Open Table Network

An illustrated image in a cozy, book-filled room, showing a diverse group of six people of varied ages and ethnicities sitting and sharing tea around a circular wooden table. The group includes an older man with a grey beard and glasses, another elder man with glasses, a woman with braided hair who is seated in a wheelchair, a friend placing a supportive hand on the wheelchair user's shoulder, a young man taking notes in a spiral notepad, and another woman listening. The text content at the top of the image reads: "“Shame dies when stories are told in safe places.” - Ann Voskamp". In the centre of the table is the Open Table logo, a glowing, multi-colored circular design of interconnected stylized human figures. Rainbow-coloured light streams through the room, creating a rainbow spectrum pattern on the walls and table from a window showing a sunset. The background bookshelf holds numerous colourful books, some with titles like 'OUR HISTORY'.

'SHAME DIES when stories are told in safe places.' - Ann Voskamp
#LGBThistorymonth has ended, but the need for us to share our stories continues.
Here are just a few of the stories of Open Table community members: opentable.lgbt/personal-stories
Contact us if you'd like to share yours.

Open Table logo in Welsh

‘Be joyful, keep the faith, and do the little things that you have heard and seen me do.’ - St David.
Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Hapus - Happy #StDavidsDay to our Welsh Open Table communities in Cardiff and Haverfordwest. Thanks to you we have a Welsh logo! #BwrddAgored #TyrdFelYrWyt

A photo of Bishop Toby Howarth, with glasses, smiling, dressed in Anglican clerical clothing including a red shirt with a white clerical collar and a navy blue blazer. He is wearing a colorful, hand-painted wooden cross pendant and a small 'B' lapel pin. He is standing outdoors in front of a stone church building with arched windows.

A promotional graphic with logos and text. In the top left, purple and black text reads, "Come As You Are: You're more than welcome here." To the right is the Open Table logo, featuring a circle of diverse, colorful figures holding hands. Below this, the text "@ Equity Centre, Bradford" appears above a vibrant, multi-colored vertical stripe bar. At the bottom, the words 'EQUITYPARTNERSHIP' are written in bold black capital letters.

🌈 TODAY 6--8pm: Celebrate with our Open Table Bradford community marking their 3rd birthday with a special Eucharist led by the Bishop of Leeds. You're #MoreThanWelcome to #ComeAsYouAre in fellowship, reflection & joy! 💒✨bit.ly/OTbradford0326

Google Maps image of England and Wales with an Open Table logo marking the locations of our communities.

TODAY our communities in Bradford, Bristol, Cardiff, Exeter, Liverpool, London - Bow & Bethnal Green, Reading, Runcorn, and Weymouth gather.
FFI: opentable.lgbt/our-communities
#ComeAsYouAre #FaithfullyLGBT #MoreThanWelcome #PlaceToBelong #RoomAtTheTable

A welcoming graphic reading “Come As You Are – You’re more than welcome here” at St John’s United Reformed Church, Warrington. The image includes the St John’s church logo featuring a colourful tree with a cross, alongside the Open Table logo showing multicoloured figures in a circle.

TODAY 2-4pm: Our Open Table Warrington community is preparing to relaunch in May with new leaders. Join us as we reflect on the kind of experience we want to continue to create, so everyone feels welcome, included, affirmed, and empowered in this community: bit.ly/OTwarrington0226

Two smiling adults standing outdoors in front of greenery at a Pride event. Stephen has a white beard and rainbow face paint across his forehead and cheek, and is wearing a rainbow stole. His wife Denise wears sunglasses and a purple T-shirt reading 'Christians at Pride' in white writing inside a white heart shape, with rainbow face paint on her cheek. They have their arms around each other and appear joyful.

'THE TRUTH will set you free.' 🕊️
In our latest blog Stephen, a retired Methodist minister shares his moving journey from theological opposition to finding a spiritual home at Open Table Chester. A story of 'widening embrace', honesty, and the power of inclusive love.
READ MORE: bit.ly/StephenChester

An abstract illustration of overlapping, brightly coloured envelopes scattered across the image. Each envelope is labelled 'newsletter' in handwritten-style text, suggesting email communications, updates, or mailing lists. The colours include green, purple, blue, orange, yellow and pink, creating a lively, layered design.

OUT NOW: Our February e-news with an #LGBThistorymonth story from the #MethodistChurch, responses to the end of the #CofE #LivingInLoveAndFaith process, a trans priest on tour, and news from our network including a relaunch, a birthday celebration & a consultation. READ MORE: bit.ly/OTNenews0226

A photo of Bishop Toby Howarth, with glasses, smiling, dressed in Anglican clerical clothing including a red shirt with a white clerical collar and a navy blue blazer. He is wearing a colorful, hand-painted wooden cross pendant and a small 'B' lapel pin. He is standing outdoors in front of a stone church building with arched windows.

