‘I didn’t have to hide being lesbian, struggling with my mental health or being autistic… confirmation and God’s love was open to me - all of me.’

‘Open Table is more than a community. It is family. It is hope. It is the very essence of what Christ taught us to be.’

‘I have found somewhere I would always be welcome - I do not have to hold back or hide any part of who I am, whether it be my neurodivergence or my queerness.’

‘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.’

‘The phrase ‘Come as you are’ resonates loudly in our monthly worship. I needed to hear it and experience it for myself.’

‘As soon as the service ended, I was surrounded by happy, welcoming faces, and warm hearts, wonderful people who shared so many similar experiences.’

‘There were parts of the LGBTQIA+ community that I didn't realize that were there. Like, I didn't realize that I was asexual until I started talking to all the members in Open Table and I thought: “That sounds like me!” So I discovered another part of my identity; and that gave me more self-confidence.’

‘…we are so glad to have been able to celebrate our love and commitment with our church community and, in some small way, provide a witness to the love of God.’

‘It was like a refreshing spiritual awakening to a life that I never knew could exist. Through Christian spiritual counselling, and in the safety of Open Table, I came to see the scriptures in a new, true light.’

‘I was brought up as a Jehovah’s Witness since the day I was born. I found the religion tough and strict. Some of the rules I was not happy about. One rule was we were never allowed to like the same sex. This is my experience of coming out as bisexual.’

‘I get enough hate and judgement in the rest of my life. At Open Table I get unquestionable, God-given, love. It is that simple.’