Inclusivity is one of our four pillars

We strive to be an inclusive church embracing a hospitable Christianity.

We extend a big, warm, open invitation to everyone and anyone to come and join us, irrespective of abilities and disabilities gender identity and sexuality, age and race, wealth and social status, background and education.

No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are most welcome here.

Inclusive Church Network

The community of St Mary’s, Witney, is delighted that our church is a member of the Inclusive Church Network. 

We believe in 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 which 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.

All are Welcome

Welcome if you are young or old

Welcome if you have brown skin, black skin, white skin, or any colour of skin

Welcome if you are married or single, gay or straight, or if you are transgender

Welcome if you are a man or a woman

Welcome if you cannot hear or see, if you are sick or well, happy or sad

Welcome if you are rich or poor, powerful or weak, you are welcome

Welcome if you believe in God some of the time or none of the time or all of the time

Come with your gifts, your pain, your hope, your fears

Come with traditions that have helped you and hurt you

Come with experiences that have made and broken you

Come with a mind ready to engage and a heart open to discern

Come and listen for the Sacred Spirit that calls you to love your neighbour wholeheartedly, seek justice, create peace and practice compassion