Foreword by the Bishop of Oxford
In October 2018, the four bishops of the Diocese of Oxford issued Clothe Yourselves with Love, a pastoral letter on the inclusion of and care for LGBTQIA+ people within the diocese. In this letter, we committed ourselves to explore the creation of a new chaplaincy team for LGBTQIA+ people and their families.
We are grateful to a small group, chaired by the Archdeacon of Buckingham, who have taken this concept forward in the context of both national and local developments. We are committed to the LGBTQIA+ Chaplaincy Service providing the best possible care across the whole church in the best traditions of the ministry of chaplaincy.
This page outlines the rationale for the project, drawn up by the group and endorsed by the bishops. Click the [+] button below to expand each section. We ask for the prayers of the diocese as this provision takes further shape and develops, overseen on our behalf by the Archdeacon of Buckingham's small group.
Together in Love and Faith: a new essay from Bishop Steven
We've been exploring questions around human sexuality for more than a decade. Now is the time to take the next steps, but how? A new essay from the Bishop of Oxford, Together in Love and Faith, was published on 4 November 2022 and recieved widespread media interest. Over 52 pages, Bishop Steven considers the most pressing question: the Church of England’s response to same-sex relationships. Sharing his personal journey from evangelical ministry in Yorkshire to serving Bishop of Oxford, and recounting poignant conversations with the LGBTQ+ community and conservative Christian groups, Bishop Steven offers reflections and practical suggestions on this challenging topic.