In early 2022 the London College of Bishops agreed to the setting up of an LGBT+ Advisory Group, jointly chaired by the Revd Jonathan Kester, Vicar of St Peter’s Eaton Square, and the Ven John Hawkins, Archdeacon of Hampstead.
The remit of the group is to advise the Senior Staff team on the pastoral care and inclusion of LGBT+ people, clergy and lay, in the life of our church communities.
Commenting on this decision at the time, Bishop Sarah said, “I warmly welcome the setting up of the new Advisory Group in making everyone feel as safe as possible and in bringing about the ‘radical new Christian inclusion… founded in scripture, in reason, in tradition, in theology and the Christian faith as the Church of England has received it’ for which the Archbishops have called. This initiative acknowledges the gratitude of the Diocese for the unique life and contribution of LGBT+ people to the church in London. The group will advise the Senior Staff as we seek to ensure safety, welcome and a transformed sense of belonging within all our churches”.
The work of the group sits within the People and Diversity strand of the 2030 Vision and its membership is as follows:
- Co-Chair: a Senior Staff member
- Co-Chair: LGBT+ member of clergy
- LGBT+ clergy person from each episcopal Area
The Advisory Group’s Terms of Reference are:
- To report into the Senior Staff
- To identify key issues relating to LGBT+ inclusion in the Diocese
- To suggest strategies to address these issues and mechanisms to deliver the solutions proposed. In doing so to draw on the experience, expertise and perspective of other individuals/roles eg Director of Ministry, HR Staff member, Safeguarding Team member, ordinand etc.
- To be available for consultation on matters of LGBT+ inclusion relating eg to appointments, communications, media.
The Advisory Group can be contacted at LGBTQ@london.anglican.org and warmly welcomes any comments and suggestions relating to the Terms of Reference above.
Please note that the Group does not have operational responsibility for safeguarding matters. All safeguarding concerns should be referred to the Safeguarding Team, whose contact details are here.