AT OUR AGM on Tuesday 12th March 2024 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).
AT GENERAL SYNOD, the Church of England's governing body, last month up to eight hours was timetabled for debate on Living in Love and Faith (LLF), its long running project looking at identity, sexuality, relationships and marriage.. Gill Ball, a member of the House of Laity from the Diocese of Chelmsford, explains what happened next and where we are now.
THE RECTOR of Liverpool Parish Church, one of the most significant civic roles in the Church of England, announced on Sunday that he could no longer, ‘in good conscience’ represent the Church which ‘perpetuates bias and discrimination against sections of society on the grounds of sexuality, race and gender’.
REFLECTIONS from Open Table members and friends have come third in the FeedSpot 5 Best Queer Bible Podcasts ‘ranked by traffic, social media followers and freshness’. Do you have a story to share?
ON SUNDAY 3rd March, Bishop of Bradford Rt Revd Toby Howarth led a special celebration of Communion to mark the first birthday of the Open Table Bradford community, the first to meet outside a church as no suitable church venue could be found.
Peter, one of our trustees, recently visited the ‘Open to All’ art exhibition by Elizabeth Gray-King. The exhibition, in association with the Open Table Network, is on a national tour of cathedrals and city centre churches in England and Wales until 21st July 2024.
MOVING TRIBUTES to the Right Revd Dr Alan Wilson, Bishop of Buckingham in the Church of England Diocese of Oxford, have been published following the announcement of his sudden death on Saturday. Bishop Alan actively advocated for LGBTQIA+ people and survivors of abuse for more than 20 years.
DO YOU ever feel not good enough for what you feel called and gifted to do?
This month, Richard Bibby-Brooke, an Open Table Wirral member, reflects powerfully on how God called him to serve, to love and be loved, despite Richard feeling he wasn’t good enough.
ON SUNDAY 4th February 2024, Open Table Cambridge hosted a celebratory service to mark the start of LGBT+ History Month. OTN Patron Ven Dr Rachel Mann, Archdeacon of Bolton and Salford in the Church of England Diocese of Manchester shared this powerful message inspired by Mark 1:29-39.
LAST MONTH the Open Table community in Blackheath, south London celebrated six years and met for the last time. Revd Anne Bennett, vicar of the church which hosted the community, and Open Table Network trustee, shares her reflection on the journey.
Charitable Incorporated Organisation [CIO] no. 1193868 in England & Wales.
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