A promotional graphic with logos and text. In the top left, purple and black text reads, "Come As You Are: You're more than welcome here." To the right is the Open Table logo, featuring a circle of diverse, colorful figures holding hands. Below this, the text "@ Equity Centre, Bradford" appears above a vibrant, multi-colored vertical stripe bar. At the bottom, the words 'EQUITYPARTNERSHIP' are written in bold black capital letters.

🌈 THIS SUNDAY 6--8pm: Celebrate with our Open Table Bradford community marking their 3rd birthday with a special Eucharist led by the Bishop of Leeds. You're #MoreThanWelcome to #ComeAsYouAre in fellowship, reflection & joy! 💒✨ bit.ly/OTbradford0326

A welcoming graphic reading “Come As You Are – You’re more than welcome here” at St John’s United Reformed Church, Warrington. The image includes the St John’s church logo featuring a colourful tree with a cross, alongside the Open Table logo showing multicoloured figures in a circle.

THIS SATURDAY 28th Feb 2-4pm: Our Open Table Warrington community is preparing to relaunch in May with new leaders. Join us as we reflect on the kind of experience we want to continue to create, so everyone feels welcome, included, affirmed, and empowered in this community: bit.ly/OTwarrington0226

Google Maps image of England and Wales with an Open Table logo marking the locations of our communities.

TODAY our communities in Nantwich, Nottingham, Wigan and Wirral - Heswall gather.
Check out our communities page for details: opentable.lgbt/our-communities
#ComeAsYouAre #MoreThanWelcome #PlaceToBelong #RoomAtTheTable #Christian #Church

FOR #LGBThistorymonth this year, the Methodist Church's theme is #AllAreWelcome. Discover how the #Methodist church which hosts the Open Table Chester community moved from the ‘pain of growth’ to becoming 'a lighthouse for those seeking sanctuary'. 👉 bit.ly/OTchester0226 #LGBTHM #LGBTHM26

An outdoor photograph shows a group of people at a Pride event in Margate, standing on a grassy field under a clear blue sky. In the foreground, two women hold a large white hand-painted banner that reads "UNION CHURCH ❤️s TRANSCENDENCE." The woman on the left wears a dark top and a bright pink patterned skirt, while the woman on the right wears a rainbow-striped tank top and dark shorts. In the background, other attendees are visible, including some wearing colorful clothing and pride accessories. An ice cream truck and coastal buildings are also visible behind the group.

'AT THE HEART of it, God is love.' ❤️
Union Church, a #Methodist / #URC partnership in Margate, shows how faith and inclusion go together. From welcoming #LGBTQ+ people to hosting art trails (even a visit from Madonna!) they’ve become a creative hub for all. 🏳️‍🌈✨
👉 bit.ly/UnionMargate #LGBTHM #LGBTHM26

A purple graphic with large text reading “LENT” and curved text underneath saying “in 3 minutes”. The design is simple and minimal, suggesting a short Lent reflection or resource.

TODAY is #AshWednesday, the first day of #Lent in preparation for #Easter.
If you're puzzled by or curious about what these hashtags mean for many Christians, try watching 'Lent in 3 minutes' by Catholic media ministry #BustedHalo youtu.be/Xo1mjuy1NA0

An image with a purple background featuring the text "RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS" in glowing white capital letters. Below the title are six colorful sticky notes arranged in two rows of three, each containing a suggestion for a kind gesture: Top Row: "give a compliment" (yellow), "share with loved ones" (light purple), and "volunteer in your community" (beige). Bottom Row: "ask how someone's doing" (cream), "say thank you" (pink), and "donate or fundraise" (yellow). The corners of the image are decorated with abstract white line patterns and dots.

TODAY is #RandomActsOfKindnessDay - a campaign to #MakeKindnessTheNorm
randomactsofkindness.org
Here are four simple ways you can help us share #kindness through our growing network of communities: opentable.lgbt/support-us
#RAKWeek #RAKWeek2026

Revd Sarah Jones, wearing a black clerical shirt and collar, smiles while holding a large red sign. The sign features the text "COME OUT FOR TRANS EQUALITY" in bold white and black lettering, along with the Stonewall logo and a website address. She is standing in an indoor space with a large window and event banners visible in the background.

'BEING TRANS is just one part of a person’s identity.'
Read OTN Co-Chair Carol Joyner's review of the #EverydayNormal tour by Revd Sarah Jones, the first person ordained in the #ChurchOfEngland following gender transition.🏳️‍⚧️
🗓️ Bring this powerful story to your community
🔗 bit.ly/EverydayNormalTour

'The #LivingInLoveAndFaith process has been "concluded" but the work for justice has not.'
Nic Tall, National Co-ordinator of Together for the Church of England, reflects on a bruising #GeneralSynod and moving from lament to action:
🔗 viamedia.news/2026/02/13/leaving-in-love-and-faith

Google Maps image of England and Wales with an Open Table logo marking the locations of our communities.

