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.

Church leaders in Liverpool condemn far-right march

17 Mar 2026

Senior church leaders in Liverpool, including the Revd Geoff Felton, Moderator of the United Reformed Church Mersey Synod, have issued a joint statement condemning a far-right march scheduled for this weekend. In the statement, the church leaders said: In response to the many voices of concern surrounding the recently advertised UKIP ‘Walk with Jesus Rally’, […]

New Head of Ministries Learning and Development appointed

16 Mar 2026

The Ministries Office is pleased to announce that the Revd Dr Phil Wall has been appointed as Head of Ministries Learning and Development for the United Reformed Church. Phil brings to this appointment a breadth of experience shaped by pastoral ministry, chaplaincy, education and theological reflection, together with a deep commitment to the formation of disciples […]

Wise words from 2026 Youth Assembly

10 Mar 2026

The young people of the United Reformed Church vowed to put their actions where their mouths are at this year’s Youth Assembly, held in Northampton. Taking the theme “Wise Words – Wise Actions” as their starting point, around one hundred 14-25-year-olds enjoyed a weekend of business, worship, and a wide range of activities – from […]

91�������� donates nearly £45,000 to help Jamaica rebuild after Hurricane Melissa

10 Mar 2026

The United Reformed Church (91��������) has donated £44,610 to help churches in Jamaica rebuild after the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. The funds, raised through a denomination-wide appeal, were presented to the United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands (UCJCI) during a visit by 91�������� representatives to the Caribbean earlier this month. Karen Campbell, […]

Join Christian Aid supporters at Changemakers Conference

10 Mar 2026

Christian Aid supporters across the country are coming together for the 2026 Changemakers Conference. The annual event is a chance for supporters to gather to hear about the results from Christian Aid Week 2025, find out about the stories behind this year’s appeal and meet up with other supporters and Christian Aid staff. Newcomers are […]

Deep concern over the future of historic churches in Scotland

02 Mar 2026

Christian leaders have expressed deep concern about the future of historic churches across Scotland after the abrupt closure of a funding scheme. The UK Government announced that the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme (LPWGS) would stop at the end of March 2026, without any official consultation with denominations or the Scottish Government. LPWGS enabled […]

Next

No more posts

No more posts

The post Deep concern over the future of historic churches in Scotland appeared first on United Reformed Church.