Everyone is Welcome Here

We come from a wide range of backgrounds, traditions and theological viewpoints, held together by our love and commitment to Christ and to each other in line with Ephesians 4:

“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”
(Ephesians 4:2-6)

We recognise that worship, community, welcome and belonging can be more challenging for some of us due to aspects of our identity such as culture background, age, sexuality, gender, disability, neurodiversity or economic power. We are proactive as a church in removing barriers wherever possible and committed to offering a loving welcome to all.

See below for more information about our journey together as a church family as we discussed relationships, sexuality and gender.

Our Journey Towards Inclusion

As a church family we have used the CofE Living in Love and Faith materials to support discussions as a whole church family around relationships, sexuality and gender.

In September 2024, the Church Meeting agreed:

  • Subject to appropriate safer recruitment procedures being applied, there should not be limitations (with regards to sexuality, gender or relationship status) on who can be a volunteer helper within any ministry or role at OBC so long as the individual is capable of doing the role for which they offer to volunteer and they uphold the ethos and values of OBC.

  • Application for Church membership, and therefore the possibility of being nominated as deacon, is open to all who profess Christ as Lord and have made a public declaration of commitment, meaning neither co-habitation nor entry into a same-sex relationship are reasons in themselves to exclude someone from Membership.

  • Leadership roles, including those of ministries, groups and activities are open to all those who are members (irrespective of their sexuality, gender or relationship status), subject to their suitability to fulfil the responsibilities and duties as a leader.

  • OBC is not called at this time to register for same-sex weddings.

These principles and decisions reflect the current position of the church family, as agreed by the majority rather than a unanimous vote, but will be periodically reviewed as the Spirit leads.