The Bishop of Newcastle is pleased to announce that the Reverend Emma Duff has been appointed to lead our chaplaincy service for LGBTQI+ communities within Newcastle Diocese.
The service will provide a safe space for people to talk about matters relating to sexuality and the church, and will also assist parishes and Deaneries in fostering radical Christian inclusion and welcome.
It will listen to, support and offer prayerful affirmation for those who identify as LGBTQI+ and their loved ones, helping them to feel confident about being part of diocesan and church life.
Emma, who will be licensed by the Bishop to carry out this work, was a lawyer before being ordained in 2014. She was Curate in the Willington Team for four years, then Priest in Charge at Wallsend St John’s until 2023.
Emma will take up her new role from 1st November and will be contactable at: e.duff@newcastle.anglican.org
Commenting on her appointment, Emma said: “I’m delighted to have been appointed as Lead LGBTQI+ Chaplain and am looking forward to recruiting a team to provide welcome, support and safe spaces.
“In our churches and in society at large, LGBTQI+ people face discrimination and danger. Recent Stonewall research found that less than half feel safe holding their partner’s hand in public. Church of England bishops have acknowledged that we have often received a hostile and homophobic response in churches and apologised for not loving us as God loves us. The bishops’ recent apology is very welcome, and this chaplaincy has grown from a desire in Newcastle Diocese to live out that apology and make it a reality. I am looking forward to getting started and putting into action my belief that we are all beloved children of God.”
The Right Reverend Dr Helen-Ann Hartley, Bishop of Newcastle, said: “I am delighted that Emma has been appointed as LGBTQI+ Lead Chaplain in our Diocese. A major part of this new role will be to establish a chaplaincy service that provides a safe space for people to talk about matters relating to sexuality and the church and will also assist parishes and Deaneries in fostering radical Christian inclusion and welcome.
“This chaplaincy role is a visible demonstration of our desire to ensure that we are resourcing and celebrating the inclusion of those who have too often been marginalised and silenced by the Church’s debates and practices. In this year of Seeking, I am particularly pleased that this chaplaincy is breaking new ground in nurturing God’s Kingdom in all its fulness and am excited for what God will reveal to us through its work and we strive for a church that is welcoming of all God’s people. Please pray for Emma as she takes up this role, and for all whom she will connect with in the coming weeks and months as the chaplaincy takes shape.”