Some were dismissive, some unkind, but others raised genuine questions about preaching, inclusion, and what church is for. 

This is not a rebuttal; but an invitation. An invitation, inspired by those responses, to think more deeply and honestly about what we do, who we assume is present, and who might be missing. Moments like carol services often bring people across the threshold who do not usually come to church. What we do with that moment matters. It's an ideal opportunity to reflect on what we mean by being an inclusive church: where all are more than welcome, genuinely included, valued and barriers are actively minimised.

Inclusion is not simply about equality, but about equity. One size does not fit all. True inclusion means creating a range of responses and options so that everyone, as far as is practical and possible, can belong. Equitable inclusion is harder than simply assuring equality, but it is where the real transformation and possibility lie. 

Inclusion is rarely about grand gestures. More often, it is found in the small, everyday assumptions we don’t realise we're making, about who belongs, who understands, and who something is for. Being an Inclusive Church, and a Christian who is committed to inclusive theology, requires listening, learning, openness to change and compassion.

If you'll indulge me for a moment, in the Dawson's Creek finale (a rewatch of which has been my winter guilty pleasure), Andie says, "It's not about getting it right... It's about knowing when it's wrong and doing something about it”. Held alongside Micah 6: 8 "God has shown you, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God", we are given a posture and mindset for the journey of inclusion, one grounded in humility, love and the courage to change. For the better.

This edition explores questions to consider as you travel along the path of inclusion, and make your resolutions for the year ahead. I hope it gives you some ideas, inspiration and encouragement as we each try to resolve, getting inclusion 'right'.

The greatest gift churches receive at Christmas is the presence of those who are not usually present. With this comes such a beautiful opportunity to offer something more than a concert with a few prayers and readings attached. We're telling the story of the incarnation, of God coming to live with us, as one of us. It's all about encounter. But it is not just about historical encounters, we are also offering the possibility of encounter with God, now. To not preach is not neutral or appropriately polite, it short-changes people. It is part of showing genuine hospitality and welcome to invite people into the 'more' that faith offers. 

Why would we leave it to chance that someone new 'gets' that God loves them and there is a place for them. Why would we not spell that out?

It is often easy not to notice exclusion until it directly affects us, or someone we care about. If you have never experienced exclusion or rejection in a church community, that's great. But this is not everybody's reality.   Inclusion is often assumed, but those assumptions can hide where exclusion happens. (eg. not everyone can read, or stand without pain)

Exclusion is rarely intentional, but it can still harm and hurt. It is human nature to assimilate into situations and contexts we find ourselves in, and we forget how disorientating and difficult those first steps were. 

If someone tells us they feel excluded, our role is not to question or justify their experience. It's to listen, respond with empathy, and consider what we can change. 

If you are already familiar with 'how church works' it's hard to recognise that this is not how everyone experiences it.

One of our York-based members has some experience of this:

Mira loves church. She loves worship, being with other people, and being part of the community. But when Mira goes to church, she faces barriers that many others do not. She has quadriplegic cerebral palsy and epilepsy, is a full-time wheelchair user, cannot eat or drink, and has limited vision.

Many of the barriers Mira encounters are unintentional, but they are real. And they raise deeper questions about what it means to be an inclusive church. How can someone be baptised if they cannot stand at the font? How can someone receive Communion if they cannot eat or drink? How can someone fully engage in worship if they cannot see what is happening?

Through thoughtful adaptations, to baptism, Communion, and even the physical layout of the church, Mira has been able to participate fully in church life. Her story invites us to reflect on a deeper question: what if simply being yourself meant having to ask whether you would be welcome at church?

Engaging with God through art, music, and imagination isn’t a “woke” trend or a lazy dilution of theology, it’s a richer expression of it. And there is a long tradition of exploring theology creatively. Just as we are a diverse people, so can our expressions of faith be.

