LGBT+ safeguarding statement

The 2023 General Assembly of the United Reformed Church passed the following resolutions:

Resolution 21a 

General Assembly affirms the human dignity of transgender, non-binary and gender non-conforming people and asserts their right, within and beyond the URC, to live without threat of violence and hatred; 

Resolution 21b

General Assembly commits to furthering the Church’s understanding of, and pastoral care for transgender, non-binary and gender non-conforming people in the Church, both locally and across the denomination and requests the Equalities Committee to facilitate this; 

Resolution 21c 

General Assembly recognises the Church’s failure to challenge the assumptions and patterns of behaviour which lead to transphobia and acknowledges that Church sometimes perpetuates these patterns; 

Resolution 21d 

General Assembly supports the right of all to receive affirming non-directive support and healthcare, and to express their sexuality, gender and identity without coercion or the fear thereof. 

St Columba's endorses these resolutions enthusiastically and in full, as confirmed at our church meeting in November 2025.