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TODAY the governing body of the Church of England, General Synod, gathers in York for the next five days. Nic Tall, a founding member of our Open Table Taunton community, and National Co-ordinator of Together for the Church of England, which campaigns to unite those seeking to remove all discrimination in the Church of England, explains how we can support them this weekend.

IN JULY 2015, Open Table began to multiply from one to many communities and become the growing partnership and charity that it is today. Taking inspiration from the title a hymn one of our founding members heard on returning to church after many years, we created a logo for the new Open Table network in 2016 with the slogan ‘Come As You Are’. The hymn-writer, Sister Deirdre Browne, has kindly written this reflection for our anniversary.

A VIGIL in support of same-sex marriage in the Church of England took place last Sunday in Liverpool, in which members from several Open Table communities took part. Revd Cate Jacobs shared this powerful reflection on identity, sexuality, relationships and marriage.

FINE ARTIST Elizabeth Gray King is touring with 13 intriguing and affirming canvases, exploring the equality and inclusivity of God’s love. Here’s the reflection from OTN Patron and United Reformed Church General Secretary Revd Dr John Bradbury’s from the launch of the exhibition at the American International Church, London on Sunday 23rd June.

IN JUNE 2021 we asked Open Table community members and volunteers: ‘Imagine it’s Saturday 15th June 2024: We’re celebrating 16 years of the first Open Table community and 9 years as a network. We've achieved three years’ funding. What does OTN look like?’ Here are some of our members’ and volunteers’ responses, and what we have achieved three years’ on.

GOD’S LOVE for each of us - and all of us - is at the centre of a painting exhibition which is touring cathedrals and town centre churches. Fine artist and theologian Elizabeth Gray King is showing 13 intriguing and affirming canvases, exploring the equality and inclusivity of God’s love. Here’s Elizabeth’s reflection on the journey so far, and announcing two more destinations by popular demand.

JUNE 3rd-9th is Volunteers’ Week - a chance to recognise the fantastic contribution volunteers make to our communities and say thank you. The Open Table Network wouldn’t - and couldn’t - exist without the volunteers who give energy, time and talents.

OTN trustee Revd Rose Hill, host of our Open Table community in East Cardiff, attended the premiere of a new short film and shares her reflection on this dramatic tale of hope, perseverance, and religious intolerance a tale that is familiar to many in our communities.

AT OUR AGM on Tuesday 12th March 2024 we thanked one of our Co-Chairs and founding trustees of the Open Table Network as they stepped down from the role. Now we are delighted to announce that Revd Dr Alex Clare-Young has agreed to become the latest patron of the charity.

THIS SATURDAY, 17th May, is International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia [IDAHOBIT]. This year’s theme is ‘No One Left Behind: Equality, Freedom and Justice For All. How are you planning to mark the day this year?