iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Open Table Network @opentablelgbt.bsky.social · 45m

TODAY our trustees meet online to set our priorities for 2027. #PleasePray that we may give #GloryToGod who 'can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine' #ComeAsYouAre #FaithfullyLGBT #MoreThanWelcome #PlaceToBelong #RoomAtTheTable

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Open Table Network @opentablelgbt.bsky.social · 12h

OCTOBER is #BlackHistoryMonth In 2021 we hosted a webinar with former OTN trustee Revd Augustine Tanner-Ihm and Revd Jide Macaulay, founder and CEO of House of Rainbow, a safe space for the spiritual growth and inclusion for #Black #LGBTQ+ people: youtu.be/Ecqvj0xZRaU [58mins].

A split-screen photo: On the left, Revd Jide Macaulay, founder and CEO of House of Rainbow, wears clerical clothing and looks towards the camera. On the right, Revd Augustine Tanner-Ihm, a former Open Table Network trustee, smiles broadly at the camera.

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Open Table Network @opentablelgbt.bsky.social · 15/10/2026

DO YOU think Open Table has a community impact? Our first community in Liverpool has been nominated for an LGBTQ+ Community Impact Award! 🏳️‍🌈 Please vote by 15 November and help us celebrate the community which launched all our communities! VOTE HERE: sahir.org.uk/sahir-awards...

Graphic announcing that Open Table Liverpool has been nominated for the SAHIR Awards 2026 LGBTQ+ Community Impact Award. It features a group photo of the Open Table Liverpool community at Pride, with LGBTQ+ flags and banners, against a colourful background. Text asks people to vote at sahir.org.uk.

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Open Table Network @opentablelgbt.bsky.social · 14/10/2026

IT'S #BlackHistoryMonth in the UK & #LGBTHistoryMonth in the USA. Meet 16 queer Black trailblazers who made history - and discover the diversity of our communities and the challenges of living with more than one marginalised identity: nbcnews.to/4hqXu1R

Three portraits of Black LGBTQ+ figures: Bayard Rustin on the left, Marsha P. Johnson in the centre wearing a flower crown and colourful clothing, and Stormé DeLarverie on the right.

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Open Table Network @opentablelgbt.bsky.social · 11/10/2026

'BLESSED are the closeted; God sees you shine anyway.' #ComingOutDay seems like a good day to share award-winning trans poet Jay Hulme's verse, 'Beatitudes for a queerer church', read by OTN Patron Alex Clare-Young: youtu.be/TRrWCGikb6E [1min]

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Open Table Network @opentablelgbt.bsky.social · 11/10/2026

‘YOU'RE NOT… what you thought, ok?’ TODAY, 11th October, is marked around the world as #ComingOutDay. In 2023 Wendy Young shared her story of #ComingOut as a #queer #Christian and the inspiration of former worship music singer Vicky Beeching: bit.ly/ComingOut1023

Wendy Young: A smiling person with short, swept-up blue and grey hair and round glasses, wearing a black top with grey star patterns, leaning forward in front of a wooden door and blue abstract artwork.

Vicky Beeching: A head-and-shoulders portrait of a person with short, side-swept blonde hair and green eyes, wearing a grey buttoned shirt against a dark, blurred background.

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Open Table Network @opentablelgbt.bsky.social · 11/10/2026

TODAY is #ComingOutDay 🏳️‍🌈 In October 2020, we explored #ComingOut with inclusive online worship, including British Sign Language (#BSL) and captions. 🙏 Revisit this video celebrating coming out and being our authentic selves. ▶️ WATCH: youtu.be/aFE11T1npTA (29 mins) #NCOD26

Video still showing a man speaking in front of church stained-glass windows, with a British Sign Language interpreter in the lower right corner. Captions read: “Paul makes a list of things that cannot separate us from the love of God in Christ.”

