Generous Faith

Giles Goddard embodies the story of the Church of England’s struggles to understand and accommodate differences in human sexuality. From the paradox of feeling both excluded and called to the priesthood, he reflects on thirty years’ experience of trying to make the church more inclusive.

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Giles Goddard embodies the story of the Church of England’s struggles to understand and accommodate differences in human sexuality. From the paradox of feeling both excluded and called to the priesthood, to becoming the only openly gay priest on the Living in Love and Faith co-ordinating group, this book reflects on thirty years’ experience of trying to make the church more inclusive.

In his work as priest of St John’s Waterloo, he has continued to push the boundaries of inclusion, offering a prayer space for the Muslim community, welcoming refugees, the street homeless, and Extinction Rebellion activism.

Anyone who shares these dreams for the church will recognise themselves here: Giles is a kind of everyman for everyone whose faith and work bring them into conflict with the stance of the Church. The story is told through the lens of the Christian year with its seasons of preparation, retreat and growth.