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 �山ǿ�� 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 �山ǿ��

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

The United Reformed Church’s Minister for Digital Worship, the Revd Andy Braunston, delivers a Reflection on Palestine.

Church leaders call for Gaza peace

The United Reformed Church, 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.

�山ǿ�� Ukraine Appeal

The �山ǿ�� 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.

General Assembly 2026: day two round-up, 4 July

04 Jul 2026

The 2026 meeting of the United Reformed Church General Assembly continued at The Hayes Conference Centre in Swanwick. Bible Study Today’s Bible study was led by the Revd Dr Peter Green, Dean of Chapel at Lincoln Bishop University. He looked at the story of Melchizedek in Genesis and Hebrews, where Abraham meets Melchizedek, the priest-king […]

General Assembly 2026: day one round-up, 3 July

03 Jul 2026

The 2026 meeting of the United Reformed Church General Assembly, opened at The Hayes Conference Centre in Swanwick on 3 July. Mrs Irish Sirmons, Convenor of the General Assembly Business Committee, welcomed members of Assembly.  The Bible was brought forward by Ms Kacie Hodgson, Moderator of Youth Assembly, and she was followed by officials of […]

Dexter supports the ‘other’ World Cup

01 Jul 2026

When an alternative World Cup tournament inspired Dexter McMenamin to act, he netted himself a Lundie Memorial Award in the process. While all eyes are currently on the Men’s World Cup tournament, another national team from England has qualified for the World Amputee Football Federation (WAFF) World Cup 2026, which will take place in November […]

�山ǿ�� General Assembly 2026 to take place

29 Jun 2026

The 2026 meeting of the United Reformed Church (�山ǿ��) General Assembly is taking place from 3-6 July at The Hayes Conference Centre in Swanwick. General Assembly meets annually to celebrate, discuss, worship and make decisions about the life and work of the �山ǿ��. It is the �山ǿ��’s central decision-making body. Items on the agenda include Legacies […]

Sarah Mullally: 100 days since historic installation

29 Jun 2026

Why the presence of a Black woman at the Archbishop of Canterbury’s installation still matters. Friday 3 July marks 100 days since the installation of the Most Reverend and Right Honourable Dame Sarah Elisabeth Mullally DBE as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury.  The Revd Dr Tessa Henry Robinson, a United Reformed Church (�山ǿ��) minister — […]

�山ǿ�� joins call for a just peace for all who call the Holy Land home

22 Jun 2026

The United Reformed Church  (�山ǿ��), alongside its world justice programme Commitment for Life, has joined faith leaders, churches, faith-based charities and other organisations in forming a UK-wide, cross-denominational coalition calling for an end to the illegal occupation of Palestine. The campaign called “Time to Act” has been organised by the Just Peace Coalition of churches […]

Next

No more posts

No more posts

The post �山ǿ�� joins call for a just peace for all who call the Holy Land home appeared first on United Reformed Church.