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Open Table Network @opentablelgbt.bsky.social · 11/10/2026

TODAY 16 Open Table communities meet: Canterbury, Chester, Colchester, Fareham, Haverfordwest, Horsham, Leyland, London: Bromley, Wanstead & Waterloo, Sefton, Sunderland, Taunton, Warrington, Widnes & Wirral: New Brighton. FFI opentable.lgbt/our-communities #ComeAsYouAre

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Open Table Network @opentablelgbt.bsky.social · 10/10/2026

This #WorldMentalHealthDay everyone deserves to feel they belong. Our new research shows the difference an affirming community can make 94% of Open Table members reported improved wellbeing, 84% reduced feelings of isolation: opentable.lgbt/our-impact #WMHDay #PlaceToBelong

raphic with a purple background and colourful abstract figures. Large orange text reads “94%”, followed by: “of our members said being part of an Open Table community improved their well-being.” The source is credited as “OTN Research & Case for Support 2026”

Graphic with a purple background and colourful abstract figures. Large orange text reads “84%”, followed by: “of our members said joining an Open Table community significantly reduced their feelings of isolation.” The source is credited as “OTN Research & Case for Support 2026”.

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Open Table Network @opentablelgbt.bsky.social · 09/10/2026

'CRUELTY does not become God’s voice simply because someone uses religious language.' Former OTN Co-Chair Sarah Hobbs reflects on how a painful experience of online hostility transformed into an experience of overwhelming love, support and renewed connection with God: bit.ly/WhenEverythi...

Sarah Hobbs, wearing clerical clothing and glasses, smiles at the camera in a portrait photograph taken indoors, with bookshelves in the background.

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Open Table Network @opentablelgbt.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

BLESSED ARE THE BRAVE: Weekend retreat for #LGBTQ+ faith leaders & affirming allies from Christian traditions led by Jade Irwin from #DiverseChurch at #Corrymeela, Ballycastle, Co. Antrim 8-10 January 2027. Email welcome@corrymeela.org by Friday 27th November 2026 to register. #BlessedAreTheBrave

Colourful rainbow-painted poster advertising “Blessed Are the Brave”, a weekend retreat for LGBTQ+ faith leaders and affirming allies from Christian traditions, at Corrymeela, Ballycastle, 8–10 January 2027. Registration is by email to welcome@corrymeela.org by Friday 27 November 2026. Logos for Corrymeela and Diverse Church appear at the top.

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Open Table Network @opentablelgbt.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

'THERE IS something radically transformative about owning your truth. To be able to unfurl and walk tall because we know we are loved.' - Inclusive Church Coordinator Chantal reflects on faith, queerness and the radical welcome at the heart of the Gospel: inclusive-church.org/2026/10/01/q...

Pink graphic featuring a large heart containing overlapping Progress Pride and rainbow flags, with the words “Queerly Beloved” in colourful, playful lettering across the bottom. The website “www.niftynopppen.com” appears in white at the lower right.

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Open Table Network @opentablelgbt.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

TODAY our communities in Bradford, Bristol, Cardiff, Exeter, Liverpool, London - Bow & Bethnal Green, Reading, Runcorn, and Weymouth gather. FFI: opentable.lgbt/our-communities #ComeAsYouAre #FaithfullyLGBT #MoreThanWelcome #PlaceToBelong #RoomAtTheTable

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Open Table Network @opentablelgbt.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

'LOVE WINS whenever someone who has been taught to hide is called by name.' In this powerful reflection, former OTN Co-Chair Rev Sarah Hobbs shares her story of faith, identity and finding a place at the table. We’re grateful to Sarah for sharing it: youtu.be/HtWfyJctVSg [41mins]

Rev Sarah Hobbs speaking at a lectern at the Love Wins 2026 conference, with a guitar visible behind her and Love Wins 26 branding on the screen.

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Open Table Network @opentablelgbt.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

US evangelist Franklin Graham's #GodLovesYou tour is in Manchester tomorrow. If you've ever felt broken or unwelcome because of who you are: God created you. Your identity is not sinful. You are beautiful. ✨ Find your place at the table: opentable.lgbt #ComeAsYouAre #MoreThanWelcome #FaithfullyLGBT

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Open Table Network @opentablelgbt.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

SIX YEARS after OTN’s Director began working full-time for the charity, we look back over years of growth, research, stronger infrastructure and significant challenges – including the successful #SaveOTN emergency appeal: bit.ly/OTNsixyearson #OpenTable18

Five people work together around a table in a church hall on a creative activity with photographs, paper and coloured materials. Rainbow flags and Open Table imagery are visible in the background.