TODAY our communities in Birmingham, Cambridge, Kendal, Lincoln, Liverpool, London - West Hampstead & Salford are gathering. FFI: opentable.lgbt/our-communities
#ComeAsYouAre #MoreThanWelcome #FaithfullyLGBT #PlaceToBelong RoomAtTheTable

The image is a detailed mosaic depicting a figure identified by the arched red text as ST. VALENTINVS (Saint Valentine). Key Visual Details: The Figure: A man with a long, grey beard and a serious expression looking upward and to the right. He wears a traditional mitre (a bishop's tall, pointed hat) and clerical robes rendered in shades of grey, gold, and white. The Symbol: In his right hand, he holds a white cross adorned with red jewels or stones. Artistic Style: The image is composed of many small, square tiles (tesserae). The background consists of shimmering gold-toned tiles, while a red circular border frames the saint's head and the Latin inscription. The overall aesthetic is characteristic of Byzantine or ecclesiastical mosaic art, using a warm, metallic palette.

MARRIAGE EQUALITY has a surprising role model in #SaintValentine, a 3rd-century Roman priest who defied the law to wed couples who were forbidden to marry.
READ MORE: qspirit.net/saint-valentine-marriage-equality
#ValentinesDay #MarriageEquality

A square graphic with a purple header featuring white text that reads, "First Love Yourself" and a smaller subtitle, "A reflection and resources for Valentine's Day." Below the header is a colorful watercolor painting of a horizontal rainbow. Two white, hand-drawn hearts overlap in the center of the rainbow background.

FIRST LOVE YOURSELF: Reflection & resources for #ValentinesDay & a broader interpretation of what it means.
Written by OTN Patron Alex Clare-Young. Digital download only £2.60.
Treat yourself this #ValentinesNight
ionabooks.com/product/first-love-yourself-pdf-download
#Love #LoveYourself #LGBT

Official logo for the Church of England’s Living in Love and Faith (LLF) process. A modern, abstract logo consisting of four overlapping, transparent heart shapes in vibrant colors: teal, orange, magenta, and lime green. Where the hearts intersect, new colors are formed, symbolizing the "growing together" and "discernment" of the project. To the right of the icon, the words "Living in Love and Faith" are written in a clean, charcoal-colored serif font.

A headshot of Fr Robert Thompson wearing a black clerical shirt standing in front of a church garden and noticeboard.

'I CANNOT any longer... preach liberation on Sunday and accept spiritual diminishment on Monday.'
Fr Robert Thompson reflects on the conclusion of the #ChurchOfEngland's #LivingInLoveAndFaith process on #identity, #sexuality, #relationships & #marriage bit.ly/MoralClarityLLF
#GeneralSynod #CofE #LLF

Title: Prayer for Church of England General Synod Friday 13th February 2026. Text content: "God of refuge and compassion, stronghold in times of trouble and shelter in every storm: draw near to those who are weary and burdened, and to all who tirelessly seek belonging and sanctuary. Be shade in their heat, safety in their searching, and comfort for their hearts. Bind up the brokenhearted; comfort those who mourn, feel lost, or hopeless, and free them to grow in trust and hope; that in your welcoming embrace they may find restoration, confidence, and joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen." Visual description: The prayer text is centered on a light, clean background featuring abstract, soft pastel waves in shades of orange, yellow, and blue. In the bottom right corner, the Open Table Network logo depicts a circle of eight stylized, rainbow-colored figures holding hands, with the words 'OPEN TABLE' in purple capitalized text below.

Day 5 of #ChurchOfEngland #GeneralSynod. As many carry weary hearts at the end of the #LivingInLoveAndFaith process on #identity, #sexuality, #relationships & Marriage, we pray that God’s welcoming embrace brings restoration, confidence, and joy to all who seek belonging. 🌈
#CofE #LLF

A portrait of Lou smiling, wearing a green cap, black sunglasses, and an orange shirt. The image has a colorful, abstract graphic background including the Methodist Church logo in the top left corner.

