Chelmsford Readers
Readers for the Chelmsford Diocese take one full year of their training with St Mellitus College alongside ordinands..
Where does reader training begin? Not at the moment of selection for training! Anybody selected will already be on a journey of faith: studying the Bible, learning to pray, exploring issues of faith and thinking about God for a considerable time. Further training builds on that experience.
The normal foundation for specific training for this ministry of "preaching and teaching within a pastoral context" is the Chelmsford Diocesan Course in Christian Studies (CCS). This two-year course is open to all and covers topics including the Bible, church history, creeds, sacraments, spirituality, discipleship and ethics.
Potential candidates who have already undertaken some theological education (for example, a diploma or degree) may be exempt from the Course in Christian Studies.
For more details, click here
The Bishop of London Richard Chartres
“At a time when fragmentation and partisanship can appear to threaten the credibility and effectiveness of our ministry, St Mellitus represents a bold step of faith and trust. We believe that as we pursue the harder path of unity in diversity, the College will prove to be an instrument of the Spirit in equipping the whole people of God to proclaim the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
The Bishop of Chelmsford Stephen Cottrell
“As we seek to train men and women for ministry and mission in a rapidly changing context, St Mellitus College offers the Chelmsford Diocese a flexible and inclusive approach for theological and ministerial education and formation. It is very exciting to be part of this pioneering initiative.”
The Dean Revd Dr Graham Tomlin
“St Mellitus College is a very exciting place to work. It brings together students from across the spectrum of the church to learn about and prepare for mission in the contemporary world, in a way that tries to be open to the Spirit of God and learning from each other. We have a fantastic group of students, a great staff team and it is a privilege to be part of it.”
Regius Professor of Divinity at Cambridge University, David Ford
"One of the most important experiments to have happened in British theology and church theological education for a long time. The way it is bringing together academy and church, including church at the grass roots - that collaboration is just full of potential for the future and I feel everyone should watch this space. What it can do is something that really no other theological institution in the country can achieve at the moment."