The Bishop of Lichfield has commissioned 17 people from across the Midlands as lay ministers.
The new ministers were admitted to office by The Right Revd Dr Michael Ipgrave at a special service at Lichfield Cathedral.
They will take up new roles as readers and lay funeral ministers across the region.
The Bishop told the service: “I am delighted to admit these 17 lay people into new areas of ministry.
“It is always a joy to see people committed to preaching the word of God and serving the kingdom in their own contexts, reflecting the richness and variety of their communities.
“I am particularly pleased that there are two new lay chaplains being licensed. This reflects a real commitment on the part of the diocese to recognise and support the invaluable work of chaplaincy in our hospitals and prisons as well as in many spheres.”
