Open Table is celebrating its 18th anniversary.
What began in June 2008 with six people gathering for the very first Open Table service, has grown into a vibrant community, united by a vision to create a regular communion service for the LGBTQIA+ community, their family and friends. 18 years later, the Liverpool community has grown and is still thriving. Today, 36 other communities meet across England and Wales, welcoming hundreds of people in person each month and reaching thousands online.
As Open Table marks this milestone, there is much to celebrate and much to look forward to. Everyone is invited to join a celebration and thanksgiving communion service led by special guest Revd Steve Chalke MBE on Sunday 21 June at 6.30pm at St Bride’s Church.mmunion service led by special guest, Revd Steve Chalke MBE, on Sunday 21 June at 6:30pm at St Bride’s Church.
Welcoming Revd Steve Chalke MBE
Revd Steve Chalke MBE is a Baptist minister, broadcaster, author and social activist, best known as the founder of Oasis Charitable Trust and Stop the Traffik. Across more than four decades of ministry, Steve has worked to put faith into action through schools, community hubs, anti-trafficking work, church renewal and advocacy for those pushed to the margins.
This commitment to inclusion is one of the reasons Steve’s ministry has resonated so strongly with Open Table over the years.
In 2013, he published A Matter of Integrity, making a biblical and pastoral case for the full inclusion of LGBT+ Christians, including support for faithful same-sex relationships marriage equality. Oasis Church Waterloo, where Steve was Founding Minister, is now known for its inclusive stance and regularly conducts same-sex marriages.
Open Table and Revd Steve Chalke MBE
For Open Table Liverpool’s 18th anniversary, Steve joins us as someone whose ministry has consistently centred around justice, reconciliation and welcome.
He is also no stranger to Open Table:
- In 2013, Open Table Liverpool hosted an open conversation with the Revd Steve Chalke MBE on the Church, sexuality and inclusion
- In 2015, Revd Steve encouraged and supported Open Table as it prepared to become a network through the Oasis Open Church Conference
- In 2017, he recorded a video message for the emerging Open Table Network’s first national gathering: Dreaming Around an Open Table
Open Table is delighted to welcome Revd Steve back as it celebrates 18 years of work and how a movement began and grew into what we now recognise as the Open Table Network!
Open Table has always been an ecumenical community and Steve will celebrate communion under the rites of the Baptist Church.
Come Along to the Thanksgiving Communion Service
Please get in touch at liverpool@opentable.lgbt if you have any questions or would like more details. Doors open at 6pm – refreshments will be served before the service at 6.30pm.
The service will be followed by refreshments.
