OUR MOST READ BLOGGER since 2022 is back with the fourtj of a series sharing more of her story. This month includes her experience of Christmas past and present. In the Affirmative is a monthly blog from Open Table member Wendy Young who shares her life, thoughts and experience as a queer Christian in Britain.

DURING our online vigil for Trans Day of Remembrance [TDoR] on 20th November, OTN Co-Chair Sarah Hobbs shared this reflection in memory of the trans people who lost their lives because of transphobia in the past year. At the time of writing, the number of reports from 1st October 2023 to 30th September 2024 was 427 from more than 40 countries.

OUR MOST READ BLOGGER since 2022 is back with the third of a new series sharing more of her story. Content warning: This month includes her experience of sexual and spiritual abuse. In the Affirmative is a monthly blog from Open Table member Wendy Young who shares her life, thoughts and experience as a queer Christian in Britain.

THE ARTIST whose exhibition travelled cathedrals and town centre churches for a year to raise awareness and funds for the Open Table Network shares the inspiration behind this amazing journey. Fine artist and theologian Elizabeth Gray King, also a United Reformed Church minister, donated to OTN 40% of the sales of original artworks and prints which people bought because of this exhibition.

OUR MOST READ BLOGGER since 2022 is back with the second of a new series sharing more of her story, which this month includes her experience of mental distress and suicide. In the Affirmative is a monthly blog from Open Table member Wendy Young. Wendy shares her life, thoughts and experience as a queer Christian living in Britain.

OUR MOST READ BLOGGER since 2022 is back with a new series sharing more of her story. In the Affirmative is a monthly blog from Open Table member Wendy Young. Wendy shares her life, thoughts and experience as a queer Christian living in Britain.

‘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 Revd Jayne Taylor reflects on her experience of the diversity of gender beyond the male/female binary.

IN MAY 2021 we shared the news that a long-term supporter of Open Table had been recommended for ordination training in The Church of England. Nick Birnie-Campbell, who has supported several Open Table communities in the north-west for many years, was ordained as a priest at Manchester Cathedral on Saturday 29th June 2024. Here Nick shares an update on his journey.

AT THE CLOSE of Pride in Liverpool on Sunday 28th July 2024, Liverpool Cathedral and Open Table collaborated to host a reflective service that brought us together and celebrated the vulnerability and visibility of Pride. Revd Lu Skerrat-Love, ordained at the city’s cathedral in June to serve the parish which hosts the first Open Table community, offered this reflection inspired by the festival’s theme.

‘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.

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.

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.

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.

‘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, former OTN trustee and Open Table community leader Revd Anne Bennett reflects on her experience of discovering a new meaning in an old story.

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.

‘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.

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 reflects on his experience of the process, and a phrase in the debate which reveals a real problem.