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Open Table Network @opentablelgbt.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

TODAY is #NationalPoetryDay so we're sharing again this poem - Sanctuary by Karen Kaiser - which speaks to us of the experience we hope to create in our Open Table communities: 'You are beloved and you belong'. #ComeAsYouAre #MoreThanWelcome #FaithfullyLGBT

Black-and-white image of a poem titled “Sanctuary” by Karen Kaiser, 2022, overlaid on a photograph of a house and trees. The poem reflects on the meaning of welcome and sanctuary, particularly for people who do not fit conventional expectations, and calls for the church to be a safe, accepting place where people are loved, celebrated and made to feel that they belong.

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Open Table Network @opentablelgbt.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

TODAY our communities in Nantwich, Nottingham, Wigan and Wirral - Heswall gather. Check out our communities page for details: opentable.lgbt/our-communities #ComeAsYouAre #MoreThanWelcome #PlaceToBelong #RoomAtTheTable

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Open Table Network @opentablelgbt.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

WHAT MAKES a community welcoming, inclusive and life-giving? Around 70 people gathered at #Greenbelt to share food, conversation and reflections on belonging. Read what we learned: bit.ly/Greenbelt26

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Open Table Network @opentablelgbt.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

UPDATE: Our Autumn retreat in North Wales is fully booked! 🙌 Please join the waiting list: bit.ly/StBeunosLGBT... Places may become available as circumstances change. Your interest also shows the need for more LGBTQ+ Christian retreats. THANK YOU! ❤️

A person sits on a wooden bench in the gardens of St Beuno’s, facing a large stone Gothic-style retreat centre. The building is surrounded by trees and landscaped gardens, with rolling green hills visible in the background.

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Open Table Network @opentablelgbt.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

TODAY is #BiVisibilityDay What does it mean to be #bisexual and #Christian? READ this really helpful article from #QueerGrace, an online encyclopedia for #LGBTQIA+ and Christian life: queergrace.com/bisexual

Abstract artwork featuring the bisexual pride flag colours—blue, purple and pink—with interwoven blue, purple and pink ribbons curling across the image.

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Open Table Network @opentablelgbt.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

🎤 GREENBELT Festival headliner #FlamyGrant brings her first UK tour to Liverpool Parish Church on 21 November! Join us for blistering vocals, brilliant songwriting, and brave storytelling on the final date of the tour. 🎟️ bit.ly/FlamyLiverpo...

Portrait of Flamy Grant, a performer with long, curly red hair and dramatic eye makeup, wearing a sheer blue top and holding an acoustic guitar. She rests one hand near her face and looks towards the camera.

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Open Table Network @opentablelgbt.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

TODAY we are meeting to plan the #LGBT+ #Christian retreat weekend at St Beuno's North Wales Friday 30 October - Sunday 1 November. READ MORE & BOOK HERE: bit.ly/StBeunosLGBTQ26 #FaithfullyLGBT

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Open Table Network @opentablelgbt.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

TODAY our communities in Birmingham, Cambridge, Kendal, Lincoln, Liverpool, London - West Hampstead & Salford are gathering. FFI: opentable.lgbt/our-communities #ComeAsYouAre #MoreThanWelcome #FaithfullyLGBT

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Open Table Network @opentablelgbt.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

THREE PLACES LEFT! 🍂 Join us for our Autumn LGBTQ+ Christian Retreat at St Beuno’s in North Wales, 30th October–1st November. With six weeks to go, now’s the time to book your place for a weekend of rest, reflection, prayer and community: bit.ly/StBeunosLGBT...

Seven abstract stained-glass panels from St Beuno's Rock Chapel, designed by Claire Mulholland. Warm golds, reds and oranges blend into cool blues and greens through flowing lines and circular forms, creating a vibrant, reflective composition.

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Open Table Network @opentablelgbt.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

OUT NOW: Our latest enews celebrates the #SaveOTN campaign beating its £16k target, how to become a Friend of Open Table, a book on bisexual Christian lives, Julian of Norwich's open door, our autumn retreat, #FlamyGrant live in Liverpool, & our online shop. READ MORE: bit.ly/OTNenews160926

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Open Table Network @opentablelgbt.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

THIS IS #BisexualityAwarenessWeek - OTN Co-Chair Carol Joyner reflects on Bisexual Christian European, a new book she co-authored with José Calvo Tello, bringing together the stories of 16 bisexual Christians from across Europe. READ MORE: bit.ly/BiChristianEurope #BiVisibility

Book cover for Bisexual, Christian, European: Bisexual Christian Life Stories from Around Europe, edited by Carol A Shepherd and José Calvo Tello. The cover features a map of Europe in the colours of the bisexual Pride flag (pink, purple, blue) with a yellow cross overlaid on it.

