We are equal.

We are precious.

We belong.

We are equal.

We are precious.

We belong.

About us

Who is Open Table?

We are the Open Table Network (OTN) – a growing partnership of communities across England & Wales which genuinely welcome and affirm people who are:

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, & Asexual (LGBTQIA) + our families, friends & anyone who wants to belong in an accepting, loving community.

We reach out in welcome to LGBTQIA+ people who need us and who are looking for us. We know that organised religion so often turns away from us. Faith groups can often be cold or hostile towards us, and this can leave us truly isolated; just at the very times when we need affirmation of love, worth and belonging.

Christians At Pride In Liverpool

Our communities

Meet your local community

People talk about the ‘LGBT community’ as if it was a big linked-up bunch of people who are all in touch with one another. But LGBTQIA+ people are no more part of one big, comforting community than a ‘straight community’ would be! LGBTQIA+ people are far more likely to suffer poor mental health as a result of not having a community. This is why OTN exists.

We currently support 37 communities across England & Wales. But there are many more asking to join us. You can search the map, read more about our communities, or contact us to find out how you might host an Open Table community.

We’re helping to create safer spaces where LGBTQIA+ people can find peace, acceptance and welcome. People who belong to an Open Table community say it improves their mental health, and gives them confidence and hope.

Our impact

The work we do is both national and personal. That seems like a bit of a contradiction – but it really isn’t!

Our blogs & news

Keep up to date with the latest

  • Could you be our next volunteer treasurer?

    ARE YOU an experienced finance professional looking to make a real difference? Join us as the Volunteer Treasurer for the Open Table Network [OTN] - the national charity dedicated to creating safe, sacred, and supportive spaces for LGBTQIA+ people and allies in UK churches.

  • Living signs of blessing – Giving thanks for Open Table

    ON SUNDAY 6th July 2025, our Open Table East Cardiff community celebrated two years with a simple Communion service. Revd Ruth Greenaway-Robbins offered this reflection on Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, also known as the Beatitudes (from the Latin beatus, meaning both ‘happy’ and ‘blessed’.

  • What is biological sex?

    What may appear to be a simple question encompasses many components such as chromosomes, hormones, genitalia, and reproductive capacity. For most people, these are in alignment and so we could formulate a definition. But any simple definition could not include the rich diversity of human biology. OTN trustee and biologist Revd Jayne Taylor explains.

  • In The Affirmative: A new beginning

    OUR MOST READ BLOGGER since 2022 is back with the ninth of a series sharing more of her story. This month she reflects on an unexpected change of direction after a heartbreak.

    In the Affirmative is a monthly blog from Open Table member Wendy Young who shares her life, thoughts and experience as a queer Christian in Britain.