A community drawn together by love
In 2024 Norbury joined the inclusive church network as a means by which we might actively promote a church family where everyone feels able to belong and participate. However, joining a network is only part of the story.
What is an Inclusive Church?
Inclusive Church is an educational charity founded in 2003. As an umbrella organization, Inclusive Church Network seeks to offer support and guidance to churches and individuals who share the statement of belief set out below.
“We believe in an inclusive church – a church which celebrates and affirms every person and does not discriminate. We will continue to challenge the church where it continues to discriminate against people on grounds of disability, economic power, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, learning disability, mental health, neurodiversity, or sexuality. We believe in a Church that welcomes and serves all people in the name of Jesus Christ; which is scripturally faithful; which seeks to proclaim the Gospel afresh for each generation; and which, in the power of the Holy Spirit, allows all people to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Jesus Christ.”
There are now over 600 churches nationwide that have registered as ‘inclusive’ and we are very pleased to be one of them.
How is Norbury Inclusive?
At the heart of being an Inclusive Church is listening.
Through the Living in Love and Faith process we, as a church family, began to listen. We listened to the voice of those who are marginalized; to the voice of God through Scripture, Tradition, and Reason; and to one another as a church community. This listening led to a wider conversation as a ministry team and PCC (Church Council) to each other, and to God, as we strived to make our dream of being a community of love and diversity a reality.
Some of the practical steps taken on our journey of inclusive have been
To run the L.L.F. course.
To host the “difference” course on reconciliation.
To train volunteers and staff in mental health first aid.
Implementing an Inclusion and Equalities statement.
Keeping our liturgy under review, looking for ways the words and music we use can best express the inclusive love of God and diversity in our community.
Running a dementia awareness course.
Working with the Diocese to complete and implement a Disability Audit of our campus and site.
If you have any specific access needs or ideas for creating a more inclusive space for worship please let us know by contacting us.