Fr Chris writes:

We are proud at St Chrysostom’s that we try hard to be a welcoming and inclusive church for all people.  My own journey to St Cs was because of the inviting and affirming message on the church’s web site.

A few years ago, as an initiative of our Diocese, we started a service called LGBT Communion which had a specific appeal to LGBT people and our families and friends.

Times have changed, in 2015 our Church had a presence at Pride; and earlier I visited St Brides in Liverpool to hear about “Open Table”.  I met with Kieran and Warren and heard about their service.

We have recognised the need to evolve and emphasise how all are welcome at St Chrysostom’s. So on the 27^th September 2015 at 5pm we started our own service of Open Table – part of our Sunday worship provision.  Open Table is on the last Sunday of the month at 5pm at St Chrysostom’s. You would be very welcome!

St C’s welcomes all people. Open Table is for all. It’s an informal, friendly welcoming space for ANYONE who comes along. Because the church is seen by many as disciminating against LGBTQ+ people Open Table offers a particular invitation to the LGBTQ+  Community

Kieran and Warren, pioneers of ‘Open Table’ in Liverpool

Only this week I heard of people still being discriminated in churches because of their sexuality.  I feel that it is no longer the “love that dare not speak its name” but “the prejudice which folk feel justified in expressing wrapped up in theology”

Our Open Table is exciting – a space and liturgy for all, but with a focus.  It is a service which is part of our mainstream liturgy – not something which some people have referred to as second best on a Saturday afternoon.

This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our faith and diversity, and to show the joy of the Gospel.