The LGBTQIA+ chaplaincy will be moving to a new base this summer.

The regular monthly Open Table Services will take place in All Saints Church in Deganwy near Llandudno from June onwards.

The LGBTQIA+ chaplain, the Revd Sarah Hildreth-Osborn, has moved from her post in Llanrwst to serve churches in Deganwy, Llandudno Junction and Llanrhos. Yesterday (Sunday 9 June) Sarah was welcomed to her new communities at a special service in All Saints Church in Deganwy, led by the Archdeacon of St Asaph, the Venerable Andy Grimwood.

From Saturday 22 June, all Open Table Services will take place in Deganwy, starting at 11.30am and followed by a bring-your-own lunch. Hot and cold drinks will be provided. Lively and interesting discussions usually follow each service.

The Revd Sarah Hildreth-Osborn said: “The chaplaincy was launched in 2016 because the Christian faith has something to offer everyone including LGBTQIA+ people. We offer a safe, sacred space ensuring that people who are LGBTQIA+ can be who they are, wonderfully created in the image of God and loved just as much as anyone else. Our move to Deganwy won’t alter the ethos and purpose of the chaplaincy but we hope more people will be able to join us in our new home.”

Since its launch, the chaplaincy has held several special events. In 2021, it celebrated the work of the Open Table Network with a special service in St Deiniol’s Church in Hawarden, with the Church in Wales’ first lesbian Bishop and the patron of the Open Table Network, the Rt Revd Cherry Vann.

In 2017, it held a service in St Asaph Cathedral to mark 50 years since the decriminalisation of Homosexuality. The event, entitled Coming out the Shadows, reflected on the impact of that law and remembered those who suffered because of their sexuality both before the change in law and since then.

The Open Table Network is a growing partnership of Christian worship communities which welcome and affirm people who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, & Asexual (LGBTQIA) along with families, friends and all allies. Dates for all the Open Table Service at Deganwy are listed at https://dioceseofstasaph.org.uk/chaplaincy-services/lgbtqia-chaplaincy/

The LGBTQIA+ chaplaincy is part of the Diocese of St Asaph, one of the six dioceses in the Church in Wales, an autonomous province of the worldwide Anglican Communion.