A mid-big-meetings reflection from Rev’d Chantal Noppen, National Coordinator of Inclusive Church
Inclusive Church exists to support and amplify voices that are too often marginalised in church life, whether that’s disabled people, LGBTQIA+ Christians, those from working-class backgrounds, women, people of colour, or indeed all of the above and more! That means not just changing hearts, but widening the doors, and sometimes even changing the rooms where decisions are made.
In the Church of England, the next General Synod elections are just over a year away. While General Synod primarily shapes the Church of England’s internal policy, direction, and priorities, its status as the State Church means those decisions often have a wider impact. We want to ensure that the diversity of God’s people is reflected and heard. Since 2015, Inclusive Church has supported inclusive Synod members who’ve brought compassion, challenge, and truth to national conversations, on racial justice, disability rights, sexuality, working-class ministry, gender inequalities and more.
The Inclusive Synod Election Campaign is now officially live! More info here: General Synod 2026 campaign
But the Church of England isn’t the only place where representation matters and these topics are on the table. This year I was once again invited to attend the General Assembly of the United Reformed Church, while this was in my capacity as a member of General Synod, I do of course also bring my perspective as the national coordinator of Inclusive Church. The shared challenges, and also hopes encountered across our churches were clear. From questions about ministerial training and funding, to conversations on accessibility, inclusion, and how we hold authority, it was striking how similar the wrestlings are, even where governance models differ.
Another stand-out feature of Assembly is the relaxed atmosphere, the humour, and the genuine interest in one another. Alongside the integrated wisdom of youth representatives and ecumenical guests — especially this year from Dr Francesca Nuzzolese and Geza from Ukraine. Time and again, we heard voices of radical compassion, grounded theology, and gracious challenge. The URC has change in their DNA, they are committed to evolving and responding to shifting contexts. But the process can still be long and painful. The relationships we build and nurture with those we make the journey with, are often what gets us through. The friends I’ve made through being on General Synod have had a huge positive impact on my wellbeing and sense of hope for the future. The reminder that the church that we’re a part of, care about and want to grow is people-centred. People matter, their hearts, hopes and dreams. Their stories and experience. They line our way. It’s about community, shared identity and purpose. Denominational differences are just window dressing in many ways, what really matters is who we are and how we live our lives in ways that speak, show and share the core value of loving our neighbours, and seeing and valuing their God-given worth, wonder and beauty. That’s the important stuff! Even if we often get side-tracked by disagreeing over minutiae and nuances…
It’s clear to me that whether it’s Synod, Assembly, Conference or Council, we need inclusive voices in every space where the Church shapes its future. Staying silent is not an appropriate option when it’s people’s lives in the balance. Let’s be bold enough to acknowledge it is in fact that serious and let’s make sure we get inclusive representation in all the rooms where it happens! And if there isn’t apparently enough space at the table, let’s get some folding chairs and forego the table…
Because inclusion isn’t just a pastoral nicety or a dusty dormant policy. It’s a prophetic witness of a gospel imperative..
It gives me goosebumps when I see and hear those focused on issues of Justice in the Church echo back their truth: “This is who we are. This is who we are becoming.” It serves as a powerful reminder that inclusion is not a bolt-on, but a core part of how the Spirit is moving in the Church today, and it is a choice we can all make to support and work towards.
Whether it’s through formal synods or informal gatherings, Inclusive Church will keep championing the need for spaces where those too often silenced are able to speak, and be heard. Watch this space for ways to get involved and play your part. If you want to specifically donate towards the campaign costs for supporting inclusive candidates get elected to General Synod in 2026 you can do that here: https://justgiving.com/campaign/inclusivesynod
- If you’re already on your church’s governing body or eldership, are you having the courage to speak up on matters of equitable inclusion and accessibility for all? I can promise you that each and every time you speak up on behalf of those who have been silenced, it makes a difference and chips away a little at the barriers. What more could Inclusive Church do to support you? Get in touch and let us know!
- Write to your MP too and make sure they know what you’d like them to be doing about disability benefits, mental health care, climate crisis, modern day slavery, gender pay gap, conversion therapy, equal marriage…
Keep on keeping on folks! We are making a difference and, slow though it may be, we are seeing progress made towards churches being more equitably inclusive, accessible and diverse. It’s worth the effort, I promise.
Pictures, Left to Right
Chantal Noppen (Durham) and Kat Campion-Spall (Bristol) in Church House, Westminster
Coffee – a necessary tool, ethical coffee is even better
Mae Christie (Southwark) after a very lengthy hunt trying to find the precious EBM that had been stored in a random fridge. An example of #ParentingAdmin
Electronic voting handsets used at General Synod
Colourful cards (Green, white, orange and blue) for General Assembly
A lit candle on a liturgy booklet for a LLF prayer vigil before the College of Bishops met
Chantal Noppen speaking at General Synod, York 2024
Westcott Alumni at General Synod, November 2021
The bizarre experience of two ecumenical reps (Tom Osbourne, Methodist and Chantal Noppen CofE) turning up to URC General Assembly in coordinating outfits
A URC tote bag and delegate card, the bag says ” Commitment for life: Life-giving Faith, Defiant Hope, Generous Love”. Obviously I’ve kept it!
