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IN A LOCAL newspaper interview published this week, the leader of the Open Table Warrington community has shared how, after years of ‘self-loathing’, she has learned to accept herself.

FIVE YEARS since the UK Government first promised to ban so-called ‘conversion therapy’, dozens of LGBTQ+ organisations, survivors and support providers have called on the Prime Minister to make its pledge a reality at last.

FOLLOWING the publication of the Church of England’s draft Prayers of Love and Faith for thanksgiving, dedication and God’s blessing for same-sex couples, the Revd Cate Jacobs, a long-term member of the first Open Table community in Liverpool, has written this poem.

TRANS DAY OF VISIBILITY (TDoV) on 31st March is a day to show your support for the trans community. To mark the day this year, OTN Co-Chair Alex Clare-Young has published trans-affirming worship resources, and a call to public action for trans allies.

A CHARITY which affirms and empowers lesbian, gay, bi and trans (LGBT) people to build communities hosted by welcoming and understanding churches has received a large cash boost from one of Britain’s national churches.

AT OUR AGM on Thursday 2nd March we welcomed FOUR new trustees to our board for the next three years. Our trustees are responsible for thinking through and putting into practice plans which will develop the Open Table Network (OTN).

AS DEBATES over same-sex relationships continue in the Church of England, evangelicals are looking more and more out of touch, says OTN trustee Rev Dr Augustine Tanner-Ihm. He believes the focus should be put back on the issues Jesus and the early Church cared about.

IN MID-JANUARY the BBC leaked news that ‘Church of England bishops refuse to back gay marriage’, triggering much social media speculation and hand wringing, with many LGBTQIA+ people once again feeling deserted by the church. Nic Tall, a founding member of our Open Table Taunton community and member of General Syond, explains what happened next.

LAST SATURDAY, 16-year-old trans girl Brianna Ghey was found with stab wounds in a village park near Warrington, and sadly died. Two 15-year-olds have been charged with her murder. Our Open Table community leaders grieve for her loss and offer support to the town’s LGBTQIA+ community.

BRITAIN’S FOURTH LARGEST Christian denomination has hosted an online event to explore how to safely welcome LGBT+ people in its churches. Among the speakers was OTN trustee Revd Dr Augustine Tanner-Ihm, who spoke passionately about the intersection of being LGBT+ and from an ethnic minority background.