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Open Table Network @opentablelgbt.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

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Open Table Network @opentablelgbt.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

WHAT CONNECTS Julian of Norwich’s open window with Open Table? David McDermott reflects on Julian’s message of God’s mercy and love, and how a single table in Liverpool has grown into many communities across England and Wales: bit.ly/JulianOpenTa... #JulianOfNorwich

A painted portrait of Julian of Norwich, shown from the shoulders up wearing a pale hood and veil, with her face turned slightly to the side against a dark background.

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Open Table Network @opentablelgbt.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

‘NOT AS PROUD as I should be’: Jeni Leggat-Green, Convenor of Open Table Bristol, shares her experience of the Church of England’s divisions - and the impact on LGBTQ+ people seeking a safe, affirming space for faith. READ MORE: bit.ly/NotAsProud

Jeni Leggat-Green, Convenor of Open Table Bristol, smiling at the camera inside a church, with a rainbow flag hanging behind her.

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Open Table Network @opentablelgbt.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

TODAY, 25 years after 9/11, we remember those who lost their lives, including gay priest Fr Mychal Judge, the first recorded victim. In 2017, we reflected on his legacy through a talk by his biographer Michael Ford: bit.ly/MychalJudge911 #911Anniversary #NeverForget #MychalJudge #LGBTfaith

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Open Table Network @opentablelgbt.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Today is #WorldSuicidePreventionDay. In our new independent research, one Open Table community member said: 'My mental health is better and I am less suicidal.' Safe, affirming community can make a life-changing difference. READ MORE: opentable.lgbt/our-impact

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Open Table Network @opentablelgbt.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

QUEER RELIGION Volume 1 celebrates openly queer leaders in religion. Several people with Open Table connections feature, including the leader of Open Table West Hampstead. Support the photo book: bit.ly/QueerReligio...

A large hardback book titled “Queer Religion: Volume 1” by Frances Marshall, photographed at an angle on a light grey background.

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Open Table Network @opentablelgbt.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

WE DID IT! 🎉 Our #SaveOTN campaign raised £17,272 in nine weeks - exceeding our £16,000 target. THANK YOU to everyone who donated, shared, encouraged and prayed. Read what happens next for Open Table: bit.ly/SaveOTNtotal

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Open Table Network @opentablelgbt.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

JUST £852 TO GO! ⏰ We have four hours left to reach our £16,000 #SaveOTN emergency appeal target. We’ve raised £15,148 so far – £8,134 through #Crowdfunder and £7,014 in direct donations. Can you help us get there before noon today? crowdfunder.co.uk/p/saveotn

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Open Table Network @opentablelgbt.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

24 HOURS TO GO! ⏰ Our #SaveOTN Crowdfunder is £56 short of 50% of our £16,000 target. Can you help us cross that halfway mark today? Every donation helps us get closer to keeping Open Table communities open for LGBTQIA+ people of faith: crowdfunder.co.uk/p/saveotn

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Open Table Network @opentablelgbt.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

‘WE WOULDN'T be here without you.’ ❤️ We’re so grateful for everyone who has supported Open Table. With our #Crowdfunder entering its final day, please help us continue this vital ministry: crowdfunder.co.uk/p/saveotn #SaveOTN

Purple graphic with colourful abstract figures and white text: “‘Sending much love and appreciation… We wouldn’t be here without you.’ Comment on #SaveOTN Crowdfunder, August 2026.”

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Open Table Network @opentablelgbt.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

TODAY our communities in Bradford, Bristol, Cardiff, Exeter, Liverpool, London - Bow & Bethnal Green, Reading, Runcorn, and Weymouth gather. FFI: opentable.lgbt/our-communit... #ComeAsYouAre #FaithfullyLGBT #MoreThanWelcome #PlaceToBelong #RoomAtTheTable

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Open Table Network @opentablelgbt.bsky.social · 05/09/2026

'GRATEFUL AND PROUD to have been a member of Open Table for 14 years.' Since 2008, Open Table has been creating places where LGBTQIA+ people can find welcome, belonging and hope. Help us make sure this work continues: crowdfunder.co.uk/p/saveotn #SaveOTN

Purple graphic with colourful abstract figures and white text: “‘Grateful and proud to have been a member of Open Table for 14 years.’ Comment on #SaveOTN Crowdfunder, August 2026.”

