Photo by Nick Owuor (astro.nic.portraits) on Unsplash. Click to enlarge. LISTEN TO Sarah reading this reflection on our podcast [4.5 mins] “Denying how I was created to love meant denying the loving power and purpose of God’s creation; denying the moon and stars of their place to shine.” ‘This is my story’ is an occasional series of short devotions, based around the Bible, the experiences of Open Table members, reflection and prayer. This month, Sarah Jones wonders how we can honour who God has created us to be. Reading I often think of the heavens your hands have made, and of the moon and ..read more

Together for the Church of England logo Nic Tall, National Co-ordinator of Together for the Church of England and member of the Church of England General Synod House of Laity, pictured speaking at Synod in July 2022. TODAY the governing body of the Church of England, General Synod, gathers in York for the next five days. On the agenda is a debate on the next stages of Living in Love and Faith (LLF), the Church’s process of discernment on identity, sexuality, relationships and marriage. Nic Tall, a founding member of our Open Table Taunton community, and National Co-ordinator of Together for ..read more

Sr Deirdre Browne, a Catholic Sister from Australia, who wrote the hymn Come As You Are. “Come, grow into the fulness of life that God intended for each of us. In such an environment, others too will be impelled to ‘go sit with the broken, stand with their pain’ thus providing the spiritual and emotional sustenance that they so need.” 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 create ..read more

Revd Cate Jacobs giving the blessing at the communion service for Open Table Liverpool’s 15th birthday in Jue 2023, the week after she was ordained as a Church of England priest. PHOTO: Scarlett Valentine. 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 across the North-West shared stories, prayers, and questions with their bishop, who took part in the event. Revd Cate Jacobs, a long-term member of the first Open Table community in Liverpool shared this powerful reflection on identity, s ..read more

The sanctuary of the American International Church, London, with Elizabeth Gray-King's artwork on display, and the artist [right] speaking to people who gathered for the exhibition launch. Elizabeth preached and OTN Patron, URC General Secretary Revd Dr John Bradbury introduced her. WATCH HERE [60 mins] 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 ..read more

OTN patron Bishop Cherry Vann spoke at the launch of Elizabeth Gray-King's Open To All exhibition at Newport Cathedral on Sunday 19th May. Revd Canon Andrew Lightbown from Newport Cathedral also spoke at the launch of their active work to promote inclusion for all. Elizabeth Gray-King’s painting Am I Free? which one person said illustrated her experience of coming to faith. Click on the link to enlarge the image. 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 ..read more

Fruits of the Spirit film poster - Click on the image to view full size. Revd Rose Hill (left) at the film premiere. PHOTO: El Bergonzini. AS A PARTNER of The Gathering Cardiff, an affirming congregation working towards LGBTQ+ inclusion in the Church, we were invited to review their new short film, Fruits of the Spirit. OTN trustee Revd Rose Hill, host of our Open Table community in East Cardiff, attended the film premiere and shares her reflection on this dramatic tale of hope, perseverance, and religious intolerance that is familiar to many in our communities. I have to admit to some trepi ..read more

The Return of the Prodigal Son by Rembrandt, c. 1669, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons. Knock, knock! No corny joke to follow! Just a door opening, then a voice that greets you in the entrance. What do you hope happens next? Which of the following words would you prefer to hear? asks OTN Secretary Neil Rees: ‘Hey, so good to see you! Come in, how are things? Grab a chair, can I get you a coffee or something? How have you been keeping?’ Or: ‘Oh, er, hello, yes, um, so… Why don’t you come in for a minute, I guess? [Awkward pause.] Is there something you wanted?’ Any votes for the second ..read more

‘This is my story’ is an occasional series of short devotions, based around the Bible, the experiences of Open Table members, reflection and prayer. This month, OTN trustee Carol Joyner reflects on her experience of finding consolation in the image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd. Reading “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” — John 10:10 (NIV)Reflection A rainbow sheep is pulling the hand of a reluctant and doubtful Jesus and saying, ‘Come! I found a church that will welcome us both!’ Cartoon by David Hayward aka nakedpastor During a particularly rocky period in my li ..read more

Warren Hartley, co-founder of the first Open Table community in Liverpool. PHOTO: Mark Loudon. THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND’s Living in Love and Faith process on identity, sexuality, relationships and marriage has stirred up a lot for many LGBTQIA+ people in the last few years. Warren Hartley, LGBTQIA+ Ministry Facilitator at St Bride’s Liverpool where the first Open Table community began, reflects on his experience of the process, and a phrase in the debate which reveals a real problem: The debate on identity, sexuality, relationships and marriage in the Church of England has been long, and toxic a ..read more