The final report which identified the need to clarify the function of Readers provided the 'starting-block' for the latest definition of the function of the Reader which seeks to replace any negative statements about Readers as 'clergy substitutes' with assertive statements about the Reader's distinct, lay ministry, which is centred on preaching and teaching.

It could well be that the first official recognition of the transformation to the primary function of preaching is contained in Readers And The Ministry Of The Church which states "For more than a hundred years Readers have assisted the clergy in the liturgy. As the clergy have developed confidence in them, and their training has been widely recognised, Readers have developed a particular preaching and teaching ministry with increasing opportunities to undertake leadership and pastoral work in parishes, hospitals and elsewhere."