Lector

The rare priest who shows singular ability and profound piety may be appointed to the lofty status of Lector. A Lector will be responsible for one of the great temples or perhaps one of the minor suborders of the cult or a number of lesser temples and shrines within a ward. It is a position of great responsibility. This is not for petty bureaucrats and plodders – the future of the cult can be said to be in the Lector’s hands, and the decisions he makes will have lasting ramifications throughout his ward.

Lectors are given almost limitless power in the name of the cult to pursue their own agendas and advance their spheres of responsibility. Even the most powerful noble would think twice before antagonising a Lector. They are considered to be enlightened and responsible enough to interpret the word of their god themselves. Provided that it is in line with standard doctrine, tradition, and precedent, and not too controversial, the Lector has room to choose which parts of the cult’s tenets and doctrine he should emphasise, and likewise which other dogmas to play down. 1b

Some Lectors become involved in politics. They may join the court of the Emperor, an Elector Count, or some lesser noble, or represent their faith’s interests on a city council. Some are suited to this sort of lifestyle, using their diplomatic skill and respected position to advance their cult’s agenda and spread its infl uence within the relevant community. A powerful noble who supports a cult more than any other can be a vital ally in the politicking of the Old World. Likewise, a city that promotes and embraces the cult more enthusiastically than others can be a great source of personnel, infl uence, and income.

Another duty of the Lector in some of the cults is to vote on who will become the new High Priest when it is time to make such a decision. Usually the Lectors convene at the High Temple of the cult or some other auspicious and holy location, where they spend many days discussing the leading candidates and thrashing out the issues. It is through this process that one of the Arch Lectors will be elevated to High Priest.

Source
pg. 19
 * Warhammer Fantasy RPG 3rd ED -- Signs of Faith

pg. 20