The Inclusive Church network is focused on building up and supporting churches as they grow in their faith and increase their inclusivity and accessibility. The challenge of bringing churches together and enabling positive opportunities for strategic collaboration and experiential learning has never been more needed. The network trustees are very excited to announce the appointment of a new national coordinator to lead this work.

Welcome, Chantal!

The Reverend Chantal Noppen brings over twenty years of experience in ecumenical communities that strive to be inclusive and unite over shared priorities despite diverse backgrounds. Chantal is an outspoken advocate for various marginalized communities and has become well-known through her contributions to the Church of England’s General Synod. She was a co-author of the recently published Clergy Babies Maternity Policy Audit, is a member of the executive committee of the National Association of Diocesan Advisors in Women’s Ministry, and recently attended the General Assembly for the URC as an ecumenical representative. She is a member of SCP and the current leader of Wells Leg of Pilgrim Cross. Chantal is also the author of the popular Play Church books that seek to explain and unpack church traditions in accessible and fun ways.

Mthr Chantal has served for over eleven years in estates ministry in Byker and Sunderland and is deeply committed to finding and celebrating God in the ordinary and everyday, alongside the extraordinary moments. She believes that small changes can have a big impact and we should always be open to learning.

“I am really excited to be given the opportunity to work with Inclusive Church at this time where change is really afoot. I hope and pray that we will continue to see church communities growing where inclusivity is not just an ideal but a lived reality. Together, I hope we can ensure that our churches become beacons of hope and love for everyone, where all are welcome and none are forgotten. I see the National Coordinator role as one of celebration and facilitation, taking the time to hear and share stories of good practice and transformation, and to share resources and practical support to enable changes to be made. I don’t want us to focus on what we aren’t doing, but to be building on what we can do. I am open to rethinking traditions while valuing inherited ideas, believing that the Holy Spirit constantly nudges us to view the world in new ways, refining our present, and liberating us to grow into the future.

Despite being a lifelong Anglican, I bring a genuine awareness and appreciation of other denominations and am keen to encourage positive collaborations. I look forward to working with and hearing from existing members of the Inclusive Church network, and those yet to join, as we discern the way ahead together. Do look out for me at Greenbelt and say hello!”

Chantal started in post on 1 August and is already bringing her colourful, creative perspective to our work. She is in post for a term of one year, enabling the trustees to consider the network’s staffing needs as part of our imminent strategic review. For general enquiries, please email our admin Divya at office@inclusive-church.org — Chantal’s direct email is natco@inclusive-church.org