‘Gravity Defied’ is a powerful new Lent course by Rachel Mann, based on scenes and ideas in the Oscar-nominated movie Wicked starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. The course explores a number of themes relevant to each of us in the contemporary world. These include recognising what is good and right, and standing up for it even when mocked, the temptations of success, popularity and respectability, and the importance of friendship and solidarity. All is discussed within the context of Jesus’s ministry recorded in the Gospels, the temptations and threats that he faced, and persecution of those who followed him.

The course is arranged in five weekly sessions suitable both for individuals and for group study:

• How do we judge goodness?
• Fear and loathing in the land of Oz
• What is a life well lived?
• The attractions of popularity
• The joy and cost of living life authentically

Each session includes suggested clips from the film, as well as discussion questions, exercises and reflections, opening and closing prayers, and activities to consider across the week. There is also helpful guidance for people leading a group study of ‘Gravity Defied.’

Published by Darton, Longman & Todd Ltd

I went to see 'For Good' for my birthday (just before Xmas) and thought it would lend itself really well to a inclusive theology study course so I am very excited this is happening!

New Churches, November 2025

With my apologies that this announcement got swept up and overlooked in the chaos of Christmas, we are pleased to announce that applications for the following churches were approved at November's board meeting. Do look them up and pop along for a visit if you're nearby! 

ACNB church, four churches under one pcc: https://acnb-church.org/

• All Saints Church, North Baddesley
• St Denys, Chilworth - very well positioned for University of Southampton students, especially those who attend the Science Park.
• St John the Baptist - Part of the Small Pilgrim Places Network.
• St Mark's Church,  Ampfield - has historical links with Keble and the Oxford movement.

All Saints Church, Canterbury          allsaintscanterbury.co.uk  - Very community focussed, good succinct explanation of their facilities and services. Including “our 11am service is holy chaos” description, which will definitely appeal to some!

Christ Church Lewes Methodist Church and United Reformed Church LEP        https://christ-church-lewes.org/ - Weekly Ukraine Cafe

Cornerstone Methodist Church          (One church, three sites, 4 worshipping communities) www.cornerstone-mc.org.uk – Includes a good section on how to get involved. They also host an Open Table community.

Derby Inclusive Fellowship https://www.facebook.com/share/1EvcSBGdAQ - on TikTok and stream their services. Have an MCC congregation connected.

Nether Green Methodist Church           www.ngchurch.org.uk – this church I would specifically commend for their clarity of welcome and explicit information around offering same-sex marriage. An official ‘Church of Santuary’. I thought their website does well at conveying a sense of an authentic and genuine inclusive welcome.

St John the Baptist Church, Bishops Tawton          bishopstawtonchurch.org.uk – the highlight of their website (for me) was the picture of a coffee morning server wearing a tea cosy like a mitre…

St Nicholas, Saltdean https://www.saltdeansaintnicholas.org.uk/ -

St Peter's Church, Fairwater       http://www.stpeterschurchfairwater.org.uk

St Philip’s Reigate      www.stphilipsreigate.com – I found them encouragingly responsive to feedback.

St. Cuthbert's, Colburn and St. John's Hipswell - 2 Churches in One Parish          hipswellparish.org.uk

The Stocksbridge Christian Centre https://stocksbridgechristiancentre.com – church council has recently voted in favour of conducting same-sex marriages.

Wesley Methodist Church, Cardiff      https://www.wesleycardiff.org.uk/ - good example of a website signposting to other groups and resources and a church that prioritises appropriate charitable giving. This church is currently advertising for a part-time Mission Enabler, 20 hours pw.

We are very grateful to our Regional Ambassadors who support the work of Inclusive Church in their local area. More info on them and the regions is on the IC website.

I know London and South-East RAs have been seeking to organise some IC gatherings in their areas, so do watch this space for that. 

For those in the Church of England, there are a number of regional gatherings this month happening with Together for the Church of England. The ones below have been directly shared with me, but you can message your local contact to enquire further.

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The content of the newsletter is drawn from a number of sources including individuals and partner organisations. The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect a 'formal viewpoint' of the Inclusive Church trustees, individual members of Inclusive Church or registered inclusive churches.

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