LGBT+
St John’s has been described in as “one of the most inclusive churches in London, with a diverse and LGBT+ friendly congregation,” (The Gay Times). People regularly come to us seeking a spiritual home, sometimes having experienced pain or rejection from other churches. Everyone’s spiritual journey is different, and we hope that we find ways to offer nourishment and hope.
If you would like to know more about the welcome we offer, please contact the Vicar, Canon Giles Goddard. Here is a podcast which Giles made with Chris French of Lambeth Links about his story, sexuality and the church. His recent book, Generous Faith, speaks of his own faith journey in the context of St John’s, and the Christian Year. “Giles Goddard is searingly honest about himself: his early traumas, his coming to faith, his leaving of it, his finding it again and his sexuality. Who he is is part of what he does.” (Church Times, 16.8.24)
Giles is a former chair of Inclusive Church and the General Synod Human Sexuality Group. He was part of the Coordinating Group for Living in Love and Faith, a resource on sexuality, gender and identity published by the House of Bishops for the Church of England.
We have a regular discussion and social group, Face-to-faith, intended for people aged between 18 and 40, where questions of identity and inclusion are at the heart of our conversations. St John’s is an active member of Inclusive Church, and is committed to working for full acceptance and inclusion, as well as equal marriage rights, of all LGBTI+ people within the Church of England.
We hold an Open Table service once a month – second Sunday of the month, 6pm.
The Open Table Network (OTN) is a growing partnership of communities across England & Wales which welcome and affirm people who are:Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, & Asexual (LGBTQIA) + our families, friends & anyone who wants to belong in an accepting, loving community.
Our Open Table service runs once a month on the second Sunday of the month at St John’s. Contact opentable@stjohnswaterloo.org for more information.
There is more about Open Table Network here.
We regularly host the spring and winter concerts Diversity Choir (London’s original lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community chamber choir). We also have friendly links with the Inclusive Mosque Initiative, whose aims of tolerance and openness we fully endorse.