St Mary’s Church, Sholing is proud to be a Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Friendly Church. We are committed to being a place of welcome where everyone can find friendship, belonging and God’s love, regardless of their background or way of life.
Our church has longstanding connections with the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities. St Mary’s churchyard is the final resting place for many Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people, reflecting a shared history that continues to be an important part of our parish story. We also have longstanding links with families connected to the Botany Bay area and value these relationships.
As part of our 160th anniversary celebrations, we are delighted to be including events that celebrate Gypsy, Roma and Traveller heritage and culture. One of these will feature acclaimed Romani poet Raine Geoghegan, with further community events planned throughout our anniversary year.
At St Mary’s, our doors are open to everyone. We want all Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people to know that they are welcome here – for worship, for community, for life’s significant moments, and simply to belong. We look forward to continuing to build relationships based on respect, hospitality and trust.
