Meet our patrons
The Open Table Network became a charity in 2021. So we asked several notable Christians who identify as LGBTQIA+, or as allies, to become our patrons. They are advocates for OTN, speaking about us and supporting us in the public eye. We are proud that they believe in what we’re doing and want to have their names associated with us. So we’ve put together videos to introduce you to them.
NEW in 2024:
Revd Dr Alex Clare-Young
Alex Clare-Young is a theologian, writer, campaigner, and Pioneer Minister in Cambridge supported by Downing Place United Reformed Church. Alex was one of the Open Table Network’s founding trustees in 2021 and was Co-Chair of the charity’s trustee board until 2024. As a trans-masculine non-binary person, Alex is passionate about advocating for the inclusion of, and social justice for, trans people. Their books include Transgender. Christian. Human. and Trans Formations: Grounding Theology in Trans and Non-Binary Lives.
Revd Dr Barbara Glasson
Barbara Glasson is the former President of the British Methodist Conference, now teaching Pastoral Theology at The Queen’s Foundation, an ecumenical theological college in Birmingham. Her books, include The Exuberant Church: Listening to the prophetic people of God.
WATCH Barbara’s intro video [2.5 mins]
Watch the recording of our Q&A with Barbara, in conversation with OTN Co-ordinator Kieran Bohan here [60 minutes - includes British Sign Language interpretation]
Right Revd Cherry Vann
Cherry Vann is Bishop of Monmouth, the first lesbian bishop in the Church in Wales, and in a civil partnership. As Archdeacon of Rochdale for 11 years, she celebrated with Open Table communities in Liverpool and Manchester, and supported a community consultation which led to forming the Open Table community in Derby.
WATCH Bishop Cherry’s intro video [2.5 mins]
Revd John Bell
John Bell is a member of the Iona Community, a dispersed Christian community working for peace, social justice, rebuilding community and renewal of worship. John is also a hymn-writer, Church of Scotland minister, broadcaster, and activist. He has published many collections of songs and reflections.
WATCH: John’s intro video [2 mins]
Watch the recording of our Q&A with John, in conversation with OTN Co-Chair Alex Clare-Young here [60 minutes - includes British Sign Language interpretation]
Revd Dr John Bradbury
John Bradbury is General Secretary of the United Reformed Church, and was a co-founder of the Open Table community in Cambridge. He was also a co-editor of Thinking Again About Marriage and the author of Perpetually Reforming: a theology of church reform and renewal.
WATCH: John’s intro video [2.5 mins]
Right Revd Paul Bayes
Paul Bayes was the Church of England Bishop of Liverpool (2014-22), who supported the first Open Table community in the city. He is the author of The Table: Knowing Jesus: Prayer, Friendship, Justice, and Chair of The Queen’s Foundation, an ecumenical theological college in Birmingham.
WATCH: Bishop Paul’s intro video [2.5 mins]
Ven Dr Rachel Mann
Rachel Mann is an Anglican Priest, poet, writer and broadcaster, currently serving as Archdeacon of Bolton and Salford in the Diocese of Manchester. She is the author of Dazzling Darkness: Gender, sexuality, illness and God , a memoir of growing up transgender. She has written ten other books, plus articles in the national press and for BBC Radio.
WATCH Rachel’s intro video [4 mins]