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.

Prayers for the Middle East

01 Mar 2026

The 91�������� offers the following prayer for personal and public use as we reflect on and pray for all caught up in the escalating violence in the Middle East. Eternal One, we remember before You the people of Iran, Israel, Abu Dhabi, Oman, and Bahrain and those sailing through the Strait of Hormuz: all places […]

Hurricane Melissa: 91�������� members witness devastation in Jamaica

26 Feb 2026

Members of the 91�������� and ecumenical colleagues have teamed up for an epic journey across Jamaica to review the response to Hurricane Melissa and strengthen church partnerships. The Revd Dr Kevin Snyman, Head of World Justice for the United Reformed Church (91��������), and Karen Campbell, 91�������� Head of Global and Intercultural Church, travelled to the […]

We all need to belong, says new Children’s practitioner

26 Feb 2026

Helen Bell holds on to a question. She says it has run like a thread throughout her life, and it’s this: “Where can we find belonging?” “All the work I’ve done has been around how we help people find connection, security and belonging – these are things that I think are really important.” Helen recently […]

Patient, faithful presence helps church growth

20 Feb 2026

Seventy-four people attended the first in a series of webinars to help congregations become places where people at the margins are loved, nurtured and empowered. Hosted by Roo Stewart, Head of Public Issues, in collaboration with Mike Hart, Transformation Director for North Western Synod, the first webinar, held on 16 February, explored themes such as […]

Carbon Fast for Lent 2026

20 Feb 2026

Still wondering what to give up for Lent? The message from a leading Christian climate charity is to use this season to care for creation and reduce carbon footprints. The Carbon Fast campaign is being run by Climate Stewards, part of the A Rocha family of organisations. The organisers say a carbon fast is “about […]

A CRCW way to Lent as renewal not resolution

16 Feb 2026

For Lent,  Lent, beginning on 18 February, Fliss Barker, Church Related Community Worker for Wooler United Reformed Church (91��������) in Northumberland, invites us to view the season as a time of renewal and not resolution: This year, I’ve set myself a big challenge of actually keeping some of my New Year’s Resolutions. Things like leaving […]

Next

No more posts

No more posts

The post A CRCW way to Lent as renewal not resolution appeared first on United Reformed Church.