I’m a cradle Anglican, but my early church memories are a jumble of the ecumenical church that gave us badges in Sunday School, and a classic brick-built estates parish with barbed wire fences, a bush perfect for den building, and a robed choir that let me carry a big candle (possibly a bold move, given my childhood love of fire and impulsive enthusiasm).

But my other strong memory of church growing up is being asked to leave. Multiple times. Usually because my mum had asked too many awkward questions, or suggested trying something new. Over time, I assumed rejection from church was just part of the experience.

Then came pilgrimage.

My first experience of community that truly held our diversity was with Student Cross – a 120-mile cross-carrying Holy Week pilgrimage to Walsingham. That ragtag bunch of misfits and antagonists, faithful doubters and pedantic saints showed me what it means to share the road with others, adapt and evolve with them, and be loved for who you are. They carried me – literally and emotionally – through joy, grief, doubt and stubborn hope. Many are still in my life, 25 years later.

Later, I walked the Camino de Santiago between my second and third years of theological college. It remains one of the hardest, and best, things I’ve ever done for myself and my faith. Somewhere along that dusty road I finally knew God wasn’t calling me despite my not-fitting-in-ness, but because of it.

Now, as I approach my twelfth year in ordained ministry, I understand why the Footprints poem speaks to so many. There are times when we don’t feel God with us, but we can still journey – from one place and understanding, to another – trusting in the tenacious love that carries us when we can’t carry ourselves as God walks with us, shouldering the burdens of our pains, baggage and struggle. 

So, this month as we explore the theme of pilgrim people, let’s remember: it’s not always about the destination. It’s the travelling together that transforms us and there are many blessings along the way.

Wherever you are on the road – doubting, dancing, dragging your feet – know you’re not walking alone. Let's keep on keeping on, with hope for the journey.

If you'd like to read more Pilgrim Cross (as it's now called) please head over to: Pilgrim Cross

Jack Woodruff (IC trustee and hon. secretary) is the leader of Northern Leg, which I first walked in 2001. I am the co-leader of Wells Leg. There is also now an X Leg for those whom doing a walking pilgrimage is not possible. 

If you’re exploring your vocation or next steps, don’t miss the job listings below and keep an eye on our Facebook page

For an inspiring story of walking alongside another on a pilgrimage of the heart, read Sian’s account of the journey their household took during training for ordination

Once the process is bedded in for new churches, we will be contacting all our exisiting churches to confirm their continued interest and to support a development of our online directory which is planned for later this year. So watch this space! 

This month instead of hearing from our regional ambassadors we're introducing:

We are very grateful for having Jen join the team and for SCM for releasing her to us for this short secondment. While she isn't going to be with us for very long she is already making a huge difference to the efficiency of our operations. The future proofing work she is doing will be invalauble to us as we shift into the next phase of IC.

We want members of IC to have the opportunity to share joyful stories and encouraging signs of progress with each other. There is always more to celebrate than we realise!

Here's a round-up of recent events and happenings.

We'd love to celebrate with you, so do send us your stories.

The next piece is a short reflection from Mthr. Sian Parker, who is serving her curacy in the Diocese of Llandaff, having had to transfer from the CofE during training. When I met Sian and heard a little of her journey I was blown away by this example of living out the marriage vows and commiting to walk together, even when everything changes. I asked if she would write a summary for us. My thanks to her for doing so.

Pilgrimage is perilous. It involves an inherent degree of risk-taking. Since my baptism a little over a decade ago, I’ve been on a spiritual pilgrimage that has felt like being cast adrift at sea, unsure how to set myself back on course. But now, for the first time, I find myself on sure enough footing to reflect on the journey thus far.

     My wife came out to me as a transgender woman partway through my ordination training. My marriage, which had been good and holy before her transition, was suddenly an impediment to my ordination, despite the fact that I was still married to the same person. Many people in the church advised me to get divorced, and a couple went beyond advice and instructed it.

     The perils of pilgrimage are, unexpectedly, easier to face when you no longer have any solid ground on which to stand. Spending the rest of my training unsure whether the church would be willing to let me exercise the vocation for which it had recommended me was agony. One verse from St John’s Gospel kept me going: ‘the truth will set you free’.

Seeing my wife’s joy as she became fully herself inspired me. Her transition has not been easy, but it has been liberating for us both, and her joy in her new identity was the invitation I needed to keep walking in the footsteps of Christ; to be fully myself, queer and called to priesthood, able to look at the pilgrim path ahead know that, whatever may happen, the truth has set me free.

We will also be recruiting after Easter for new trustees to join the IC board.

We believe in a church which affirms everyone -  and we're seeking committed people who share our vision. As a trustee you'll use your skills and experience to help guide us through the next chapter.

Learn more & apply: https://www.inclusive-church.org/2025/04/07/become-a-trustee-of-inclusive-church/

If you think you might be interested in this, keep an eye on our social media channels and get in touch.

Sunderland Minster are advertising for a full-time Director of Operations and a part-time admin officer. As someone who spent over 7 years living and working in the Sunderland Chapter I'd encourage folk to consider these jobs. The Minster has a fantastic location, great clergy and a wealth of potential just waiting to be built on.  It's a really vibrant, creative and diverse city. More details on the Minster's website.

Could you inspire the next generation of faith explorers?

A thriving and forward-looking town-centre parish is ready to take the next step in its ministry with children and young people – and we’re looking for someone with the vision and passion to lead the way.

We’re seeking a Youth Minister to pioneer new outreach projects, especially in local schools and community settings, and to nurture the faith of young people already connected to the church. This is an exciting opportunity to shape something bold, inclusive, and deeply rooted in love.

You’ll be:

• Leading and growing groups and activities for children and young people

• Pioneering creative outreach that builds new relationships in schools and the wider community

• Supporting young people as they explore life, faith, and who they’re becoming

• Equipping and encouraging a team of volunteers through recruitment, training and mentoring

This role is about more than programmes – it’s about presence, imagination, and walking alongside young people as they discover God in their own way.

Contact revtrevorwyatt@outlook.com for more info.

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