Watch a new video from members of the Chaplaincy and the diocesan Reference Group.

"A network of chaplains who support and provide listening, grace and space."

That's how Revd Rob Glenny, one of the chaplains within the Diocese of Oxford's LGBTQIA+ Chaplaincy, describes a ministry that has been supporting people across the diocese for several years.

Made up of volunteer chaplains from a range of church traditions and backgrounds, the chaplaincy offers pastoral support, prayer and conversation for LGBTQIA+ people and anyone wanting to explore questions around faith, identity and belonging.

Why the chaplaincy exists
The chaplaincy was established in response to requests from LGBTQIA+ people who wanted dedicated support within the life of the Church. The Revd Philippa White, member of the LGBTQIA+ Reference Group for the diocese, explains the need for the service:

"There were a lot of people who felt very isolated in their churches, who weren't sure about finding a new church, who were trying to recover from being told that who they were, who they loved, who God had made them to be, was sinful."

The aim is to offer a dedicated space where people can speak openly about their experiences and find support from someone who understands the particular questions they may be facing. Rob stresses the value of the service for the Church, which can then feedback to wider Christian bodies.

"It exists really to provide a dedicated space where we can be attentive to the particular issues that might affect that community and reflect on their experience and the ways in which they can be a blessing to the Church."

A place to be heard
For many people, the chaplaincy provides something simple but valuable: someone who will listen. Chaplains describe offering a safe, non-judgemental space where people can bring questions, concerns and experiences of all kinds.

Chaplain Revd Chris Dingwall-Jones, says, "It's a kind of neutral space where you can come and bring everything that you're experiencing to be listened to, to work things through and to feel heard and supported."

Others speak of the importance of helping people recognise their dignity and worth. Revd Marcus Green is a member of the Reference Group, a group of people who meet, pray and consider the ministry of "caring for queer people within the diocese".

"Maybe their local church has nobody else like them and they just need someone to say it's okay, you're fine, you're normal, God loves you."

The chaplaincy supports people through all kinds of situations, from significant questions about identity and relationships to everyday challenges and moments of uncertainty.

Marcus adds, "Life can knock us for all sorts of reasons and just finding that actually God loves us and gives us dignity, the chaplaincy will do that."

For more people than you might think
Although the chaplaincy exists primarily to support LGBTQIA+ people, those involved say its work often reaches much more widely. Alongside LGBTQIA+ people themselves, chaplains regularly speak with family members, clergy, church leaders and others who are seeking to understand different experiences and perspectives. Chaplain Revd Serena Tajima reflects:

"I have spoken to people who don't agree with the LGBT community but we've talked together about scripture and about what's going on in society now."

Because of this, the chaplaincy sees itself as a resource not only for individuals but also for the wider Church.

"I really feel like the chaplaincy is for maybe even a bigger amount of people than people might initially think it is for."

Getting in touch
People can contact the chaplaincy through the diocesan website, where they can read about the chaplains and choose who they would like to speak with. Revd Chris stresses that no issue is considered too big or too small.

"We'll listen to anybody about anything, big or small, whether that's a huge question about coming out or whether that's a technical question about how to best support."

As awareness of the service grows, chaplains hope more people will feel able to make use of it and that churches across the diocese will help spread the word. Lay chaplain Roger Nascimento shared his gratitude for the support the chaplaincy receives across the diocese, which in turn enables them to support those in need.

"We are very fortunate in this diocese to have an LGBTQIA+ service that is available to everyone, and we hope to continue to count on the support of parishes, clergy and communities."