You are more than welcome
at Open Table Liverpool
Who we are
As part of our committment to our core value of inclusion, St Bride’s is proud to be a part of the Open Table Network and hosting an Open Table community. Here at St Bride’s LGBTQIA+ people are an integral part of our church community, our leadership team and deeply enrich our life of faith.
Open Table Liverpool is a diverse Christian community which offers a warm welcome to people who are: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer / Questioning, Intersex, Asexual (LGBTQIA+) + our families, friends and all our allies.
We aim to create a safe sacred space for you to explore faith, what it means for you, bringing your whole self to God and the community. Whoever you are, wherever you come from, you are welcome here.
While we meet in an Anglican church, all are welcome to 'come as you are' and take part.
Open Table began here at St Bride’s in Liverpool in June 2008 with just 6 people and yet now Open Table communities gather across England and Wales, hosted by inclusive churches in different Christian denominations. You can read more of our story here.
What we do
In Liverpool we gather for a service twice a month on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of every month at 6.30pm and you are warmly invited to join in. Why not check out our social media channels Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or subscribe to our newsletter to find out how you can come along.
in addition to our twice monthly gatherings we host:
a Glitter Ash Wednesday Service
an annual Lent Course deepening our faith and exploring Queer Theology
occasional Lectures as part of the St Bride’s Public Theology Lecture Series, exploring LGBTQIA+ Theology
march with Christians at Pride in the Liverpool Pride Festival
a Pride service in partnership with Liverpool Cathedral
an annual Quiet/Retreat Day
annual Carol service with the fabulous Liverpool Rainbow Chorus
Sahir House HIV Testing Clinics
joint services with the other St Bride’s congregations
and more besides!
Our Vision:
We know God loves us and has given each of us precious lives, identities and relationships which God calls us to live out with integrity.
We’re building communities to witness that everyone belongs to God - just as you do.
Here in Liverpool, we are attempting to live that vision out. We aren’t perfect, no community is! We love the following quote by Franciscan Priest, Richard Rohr, and aim to make this our goal for all that we do:
“Every sacrament, every bible story, every church service, every sermon, every hymn, every bit of priesthood, ministry, or liturgy is for one purpose: to allow you to experience your True Self - who you are in God and who God is in you - and to live a generous life from that Infinite Source”
Inclusive Church
Open Table Liverpool is delighted that the Open Table Network of which we are a member has joined with other LGBTQIA+ Christian groups from diverse traditions to affirm the Inclusive Church statement.
St Bride’s is very proud to be a member of Inclusive Church .
Marking Life Events
Rituals to mark life events have been part of every culture and religious tradition, and Christianity and the LGBTQIA+ community are no different.
In our community there are moments in our lives like Coming Out, taking a new name, gender transition or a Civil Partnership or Wedding, Baptism and Confirmation which are causes for great celebration and are a blessing from God. Talk to us about how we could help you mark the occasion.
Sadly despite our deep desire to do so, due to national restrictions St Bride’s is not permitted to conduct a wedding for same-sex couples. While we campaign to see that change, we are really happy to speak to couples who would like to arrange to hold a service following their civil partnership or marriage.
Alternatively there are a number of churches in Merseyside who can conduct same-sex marriages and we would be delighted to signpost you to our friends.
Giving to Open Table Liverpool
Open Table Liverpool is run entirely by volunteers. All donations are gratefully received and go towards running costs for our community, St Bride’s Church as well as supporting LGBTQIA+ charities.
Open Table Liverpool and St Bride’s are proud to be registered with the Safe Space Alliance
Regular Gatherings
We gather on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of every month. The next two dates are:
Sunday 1st December, 6.30pm @ St Bride’s
Sunday 15th December, 6.30pm @ St Bride’s
Click here to find out what’s happening with Open Table nationally
Recent Talks
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Get in Touch
You can reach Warren Hartley, our LGBTQIA+ Ministry Facilitator on:
liverpool@opentable.lgbt
07501753618
On 15th December 220 people gathered to celebrate Christmas at our annual Queer Carol Service. Sue Say is one of our Assistant Church Wardens for the parish of St Luke in the City, based here at St Brides and an active member of Open Table Liverpool. Sue shared a reflection on the passage John 1:1-5.