Holy Trinity Church launches Open Table service in Weymouth

Holy Trinity Weymouth will hold its first Open Table service on Sunday, September 1, offering members of the community an inclusive place to worship. 

The Open Table Network began as in June 2008 as a gathering of just six people at St Bride’s Church in Liverpool, who wanted to tackle the stigma against gay people within a religious environment. 

It has since grown into a community of more than 30 churches across the country. 

Holy Trinity is an Anglican church, and part of the Diocese of Salisbury. Rev Juliet Stevenson, will be part of the Ecumenical team leading Open Table services along with other ministers and laity from local churches in and around Weymouth and Portland.

She has stressed the importance of creating an inclusive, loving community where queer people feel respected. 

She said: "For people who identify as LGBTQIA+ going into churches be quite difficult. Historically most churches have promoted the message that relationships should be between man and one woman.

"We want people to feel empowered and know that they are meant to be loved no matter what.

"Weymouth is a vibrant seaside town; it seems to smile all the time! That’s one of the reasons behind us wanting to make sure that the smiles continue for everyone, in a welcoming, hospitable way at church."

Services will be held at 6pm on the first Sunday of the month. Sometimes these will involve a Holy Communion where bread and wine blessed by one of the ministers is shared among the congregation. 

Rev Juliet with Bishop of Sherborne (Image: Philippa Walker)

Other times there will stories, scripture and songs, and an offering of ‘agape’ meal - a Christian fellowship meal recalling the meals Jesus shared with disciples. 

Rev Juliet Stevenson also stressed that Open Table services extend their support to allies, particularly family members who may have also faced prejudice. 

She added: "I’ve got a queer child and have attended church services where they have said if you’re a parent of a gay child you have made a mistake or failed in some way.

“We want to give a true welcome not just for the LGBTQIA+ community but also for allies. We would always use the correct pronouns and respect people’s identity. It’s important for them to feel included and welcome in an environment which has always been traditionally conservative.

"We want to promote the message that anybody can come to church and Open Table offers a new possibility for people who want to worship in a different style."