A series of 12 portraits celebrating disabled people who minister and work in the Church of England is coming to Liverpool Cathedral on 14 September.
Called As We Are shines a light on the contribution of disabled or neurodivergent people across the Church of England. The portraits are by documentary and portrait photographer, Ruth Samuels, whose work centres on portraying people with dignity and respect while amplifying voices that are too often overlooked.
Build Trust. Navigate Change.
The exhibition will also launch during National Inclusion Week 2026, whose theme this year is ‘Buil Trust. Navigate Change.’ It also features the Ven. Pete Spiers, Archdeacon of Knowsley and Sefton in the Diocese of Liverpool, who was photographed at Liverpool Cathedral for his portrait.
Others featuring in the exhibition include Rev Melissa Carter, Team Rector in Dover, Rev Alice Kemp, Dean of Women’s Ministry in the Diocese of Bristol, Rev Vanessa Thornborough, Diocese of London, Rev Neil Robinson from the Diocese of Salisbury, and Rev KT Tupling from the Diocese of Oxford. While other cathedrals hosting the exhibition include Exeter Cathedral, Chelmsford Cathedral, St Albans Cathedral and St Gile Cripplegate.
‘Disability is part of what it means to be human’
Helen James, who features in the exhibition, and oversees the Church of England’s Disability Project said that there are many deaf, disabled and neurodivergent priests and ministers living and proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ, but often this is unseen or unrecognised as a gift to the church.
“Disability, neurodivergence and difference are all part of what it means to be human, to be members of the ‘human race’ who are created to reflect the image of God. The breadth and diversity of the human experience led us to understand more of the breadth and diversity of the God we worship and whose image we reflect.”
The Rt Revd Simon Robinson, Bishop of Warrington, said:
We are all made in the image of God, and disability, neurodivergence and difference are part of what it means to reflect God’s unique likeness. I am eager to see this portrait series in the Cathedral, not only because it features our very own Archdeacon, Ven. Pete Spiers, but also because of the lasting impact it will have in spotlighting so many inspiring people who, regardless of disability, neurodivergence and difference work tirelessly to serve communities and share the gospel. In a world where diversity is increasingly seen as something that is dangerous, rather than a great blessing from, this is a most welcome exhibition and an important reminder that we all have something to bring to God’s work, whoever we are and however we are.
The Very Revd Dr Sue Jones, Dean of Liverpool, said:
It’s a real privilege for Liverpool Cathedral to host such an inspiring portrait series. The Cathedral was built by the people, for the people, to the glory of God, and I believe this exhibition reflects that spirit by shinning a light on the people who make up our Church and celebrating what it means to be made in God’s image. I hope everyone who visits the exhibition will be inspired by the stories and people it brings into focus.
The Ven. Pete Spiers, Archdeacon of Knowsley and Sefton, said:
I was delighted to be asked to be part of this project because I believe that we need to celebrate diversity in our church and our world. Having lived with my disability all my life, I wanted to remind people that whilst we are all different, we are all equal and that my disability does not define me. We all have gifts and abilities. I hope that all those who attend the exhibition will feel the same way.
