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AT OTN’S NATIONAL GATHERING in June, we heard the extraordinary story of a new six-week course for Christians seeking Bible-based support for their churches to be more inclusive and affirming. Co-author Peter Russell explains.

HAVE YOU EVER been utterly annoyed or dismayed over a particular issue and had no way that felt helpful or adequate to express that? Craftivism is about getting those feelings out in a way that has potential impact - externalising and change-making, writes OTN Co-Chair Alex Clare-Young.

FOR MANCHESTER PRIDE festival weekend last month, the city’s Anglican cathedral hosted an Open Table Eucharist, gathering more than 180 people in a service of celebration and hope for LGBTQIA+ people and our allies. Revd Alexa McDonnell gave this reflection, on Matthew 13:31-35.

THIS YEAR Greenbelt, an inclusive, affirming Christian festival of artistry, activism and belief, celebrated 50 years. Last Sunday morning, Jo Clare-Young, and OTN Co-Chairs Alex Clare-Young and Sarah Hobbs, led a Quiet Communion service as an alternative to the main celebration on the main stage. Here is an extract of the service they hosted.

‘It’s hard to express our deep gratitude for Open Table’s sustained welcome and hospitality, and your acceptance of all of us, with all the diversity we bring to the table.’

WOULD YOU be willing to share a little of your story, about a challenge you’ve faced and how you have dealt with it? Or an ongoing challenge, and how you are learning to cope? OTN is a wonderfully diverse bunch, and there will be many in the network who will be encouraged by your experience, or learn something new.

DURING THE PRIDE SERVICE at Liverpool Cathedral on Sunday 30th July, following reflections on the Welcoming Christ, The Hospitality of Abraham, and The Outraged Christ, we moved through the Cathedral to the Lady Chapel to conclude our service, with a reflection by Jen Williams, founder of Open Table Sefton, echoing this year’s theme for Pride In Liverpool: ‘Shout It Loud!’

DURING THE PRIDE SERVICE at Liverpool Cathedral on Sunday 30th July, following reflections on the Welcoming Christ, and The Hospitality of Abraham, we moved through the Cathedral to two more points for reflection. The third was at the sculpture of The third was at the sculpture of The Outraged Christ, a 15ft high depiction in wood, iron and steel of the crucifixion of Jesus.

DURING THE PRIDE SERVICE at Liverpool Cathedral on Sunday 30th July, following a reflection on the Welcoming Christ statue, we moved through the Cathedral to three more points for reflection. The second was at the icon of the hospitality of Abraham, also interpreted as representations of the three persons of God (Father, Son and Spirit).

AT THE CLOSE of Pride in Liverpool on Sunday 30th July 2023, Liverpool Cathedral and Open Table collaborated to host a reflective service that brought us together and celebrated the vulnerability and visibility of Pride. The theme of the service took inspiration from the statue of the Welcoming Christ by Elizabeth Frink which stands over the entrance to the Cathedral, greeting visitors to the Cathedral with open hands.