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Open Table Network @opentablelgbt.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

'SUCH VITAL WORK, really pleased to support.' We're so grateful to everyone who has donated, prayed and shared our #Crowdfunder. Every contribution helps secure the future of Open Table and the communities we support. Help us keep the table open: crowdfunder.co.uk/p/saveotn #SaveOTN

Purple graphic with colourful abstract figures and white text: “‘Such vital work, really pleased to support.’ Comment on #SaveOTN Crowdfunder, July 2026.”

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Open Table Network @opentablelgbt.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

DIGNITY & WORTH has awarded OTN a £5,000 grant to support our work creating LGBTQIA+ inclusive Christian communities. It’s a powerful act of solidarity at a crucial time. We’re hugely grateful for their support as we work to keep the table open. READ MORE: bit.ly/DWgrant0926

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Open Table Network @opentablelgbt.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

'OPEN TABLE does such great work - I look forward to seeing the network go from strength to strength!' That's what we're working towards. Your support is helping us secure the future of Open Table communities across England and Wales: crowdfunder.co.uk/p/saveotn #SaveOTN

Purple graphic with colourful abstract figures and white text: “‘Open Table does such great work – I look forward to seeing the network go from strength to strength.’ Comment on #SaveOTN Crowdfunder, July 2026.”

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Open Table Network @opentablelgbt.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

'I WISH every church was as welcoming as Open Table!' We do too. That's why Open Table supports communities across England and Wales to create places of welcome, belonging and hope for LGBTQIA+ people. Help us keep the table open: crowdfunder.co.uk/p/saveotn #SaveOTN

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Open Table Network @opentablelgbt.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

'THERE ARE lots of inclusive Christians in this country, but we need to show it with our wallets as well as our words.' If you believe LGBTQIA+ people deserve places of welcome and belonging, please help secure Open Table's future: crowdfunder.co.uk/p/saveotn #SaveOTN

Purple graphic with colourful abstract figures and white text: “‘There are lots of inclusive Christians in this country but we need to show it with our wallets as well as our words.’ Comment on #SaveOTN Crowdfunder, July 2026.”

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Open Table Network @opentablelgbt.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

‘SUCH VITAL WORK, really pleased to support.’ We’re now 86% of the way to our £16,000 #SaveOTN target: £13,811 raised so far. Just five days to go before our #Crowdfunder closes at midday Monday 7th September. Can you help us reach the finish line? crowdfunder.co.uk/p/saveotn

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Reposted by Open Table Network

Kieran Bohan @abravefaith.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

My birthday is 1st September. Facebook asked if I wanted to create a fundraiser. No need, I already have one! I'm Director of a small national charity growing from one to nearly 40 communities across England & Wales since 2008. Read more below if you can spare a share or a donation. Thank you!

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Open Table Network @opentablelgbt.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

'GOD IS LOVE x” We couldn't agree more. ❤️ Thank you to everyone who is helping us keep Open Table's communities of welcome, belonging and hope open to LGBTQIA+ people. Donate. Share. Pray. crowdfunder.co.uk/p/saveotn #SaveOTN

Purple graphic with colourful abstract figures and white text: “‘Wish it could be more, keep up the good work y’all! God is love x.’ Comment on #SaveOTN Crowdfunder, July 2026.”

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Open Table Network @opentablelgbt.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

'WE ENJOYED the celebrations in Liverpool and see how it has grown over the years. May it continue to carry out its important ministry.” From one community in Liverpool to nearly 40 across England and Wales in 18 years. Help us ensure the story continues: crowdfunder.co.uk/p/saveotn #SaveOTN

Purple graphic with colourful abstract figures and white text: “‘We enjoyed the recent celebrations in Liverpool, and see how it has grown over the years. May it continue to carry out its important ministry!’ Comment on #SaveOTN Crowdfunder, July 2026.”

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