LGBTQ+ at Downing Place
Ministry amongst LBGTQ+ people
Downing Place is an officially registered Inclusive Church, welcoming to all. We have received accreditation from the Encompass Network as a LGBTQ+ friendly community through their Safer Spaces scheme. Our building is registered for the marriage of same sex couples; and we are also delighted to offer blessings for civil partnerships.
Around the first weekend of every month we have a social gathering, and on the third Sunday of every month we hold a special Open Table communion service at 7.30pm with a specific focus on welcoming LGBTQ+ folk and their allies.
Please contact Alison Binney, the organiser, if you have any questions or would like to get in touch.
Pride progress flag
Open Table
The Open Table Network (OTN) is a growing partnership of Christian worship communities which welcome and affirm people who are:
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, & Asexual (LGBTQIA) together with their families, friends & anyone who wants to belong in an accepting, loving community.
Downing Place URC is part of the Open Table network, which has been created by, and for, LGBTQIA+ people. Our Open Table meetings give us a safe inclusive space where we find God and each other, and have the time and peace to grow together.
Churches don’t always feel safe or welcoming to LGBTQIA+ people. But the name, ‘Open Table’ is an open invitation to come in, just as you are, and be with us, in a safe, affirming community.
Open Table Communion
On the third Sunday of each month, we celebrate Holy Communion together as an Open Table community. We gather from 7pm onwards for coffee and cakes, and the service begins at 7.30pm.
Cambridge Pride 2022
We proudly celebrated Cambridge Pride 2022; with decorations at Downing Place URC, with a stall on Jesus Green in the middle of all of the celebrations on 9th July, and with these images scrolling on the screens around our building, and those looking out onto Downing Street.
Sunday Worship for LGBTQ+ History Month
Each year, on the first Sunday in February, we hold a service for LGBTQ+ History Month, which is open to everyone. It is a joy to welcome those worshiping in the church and via livestream, through our Youtube channel.
This year’s service was held on 5th February, and was led by members of Open Table Cambridge, with the the Right Reverend Cherry Vann, Bishop of Monmouth preaching. It was wonderful to have Sing Out Cambridge with us, the songs they sang added such an important part to the service.
You can watch the service at any time via the link to the right.
A recording of the livestreamed service for LGBTQ+ History Month on Sunday 5 February 2023.
Craft project Feb 2022
As well as our worship, we work on projects to help Downing Place United Reformed Church and the LGBTQ+ community surround one another with encouragement.
For LGBT History Month 2022 we made origami cranes, painted pebbles and coloured in drawings. The cranes hung in the Welcome Area of the church throughout February, and the pebbles decorate some of the rooms of Downing Place and open spaces near the church.
Address
Downing Street,
Cambridge
CB2 3EL
Registered Charity Number
1131462
Downing Place URC
Downing Place is a community of people who seek to take God seriously through worship, study and service that are responses to the living, dying and rising of Jesus Christ and rooted in his teaching.
