LGBT+ Chaplaincy Launches for Christians in Wales
The Diocese of Llandaff is providing chaplaincy to people part of the LGBT+ community who are seeking support, advice or understanding in their sexuality or gender in Church and Christianity.
The LGBT+ Chaplaincy offers a confidential service where anyone over the age of eighteen, including their families, can be listened to with compassion and respect, and receive appropriate pastoral and spiritual care whatever their church tradition or theological convictions.
Reverend Gareth Rayner-Williams is the leading Chaplain of the team. He said, “I am excited by the launch of the LGBTQ+ Chaplaincy. It will offer a safe space for non-judgmental listening; one where LGBTI+ people will be prayerfully affirmed as equal disciples within the church. In offering this ministry, I am joined by a wonderful team of Chaplains whose combined aim is to support anyone who has questions, concerns, or pastoral needs relating to issues of gender or sexuality.”
The LGBT+ chaplaincy is part of a diocesan-wide commitment to foster an attitude of inclusion and respect for the different sexualities and gender identities in our church and in our world.
The principles guiding the work and ministry of the chaplaincy are drawn from the safeguarding protocols agreed at the 2022 Global Interfaith Commission on LGBT+ lives. These principles include empowerment, protection, partnership and accountability.
Archdeacon of Llandaff Rod Green said, “As a diocese, we want to offer a safe space to those exploring their sexuality and gender identity in the context of their Christian faith. I am confident we have a team of Chaplains from across the church who can accompany LGBT+ Christians on that journey.”
Each member of the chaplaincy team is affirming and accepting of LGBT+ people and adopt an approach of attentiveness, courtesy and respect. Chaplains include Reverend Canon Sarah Jones who was recognized in the 2022 Pinc List as one of Wales' most influential LGBT+ people. Canon Sarah also received a ‘2021 Attitude Pride Award’ for embodying the spirit of LGBTQ Pride in the Christian community.
The Chaplaincy Service line opens on 25th November and the team will meet together through the year to share learning, reflect theologically, review safeguarding and invest in one another as a team.
The service is accessible at https://llandaff.churchinwales.org.uk/en/lgbt-chaplaincy/