A service for everyone
The LGBTQIA+ Chaplaincy Service is for and welcomes everyone from across the church spectrum and all theological understandings. Our chaplains have been chosen because they have shown the requisite gifts and aptitudes to support people according to our chaplaincy model. We believe that everyone is made in God’s image, that all are welcome in His church and that everyone has a place at the table. Our chaplaincy team fully affirms and works in line with the vote by General Synod that backed a motion calling for a ban on the practice of conversion therapy.
Meet our chaplains
Our chaplains are volunteers who undertake a range of ministry across the Diocese of Oxford. They are both lay and ordained, and of diverse sexualities. Each chaplain receives regular training and supervision and is subject to DBS checks. A reference group, chaired by the Associate Archdeacon of Dorchester, supports the service and engages with national and local developments in this area.
Take a moment to watch the introductory film and to read each chaplain's biography When you're ready to get in touch with one of them, fill in the confidential form at the bottom of this page. If you're unsure about any of the language used on this page, please read the frequently asked questions.
The Revd April Beckerleg
April is the vicar of a church in the Reading area. For the past few years, she has been supporting Christians whose family members are LGBTQIA+, discussing issues of love and protection, how this affects their attitudes to faith, the Bible and church tradition. She is usually available Monday–Wednesday during the day, and also some evenings if that is more convenient.
The Revd Rob Glenny
Rob is the vicar of three parish churches just to the south of Oxford. He believes that LGBTQIA+ people are a gift to the church and a blessing to the world, and is comfortable talking and listening to people from a wide range of church backgrounds. He is available reasonably flexibly throughout the week, and happy to meet in person or to speak on the phone.
The Revd Judith Sumner
Judith is part of the ministry team at Reading Minster. She believes that each and every person is precious to God and each and every person's story matters. Judith is committed to listening and being alongside others on their journey. She is available for chaplaincy in Reading on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday each week.
The Revd Serena Tajima
Serena is incumbent of a church north of Oxford, which is part of the Inclusive Church network. Before becoming an LGBTQIA+ chaplain, Serena volunteered as a chaplain to a musical theatre college, offering pastoral support to young people between the ages of 16-21 on a weekly basis.
Serena is now a trustee for the college and continues to provide support to them. At the forefront of her faith is the belief that we are are all equally and wonderfully made by God and therefore all loved by God with no exceptions.
Our new LGBTQIA+ Chaplains
Our new chaplains were commissioned at a service on 25 June, and are now available to meet with people.
The Revd Susy Brouard
Susy is based in Kidlington, just north of Oxford, where she has been the curate for the last four years. She has a background is justice and spirituality work, including running retreats for those in the LGBTQIA+ community. She is kept busy co-parenting two teenagers, and is about to become the Chaplaincy Team Leader at a state secondary school. She loves all types of dancing, musicals, and ABBA. Susy juggles her chaplaincy role around a busy job and parental responsibilities, but there are pockets of times she’s available to meet (preferably on a video call, by phone, or meeting in Kidlington).
The Revd Dr Chris Dingwall-Jones
Chris is Vicar (designate) of two churches in Witney, after nearly four years as Chaplain of Jesus College, Oxford. As Chaplain, Chris has had lots of experience helping people from varied backgrounds explore questions of faith, gender, and sexuality in a non-judgemental setting. Chris is also doing research around gender, feminism, and the sacraments, thinking particularly about theologies of trans and non-binary inclusion in the Church.
The Revd Mark Hopkins
Mark (he/him) is the Rector of three churches in West Berkshire. He is openly gay and a member of the Thames Valley Gay Chorus, a local LGBT+ choir. He has a passion for helping LGBT+ exploring ordination and the experience of being gay and ordained in the Church of England. He is passionate about inclusion and is organising seminars in his churches to help them explore becoming more inclusive. He is a member of OneBodyOneFaith, was formerly involved in Diverse Church, and supports Inclusive Church. Mark's day off is Monday but is flexible to meet in person most weekday evenings and afternoons, or happy to speak on the phone or video call.
The Revd Nathan Mulcock
Nathan is currently the Chaplain of Mansfield College, Oxford, where he provides support and a listening ear to people from a variety of backgrounds. Happily gay, and having spent a brief stint trying out as a monk, he is encouraging of the many beautiful ways God gives his people to express themselves and love others in turn. Flexibly available most weekdays, and can also meet in person with his dog if preferred.
Roger Nascimento
Raised in a Christian household, Roger initially found it hard to reconcile his faith and his sexuality, but after speaking with trusted people and much thought, he’s now comfortable in both. He lives in Oxford and worships at the University Church of St Mary the Virgin, with Sacred at Christ Church Cathedral, and other Christian denominations. As a lay chaplain, he will listen to you or anyone you care about on gender, sexuality, religion, scriptures, culture, science, and spirituality. If asked, he will pray with you or for a loved one. He is available for written correspondence and face-to-face or video call during evenings and weekends.
Contact form
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