4.4 Modernised.

The recent primary sources confirm that the function of the Reader is to "bear considerable responsibility in the church as lay ministers authorised by Canon with a teaching and preaching ministry in a pastoral context". This means that it is formally recognised that Readers have evolved into a body of people whose primary function is to preach and teach and conduct or assist in conducting worship as opposed to being primarily a lector.

Despite the focus on preaching, the conducting of worship is still officially stated as being part of the primary function and the Reader's licence permits Readers "to read Morning and Evening Prayer", provided they use an alternative form of Absolution and replace the words "you" and "your" with "us" and "our" in the prayer of blessing. They are also allowed to "read the Scriptures", including the Epistle and Gospel at Holy Communion and to "receive and present the offerings of the people", to distribute the Holy Sacrament", to "publish the banns of marriage", in the absence of and on the instructions of a clerk in holy orders and to "officiate at a funeral service" subject to the agreement of the bishop or priest responsible for the parish and the goodwill of the people involved. The Reader is forbidden to take a marriage service.