Beddington, London, UK.
Inclusion is centrally important to our expression of the Christian Faith at St Mary’s. We are committed to embracing the diversity of God’s people as regards, for example age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital or family status, ethnicity, race, colour, nationality, cultural origin, religion, neurodiverstiy, disability, experience of mental distress, HIV status, caring responsibility, class, education, employment status, political belief or criminal conviction.
We are registered as an Inclusive Church and with the Welcoming Project.
Black History Month
We celebrate Black History Month each October with a series of events and talks.
LGBT people
We will never preach or teach that your gender identity or loving relationships are wrong, that your sexual orientation or its expression is sinful, or that you must be celibate in order to be a Christian. You are welcome in all positions of responsiblity or leadership in our church and for you (and your children) to receive communion, baptism, confirmation and the other sacraments of the church.
It is not currently legally possible for us to conduct marriages for gay and lesbian couples in our church, but we would very much like to be able to celebrate with any gay or lesbian couple who wished to have their relationship blessed here at our church. Please do not be put off by the official position of the Church of England; here at St Mary’s we would love to work with you to shape a service that reflects your love for each other and God’s love for you, and to welcome you and your family and friends. Please do not hesitate to be in touch. You will receive a warm welcome and much support.
Disabilities and neurodiversity
We are aware that we have much to learn when it comes to including people with disability in our church. We acknowldege that we may not have anticipated your particular needs if you come to St Mary’s but will always try to the best of our ability to meet those needs when we are aware of them.
Criminal conviction
We will always work to include you at St Mary’s, working within any legal framework that may be set in regard to, for example, licence or parole. If your conviction means safeguarding restrictions apply to church attendance we will work to incude you as fully as possible within any boundaries set by legal and safeguarding authorities.