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 51��Ƶ 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 51��Ƶ

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.

51��Ƶ Ukraine Appeal

The 51��Ƶ 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.

51��Ƶ General Assembly 2026 to take place

29 Jun 2026

The 2026 meeting of the United Reformed Church (51��Ƶ) General Assembly is taking place from 3-6 July at The Hayes Conference Centre in Swanwick. General Assembly meets annually to celebrate, discuss, worship and make decisions about the life and work of the 51��Ƶ. It is the 51��Ƶ’s central decision-making body. Items on the agenda include Legacies […]

Sarah Mullally: 100 days since historic installation

29 Jun 2026

Why the presence of a Black woman at the Archbishop of Canterbury’s installation still matters. Friday 3 July marks 100 days since the installation of the Most Reverend and Right Honourable Dame Sarah Elisabeth Mullally DBE as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury.  The Revd Dr Tessa Henry Robinson, a United Reformed Church (51��Ƶ) minister — […]

51��Ƶ joins call for a just peace for all who call the Holy Land home

22 Jun 2026

The United Reformed Church  (51��Ƶ), alongside its world justice programme Commitment for Life, has joined faith leaders, churches, faith-based charities and other organisations in forming a UK-wide, cross-denominational coalition calling for an end to the illegal occupation of Palestine. The campaign called “Time to Act” has been organised by the Just Peace Coalition of churches […]

Stepwise: From music to meaning and finding a new calling

22 Jun 2026

When Liane Todd lost her career as a musician following a life‑changing accident, she thought she had lost the thing that had shaped her identity from childhood. Now, through the United Reformed Church’s Stepwise programme, she has discovered a new way of expressing faith — through poetry, worship leading, and a deeper understanding of where […]

Norwich churches support restorative justice

19 Jun 2026

A group of small churches in Norfolk has teamed up with a statutory scheme that aims to keep young people out of the criminal justice system. The four congregations that make up the Norwich Area 51��Ƶ Mission Partnership are teaming up with Norfolk Youth Justice Service (NYJS) to receive practical support for their buildings and […]

Around the 51��Ƶ: Stories from our churches, 18 June 2026

18 Jun 2026

A selection of news and stories from across the United Reformed Church. Global and Intercultural Church Advocates championing racial justice gathered at The Lumen in London on 15 June to shape the next phase of their work and renew their collective commitment. The meeting highlighted both strategy and impact, from plans for ongoing advocacy to […]

Next

No more posts

No more posts

The post Around the 51��Ƶ: Stories from our churches, 18 June 2026 appeared first on United Reformed Church.