OUR NEWLY PUBLISHED 2024 Annual Report tells the story of how OTN continues to be a life-line for LGBTQIA+ people seeking a spiritual home. Since our very first Open Table community began in Liverpool in 2008, we have grown into a nationwide partnership of communities across England and Wales. Together these communities offer a genuinely inclusive, affirming space for LGBTQIA+ people, their families and friends to ‘come as you are’, as OTN’s slogan says.

AT OUR AGM on Saturday 5th April 2025 we welcomed a new trustee to our board for the next three years. Our trustees are responsible for thinking through and putting into practice plans which will develop the Open Table Network (OTN).

THIS SATURDAY, 17th May, is International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia [IDAHOBIT]. This year’s theme is ‘The power of communities’. How are you planning to mark the day this year?

IT'S THE WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY. This year marks 1,700 years since the Council of Nicaea, the first ecumenical council of the Christian church. At the heart of many Christian worship services is the Nicene Creed, which begins ‘We believe in one God…’ Reflecting this, the scripture readings chosen for this year focus on belief. OTN Trustee Neil Rees reflects on how we define ourselves by what we believe.

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.

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.

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.

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.

AT GENERAL SYNOD, the Church of England's governing body, last month up to eight hours was timetabled for debate on Living in Love and Faith (LLF), its long running project looking at identity, sexuality, relationships and marriage.. Gill Ball, a member of the House of Laity from the Diocese of Chelmsford, explains what happened next and where we are now.

ON SUNDAY 3rd March, Bishop of Bradford Rt Revd Toby Howarth led a special celebration of Communion to mark the first birthday of the Open Table Bradford community, the first to meet outside a church as no suitable church venue could be found.