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 91�������� 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 91��������

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.

91�������� Ukraine Appeal

The 91�������� 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.

Hundreds of faith leaders ask government to protect refugee family reunion

26 Mar 2026

Catriona Wheeler, Moderator of the United Reformed Church General Assembly, has joined more than 720 faith leaders in writing to the Shabana Mahmood MP, the Home Secretary, to raise concerns for refuge families amidst major asylum policy overhaul.  In the letter, the faith said that removing family reunion for refugees’ risks pushing people into smugglers […]

Ecumenical Covenant signed as part of ‘joy-filled’ Installation service

25 Mar 2026

At the Installation of Sarah Mullally as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury earlier today, the first woman to be elected to that ministry, the Revd Dr Tessa Henry-Robinson, one of the Presidents of Churches Together in England and Moderator of the Free Churches’ Group, took part in the historic and joy-filled service by asking the […]

“Hosanna, Save Us”: A Palm Sunday cry heard across the UK

24 Mar 2026

Palm Sunday invites us into one of the most dramatic and revealing moments in the story of Jesus, a moment filled with celebration, expectation, and profound misunderstanding. In this reflection, the Revd Stephen Ansa-Addo, Minister of Park, Hungerford and Thatcham 91��������s in Wessex Synod, explores that tension through Matthew 21:1–11 (NRSV). As Jesus enters Jerusalem, […]

91�������� stands in prayerful solidarity after arson attack on ambulances

23 Mar 2026

The Moderator of the United Reformed Church General Assembly has expressed deep alarm and concern following the unacceptable arson attack on ambulances operated by Hatzola, a non-profit charity providing free medical transportation to the North London community. Catriona Wheeler said that the United Reformed Church stands in prayerful solidarity with UK Jewish communities at this […]

A sermon by John Bradbury: The joy in which we find good news

23 Mar 2026

At the 91��������’s Eastern Synod on March 14, the General Secretary of the 91��������, the Revd Dr John P Bradbury, preached at the induction service of the Revd Janet Sutton, who is now a Minister with the North Cambs Ecumenical Mission Partnership (Hunstanton, March, Chatteris and Newmarket) and the County Ecumenical Officer for Cambridgeshire. The […]

Around the 91��������: Stories from our churches

23 Mar 2026

A selection of news and stories from churches and communities across the United Reformed Church. Thames North Synod The Revd Elizabeth Welch, a former General Assembly Moderator (2001-2002), is undertaking a 60-mile walk this March to raise funds for Refugee Action. So far, Elizabeth has completed 51 miles and is hoping to meet a fundraising […]

Next

No more posts

No more posts

The post Around the 91��������: Stories from our churches appeared first on United Reformed Church.