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This is where you can explore ideas from individuals who care about LGBTQIA+ people, faith and current affairs.
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The views of blog authors may not represent the views of the Open Table Network.
The OTN blog was rank third in the FeedSpot Top 15 Best Christian LGBTQ Blogs And Websites 'ranked by traffic, social media followers & freshness' in July 2023.
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People not concepts - Diversity dice put inclusion on the table
AT OTN’S NATIONAL GATHERING in June, Lauren McCombie Smith from Frontier Youth Trust led a breakout group to introduce Open Table members to Diversity Dice, a resource created by a Christian youth charity and an LGBT+ youth group. Lauren explains, and movingly shares why this really matters to her.
A new chapter: Embracing God's call to the Village in the City
OTN TRUSTEE Augustine Tanner-Ihm, who found the first Open Table community to be ‘a safe space in a dangerous time’ when he lived in Liverpool ten years ago, has stepped down from the OTN board after three years. Here he explains what’s next for his ministry with the LGBTQIA+ community in Manchester.
Who do you say Jesus is? Who does Jesus say you are?
AT THE FIRST Open Table community in Liverpool this month, the communion service was led by Revd Poppy Thorpe, Vicar of All Saints and St Frideswyde, Crosby, home of the Open Table Sefton community. This is Poppy’s reflection on these two questions, based on Matthew 16.13-20.
Refocusing Faithfulness - Exploring the Biblical basis for LGBTQ+ inclusion in the Church
AT OTN’S NATIONAL GATHERING in June, we heard the extraordinary story of a new six-week course for Christians seeking Bible-based support for their churches to be more inclusive and affirming. Co-author Peter Russell explains.
Craftivism - Getting it out there
HAVE YOU EVER been utterly annoyed or dismayed over a particular issue and had no way that felt helpful or adequate to express that? Craftivism is about getting those feelings out in a way that has potential impact - externalising and change-making, writes OTN Co-Chair Alex Clare-Young.
This is my story - God rejoices over you
‘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 we hear from Wendy Young, who came out as a lesbian 30 years ago, yet only walked in her first Pride march just last month.
Safety, security, and a place to grow - Reflecting on Pride at Manchester Cathedral
FOR MANCHESTER PRIDE festival weekend last month, the city’s Anglican cathedral hosted an Open Table Eucharist, gathering more than 180 people in a service of celebration and hope for LGBTQIA+ people and our allies. Revd Alexa McDonnell gave this reflection, on Matthew 13:31-35.