St James and Emmanuel joins a growing band of churches rethinking inclusion
We believe in an inclusive Church – church which does not discriminate on any level, including: economic power, gender, gender identity, mental health, mental ability, physical ability, race or sexuality.
We believe in a Church which welcomes, accepts and serves all people in the name of Jesus Christ; which is scripturally faithful; which seeks to proclaim the Gospel afresh for each generation; and which, in the power of the Holy Spirit, allows all people to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Jesus Christ.*
*Adapted from the Inclusive Church Statement.
St James and Emmanuel is also listed as a Visible Congregation with OneBodyOneFaith and our experience with LGBT+ Christians tell us to look for churches with an explicit commitment to welcome to avoid pain and hurt.
We want to take this opportunity to be completely clear about what inclusion looks like here at St James and Emmanuel by answering a few simple questions:
Will St James and Emmanuel hire LGBTQ+ people for any ministry role? Yes
Will St James and Emmanuel clergy officiate a wedding for LGBTQ+ people? No – we are currently prevented from doing so by the Church or England and national legislation, but we do offer a service of celebration following a civil wedding.
Will St James and Emmanuel recommend LGBTQ+ people for ordination? Yes
Are there any LGBTQ+ people on St James and Emmanuel leadership team? Yes
Can women preach in the primary church service? Yes
Can women be ordained (or recommended for ordination)? Yes
Can women serve on all governing bodies? Yes
Can women serve as senior minister? Yes
Do women and/or non-binary folks make up 50% or more of St James and Emmanuel’s leadership team? Yes
How often do women and/or non-binary folks preach? Weekly
