Yesterday, two new LGBTQI+ Volunteer Chaplains were commissioned during a special Choral Evensong service at Newcastle Cathedral.
On Sunday 21 September, the Feast of St Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist, Bishop Helen-Ann commissioned Izzy McDonald-Booth and David Casati to this vital new ministry of pastoral care and advocacy.
The LGBTQI+ Chaplaincy and support service is a developing service and is part of a diocesan-wide commitment to foster a climate of radical Christian inclusion and welcome.
Set up in response to the House of Bishop’s apology for the harm caused to LGBTQI+ people by the Church, the chaplaincy honours the personal experience of LGBTQI+ people and celebrates their contribution to ministry and mission within the Diocese of Newcastle.
Izzy and David will serve alongside the Revd Emma Duff, who was licensed as the Diocese’s Lead LGBTQI+ Chaplain in November 2024.
Giving the sermon during the service, Emma acknowledged the violation, injustice and exclusion experienced by the LGBTQI+ community but also reminded the congregation of the Christian hope that ‘with God nothing is impossible’ and that Christians are invited to play their part in God’s plan to bring about this transformation.
The Revd Emma Duff said: “The Diocese of Newcastle is proud to be the only Diocese in the Church of England to employ an LGBTQI+ chaplain. Saying sorry is not enough; we need to make it a reality through our actions.
“We are in the middle of an exciting journey. Since beginning in post, I have witnessed so much that is positive, and I am looking forward to working together with David and Izzy to see what God has in store for the chaplaincy and how God is going to use David and Izzy’s experience and knowledge.”
Speaking about their appointment, David Casati said: “It is important for me to be visible as a queer person in the Church and to encourage the gifts and ministries of LGBTQI+ people in our Diocese. I envisage a flexible ministry, made of discernment, listening, presence, teamwork and vision.”
Izzy McDonald-Booth said: “The chaplaincy is here to make sure the Church lives out its promise to be a place for all people through advocacy and pastoral support wherever it’s needed. We, as the LGBTQI+ community, especially right now, need affirmation and recognition of everyone’s dignity under God, and this is my prayer.”
The chaplaincy hopes to continue recruiting volunteer chaplains who can work alongside David, Izzy, Emma and Bishop Helen-Ann to demonstrate God’s love to all.
The service was live-streamed and can still be watched on Newcastle Cathedral’s YouTube channel.
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