Members of a diocesan group are working to create a more inclusive church for people from a range of diverse backgrounds.

Andrew Yates, co-ordinator of The Truro Diocese Together for the Church of England, says the aim is to support and work with people wanting to see a ‘more diverse and loving Church of England’.

Since becoming a charity in 2024, group members have worked for LGBTQ+ inclusion, supporting racial justice, gender equality, disability justice and more.Image shows the Word 'Together' in multicolour. Underneath it reads 'For the Church of England. Welcoming - enabling - resourcing

The group members hope their work will help ‘grow a church which gathers all who profess faith in God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit’.

The group has established a network of Christians, clergy and lay, who share its ethos and regularly holds joint meetings with the Diocese of Exeter Together Group.

Andrew said: “These networks support one another in local campaigning, work to ensure strong representation in the governance structures of the Church of England and are a voice in their diocese for greater equality.

“These networks support one another […] and are a voice in their diocese for greater equality.” – Andrew Yates

“We are also aware there are many inclusive minded people currently in churches of a more conservative outlook who would appreciate being in touch with inclusive Christians in their area.  Forming those connections is something that a diocesan network can help with.”

In 2023, Paul church near Mousehole, became an official Inclusive Church – the first Anglican church in Cornwall to receive the accreditation.

One of its churchwardens, Judith Byrne, said they have a quiet garden and community orchard and in the summer, weather permitting, they hold their main service outside.

Judith said: “We think some people find a service in the outdoors a more accessible space to worship than in our church.”

The church’s community hall is also licensed for civil marriages and church members are now exploring ways of developing a more active, inclusive church for the LGBTQ+ community.

Judith said: “At Paul Church we believe very strongly in an inclusive church. We felt it was important to join the Inclusive Church movement so we could not only welcome everyone who comes through our door but publicise the fact that anyone thinking of coming to a service or looking for a church, can be assured of that welcome.”

The Together group will be next meeting on Wednesday August 13, 7pm-9pm, via Zoom.

Anyone wanting to become a member of the Truro Diocese Together for the Church of England group can email: yates252@btinternet.com