Inclusive Church

St John's is a member of Inclusive Church and has adopted the Inclusive Church statement of belief:

"We believe in inclusive Church - church which does not discriminate, on any level, on grounds of economic power, gender, mental health, physical ability, race or sexuality. We believe in 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."

St John's Inclusive Church page

 

LGBT+ Inclusion

 

BLESSINGS: Our PCC has approved use of the 'prayers of love and faith' for blessings of same-sex couples who wish to commit themselves to each other before God and to receive God's blessing. More information is available on the link below.

https://www.churchofengland.org/prayer-and-worship/worship-texts-and-resources/prayers-love-and-faith

MEETUPS: Monthly on the first Saturday of the month, the Church organises an 'LGBT+ social', which takes place in Caterham Valley Library, 2-4pm. It is a community-focussed space, rather than a service, so you do not need to be a person of faith to attend.

Our toilets are gender-neutral, single-cubicles.

Disability Inclusion

Physical access: We are both blessed and hindered by our Church building. We are currently fundraising to make the pathway around the Church accessible. There is currently step-free access using a portable ramp. Would you like to help us in our mission and ministry fundraising efforts? You can find out more and donate here: https://givealittle.co/c/439033a1-afc0-47c0-88de-b613c0e01f0d

In 2024 we gratefully received a grant from Your Fund Surrey for the Church Hall to be made accessible and for an accessible toilet to be installed.

Sensory Access: Service booklets are available in large print, and there is a hearing loop fitted in church.

Neurodivergence: we have had several speakers during sermon slots who shared their experience of neurodivergence. A number of the Church leaders are neurodivergent. In 2026 we hosted Autism Awareness Sunday. Quieter services are held on the first Sunday at 8am and every Thursday. There is an informal service on the first Sunday which is designed to be a more relaxed and comfortable space if you're someone who struggles with sitting still. We also provide fidget toys at services.

Hear Here: This is a monthly, free hearing aid clinic and cafe, run by Milica, one of our wonderful Church members, and a team of volunteers from Church. Every first Thursday of the month, 9.30-11.30, in the church hall.

Is there anything we can do to make Church more accessible? Let us know using the contact form on the website.

Privacy Notice | Powered by Church Edit