I’ve always found churches difficult places to be myself. I’m disabled and neurodivergent, and I came out as bisexual in the early 2000s. Gradually, it became easier to find churches that were inclusive of LGBTQIA+ people, thanks to the work of Inclusive Church. But I continued to feel like a ‘problem’ in churches, as a […]
The focus of LLF has now shifted away from the laity and clergy to the bishops. On 30 September, as vice-chair of the General Synod Gender and Sexuality Group, I took part in one of a series of meetings between Dr Eeva John, the bishops in the Next Steps Group, and representatives of different groups […]
My Christian experience has helped shape all the reasons why I am passionate about IC – and that passion has swung from one end of the pendulum to the extreme other. My first few years in the faith which hindsight informs me were fundamentalist churches, exposed me to theology that told me that ‘same-sex attraction’ […]
There is a song by the band REM – do you remember them? – called Shiny Happy People. Here are some of the lyrics if you didn’t catch them: Shiny happy people laughing Meet me in the crowd, people, peopleThrow your love around, love me, love meTake it into town, happy, happyPut it in the […]
I first heard about Inclusive Church (IC) when I first moved to Leicester in 2020. I’ve been immensely encouraged and inspired by the work various individuals are doing here in Leicester to promote not just inclusion but safe spaces for LGBT+ people like myself where we can support one another, walk alongside one another, and […]
This book made me feel seen. As a disabled person, I have rarely heard stories like mine told in church or theology. So this profound, prophetic book was powerful reading for me. Through engaging narrative theology, Dr Kenny shares heartbreaking stories of disability injustice, reflects on her lived experience in the light of disabled saints […]
At the Gates: Disability, Justice and the Churches is a seminal and vital read for all, including clergy, lay workers, congregations and those who work with disabled and neurodivergent people in any manner. Written by Dr Naomi Jacobs and Emily Richardson, this book provides an insight to the voices of disabled and neurodivergent people’s stories […]
I first came to Halas, a Church of England parish of 5 churches in and around Halesowen, in July last year, as their curate. Although newly ordained, I had been involved in active ministry in various roles for 9 years. During those years I witnessed discrimination in the church against women and LGBTQ+ people. As […]
The promotion of this book has been extensive on social media and I was very much looking forward to reading it. The fact that I read it in three sittings, rather than my normal 2-3 months says a lot about the very readable flow and the engaging nature of Charlie’s analysis of church inclusion and […]
I have been a regional ambassador for IC in North London since 2013. I first got involved with IC when my vicar, in response to my ‘going on about’ trying to set up specific inclusive worship services for people with learning disabilities, said, “You sound like just the kind of person to become an ‘Inclusive […]