisation help ensure that those who lead public worship are properly equipped, supported, and accountable in their ministry. Churches are therefore encouraged to identify and develop lay leaders through the diocesan training and authorisation pathways.