31 March 2022

St Columba’s United Reformed Church in Oxford is believed to be the first church in the UK to appoint an outreach worker for the trans, intersex and non-binary communities.

Chrissie Chevasutt started as the church’s Outreach Worker in January, an appointment financially supported by the local church, the regional Wessex Synod Trust and the Legacies Fund and the Discipleship Development Fund of the national United Reformed Church.

The role will focus on a number of areas:

• Pastoral care – offering support and understanding to people transitioning, their families and support groups, churches, and to trans people in ministry;
• Theological – to help with theological thinking and development;
• Educational – to help the Church understand what it means to be trans in all its forms, to raise awareness of needs, issues and rights for trans and non-binary people so that the Church is better informed and can offer appropriate support.

The Revd Helen Garton, minister at the St Columba’s said: “At our First Sunday LGBT+ group, I came across a number of people who identified as trans and non-binary, so it seemed obvious to me that we had a particular ministry to trans and non-binary people.

“I was aware that such a ministry needed someone who could speak from direct knowledge and experience who could offer pastoral support in Oxford and the surrounding areas based at St Columba’s.

“St Columba’s is a pioneering church and still has the energy and the heart to be ground-breaking in this area, as we are already supportive and welcoming to trans and non-binary people and are pained by the misunderstanding, prejudice and hostility that they can experience, sometimes on a daily basis.”

“Chrissie comes to us with a heart and passion for the Gospel and the work of the church in reaching out to people. They also bring an insight from a church tradition quite different to our own, which is refreshing and helpful in understanding the spiritual needs of the people who come to First Sunday, themselves from diverse church backgrounds.

“My hope is that the United Reformed Church at large will warmly support their work, learn from their insights and receive the gifts they offer.”

To interview Helen Garton or Chrissie Chevasutt, please contact the URC Media Team on 07976 750953.

The post Oxford church appoints outreach worker for Transgender, Intersex and non-binary communities appeared first on United Reformed Church.

Latest news

Read the latest news and statements from the URC

Ceasefire Agreement – Statement

Israel and Hamas have agreed to a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal, according to US and Qatari mediators. The first six-week phase is set to take effect on 19 January.

Reflection on Palestine

91��Ƭ��’s Minister for Digital Worship, the Revd Andy Braunston, delivers a Reflection on Palestine.

Church leaders call for Gaza peace

91��Ƭ��, Christian Aid, other humanitarian agencies and global church leaders have urged the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak MP to call for an end to fighting in Gaza.

URC Ukraine Appeal

The URC has launched an appeal in support of Ukrainian refugees and Internally Displaced Persons located to the west of Ukraine in Transcarpathia.

Crisis in Ukraine

From donating to the DEC appeal to prayers and other actions, here’s a list of the different ways you can help support those affected by the conflict

Church Life Review

The Church Life Review was set up in 2020 to review the life, structures, resources and work of the United Reformed Church.

The post News & stories appeared first on United Reformed Church.

Reform magazine: special jubilee edition

28 Sep 2022

October brings the special jubilee edition of Reform magazine. This bumper issue is full of memories and celebration of the 50 years of the United Reformed Church, and discussion for the present and future. General Secretaries past and present discuss what URC is for. Those involved in making 1972 happen look back. We consider the […]

More support needed for poorest in cost-of-living crisis

27 Sep 2022

Without further government action, rising living costs will drag some families into destitution this winter, churches and charities have warned. The Revd Fiona Bennett, Moderator of the United Reformed Church (URC) General Assembly, was among 52 signatories to an open letter published ahead of the chancellor’s ‘mini-budget’ last week. In the letter, the signatories argued […]

Jubilee events postponed

21 Sep 2022

Last week, the URC heard about the revised dates for the rail strikes on 1 and 5 October, news that was confirmed on 20 September 2022. Many meetings and conversations have taken place, and we’ve decided, with the heaviest of hearts, that the best option is to postpone our jubilee events. After close to three […]

Around the URC in seven days: 19-26 September

20 Sep 2022

A round up of news from around the United Reformed Church (URC) over the past seven days. Yorkshire Synod Maisie the Labradoodle was an enthusiastic supporter at the ordination of Nicola Robinson earlier this month. Nicola, Maisie’s owner and friend, was ordained to the Ministry of Word and Sacrament and inducted to serve the Leeds […]

Remembering Her Majesty The Queen

20 Sep 2022

United Reformed Churches around the nations of the United Kingdom opened their doors to visitors wanting to remember the late Queen. The URC provided a range of posters to churches inviting people to come in to sit, to pray, to be still, to grieve, to shed a tear, to reflect, to share your memories, to […]

URC minister becomes Chaplain of Boys Brigade

12 Sep 2022

The Revd Stewart Cutler has become the first United Reformed Church (URC) minister to be appointed Brigade Chaplain of the Boys Brigade. Stewart’s association with the Brigade began at the age of six, gaining both the Queen’s Badge and Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award during his time as a young person. The Minister of St […]

Next

No more posts

No more posts

The post URC minister becomes Chaplain of Boys Brigade appeared first on United Reformed Church.