LGBTQIA+ Chaplain
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The Revd Andrew Howorth |
Leeds Diocese LGBTQIA+ Chaplaincy service is a developing chaplaincy, offering support to the ministry of lay and ordained people who identify within the LBGTQIA+ community and those who would identify as same sex attracted.
The Revd Andrew Howorth has been licensed by Rt Revd Toby Howarth, Interim Bishop of Leeds, as LGBTQIA+ Chaplain for the Diocese, to provide a safe and encouraging listening space and ensure appropriate pastoral and spiritual care is offered for all people. Andrew, who is also an Associate Minister at St John's Church, Menston, will work within House of Bishops guidelines, embracing a non-judgemental attitude toward people in regard to their sexuality, welcoming and valuing every person as equal in the eyes of God, and listening unconditionally to the lived experience of any person who seeks support. Andrew can be contacted by clicking his name above.
"Every individual has ethical decisions to make about how to live out their God-given sexuality," Andrew said. "These questions are common to each one of us, whatever our sexuality or gender identity. As chaplains, we are called to walk alongside people in this discernment.
"We are here to provide confidential, non-judgemental spiritual and pastoral care with a particular concern for those in ministry and exploring their vocation. We are also here to provide resources on LGBTQIA+ inclusion for churches and individuals and a channel of communication between the LGBTQIA+ community and the leaders of the diocese.
"As it says in Psalm 139:13-14, we want everyone to know they are a child of God, wonderfully made, dearly loved and precious and the chaplaincy is a way of helping people to access the right support when they need it."
The service also aims to learn from the insights of LGBTQIA+ people about being church together. Support can remain confidential, unless there is concern that someone may be at risk of harm. "We know that churches have too often been unsafe plaes for LGBTQIA+ people and so we are working with the Diocesan Safeguarding Team to make the support that we offer as safe as it can be," Andrew said.
The chaplaincy is currently only able to offer support to people aged over 18 but can connect people with services that offer crisis support and have specific advice and services for young people.
Living in Love and Faith
The Living in Love and Faith process formally came to an end at General Synod earlier in 2026.
'Prayers of Love and Faith' (PLF) are now commended for use with same sex couple within existing church services. The General Synod is taking forward further consideration of clergy in same sex marriages and bespoke services for same sex couples.
The LGBTQIA Chaplain will offer support and advice for anyone who is engaging with these and any other matters pertaining to inclusion, including how these topics have an impact on personal faith, worship, parish life and belonging in the Church of England. He is also happy to support any clergy, PCCs, church leaders and individuals in navigating these matters within their own contexts, as well as signposting to other services as appropriate.