'TRYING TO PRETEND... nearly cost me everything."
FOR #LGBThistorymonth Lou shares her powerful journey from suppressing her identity to finding her true self, her wife, and an inclusive spiritual home in the #MethodistChurch.
Read Lou’s testimony: bit.ly/LouTestimony
#LGBTHM #LGBTHM26

Title: Prayer for Church of England General Synod Thursday 12th February 2026. Text content: "God our shepherd, who gathers what has been scattered and sends us into the world in love: guard your Church from the temptation to honour unity above justice or to trade faithfulness for a peace without righteousness. Turn us from every idol that denies your all-embracing love. Knit us into one body in Christ, tender in mercy and steadfast in truth, that loving one another as Christ has loved us we may be a faithful sign of your kingdom; and the world may believe in the One you have sent, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen." Visual description: The prayer text is centered on a clean, light background decorated with soft, flowing abstract pastel waves in shades of orange, pink, and blue. In the bottom right corner, the Open Table Network logo depicts a circle of eight stylized, rainbow-colored figures holding hands, with the words 'OPEN TABLE' in purple capitalized text below.

DAY 4 of #ChurchOfEngland #GeneralSynod: From 3pm #Synod will debate and vote on the #HouseOfBishops' motion to bring the #LivingInLoveAndFaith process to a close.
We pray for those feeling 'scattered' and ask for the courage to turn from idols that deny God’s all-embracing love. 🕯️✨
#CofE #LLF

A group of 16 people of various ages and genders posing for a group photo inside a church. In this image they are posing formally. The group is positioned in front of a stone wall with two arched windows. To the left and right are banners for 'Open Table Leyland' which include the phrase 'A place where everyone belongs'. A large, rainbow-colored balloon in the shape of the number '4' is visible behind the group, marking their 4th anniversary celebration. In the centre, two individuals wear ceremonial chains of office, associated with the local government roles of Mayor and Consort. The people are dressed in a variety of casual and semi-formal clothing, including sweaters, jackets, and t-shirts. The overall atmosphere is joyful and inclusive.

A group of 16 people of various ages and genders posing for a group photo inside a church. In this image they are waving or gesturing towards the camera. The group is positioned in front of a stone wall with two arched windows. To the left and right are banners for 'Open Table Leyland' which include the phrase 'A place where everyone belongs'. A large, rainbow-colored balloon in the shape of the number '4' is visible behind the group, marking their 4th anniversary celebration. In the centre, two individuals wear ceremonial chains of office, associated with the local government roles of Mayor and Consort. The people are dressed in a variety of casual and semi-formal clothing, including sweaters, jackets, and t-shirts. The overall atmosphere is joyful and inclusive.

LOVELY 4th birthday for our Open Table community in #Leyland #Lancashire last Sunday. 16 people gathered for cake and Communion. OTN Director Kieran led a reflection on the Open Table story for #LGBTplusHistoryMonth #LGBTHM
Watch this space for future gatherings: facebook.com/groups/1664874860526365

Title: Prayer for Church of England General Synod Wednesday 11th February 2026. Text content: "God of inclusion, who in Christ has broken down dividing walls and made us one body beyond all separation: grant your Church wisdom and boldness to discern your will of boundless love. Draw near those once held far off; gather strangers and the marginalised into your household; and build us together in your Spirit as a dwelling-place of your love and grace; that, being one in Christ Jesus, we may live as a people reconciled and made whole; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen." Visual description: The prayer text is centered on a light, clean background featuring abstract, soft pastel waves in shades of blue, pink, and yellow. In the bottom right corner, the Open Table Network logo features a circle of eight stylized, rainbow-colored figures holding hands, with the words 'OPEN TABLE' in purple capitalized text below the icon.

DAY 3 of #ChurchOfEngland #GeneralSynod. After a heavy debate on #LivingInLoveAndFaith, today the focus is on the global #AnglicanCommunion & #Safeguarding.
We pray for the courage to break down dividing walls and gather those held 'far off' into a dwelling-place of love and grace.🕯️🌈 #CofE #LLF

Title: Prayer for Church of England General Synod Tuesday 10th February 2026. Text content: "God of justice and mercy, who calls us to speak for those denied a voice and to defend the poor and the needy: renew your Church in courage to act justly, in generosity to love mercy, and in humility to walk with you. Shape its transforming that all may find more than welcome - a home of safety and belonging - where the vulnerable are safeguarded, and the diversity of humanity is celebrated; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen." Visual description: The prayer text is centered on a clean, light background featuring soft, abstract pastel swirls in shades of pink, yellow, and blue. In the bottom right corner is the Open Table Network logo, which depicts a circular group of eight stylized figures in rainbow colors, with the words 'OPEN TABLE' in purple text underneath.

Day 2 of #ChurchOfEngland #GeneralSynod with a critical 5-hour presentation & questions on the end of #LivingInLoveAndFaith (LLF) at 2pm.
We pray for a Church with the courage to act justly, where the diversity of humanity is celebrated & all find a true home of safety & belonging. 🕯️🌈
#LLF #CofE

Good point, thank you.

As the image is attached to a post which gives date, time, location, and link to join online, it wasn't clear if it would be helpful to repeat that as ALT text.

Thank you for your helpful feedback.