Friendly Churches

The Church of the Good Shepherd in Rossmore, Poole, has long been seen by many in the local Romany Gypsy community as their church. With a history of Traveller funerals, Sunday worshippers from Traveller backgrounds, and initiatives like a non-contact boxing club led by Michael Johnson, the church remains a welcoming space.

There is a sign on the door of St Mary’s Parish Church in West Moors which often invites comment from those attending weddings, funerals, and other parish events. It is the Roma Chakra and it is the church’s way of saying that the Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller community are always welcome through its doors.

St Mary’s Church, Nettlestead, PCC voted to become Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Friendly in the autumn of 2024. Several of the regular congregation had many positive memories of Gypsies and Travellers coming every year to help with the hop picking and harvesting fruit but regular contact had been lost in recent times until their Parish Evangelist, Jackie Bennett, started a warm spaces scheme with the hospitality of a nearby pub.

St Egwin’s Church, Norton and Lenchwick, has a long-standing and positive relationship with the local Traveller community, with many families having loved ones buried in the churchyard. Under the ministry of Revd Andy Green, the church continues to grow in welcome and trust, with plans for monthly tea and cake gatherings and the support of a community liaison to offer ongoing pastoral care.

Revd Andy Green, Associate Priest at St Egwin’s Church, Norton and Lenchwick, continues to nurture a strong relationship with the local Traveller community, many of whom have loved ones buried in the churchyard. With new facilities now in place, the church plans monthly tea and cake gatherings, offering space for connection and support.

The 12th-century Parish Church of All Saints is nestled in the heart of the village of Lanchester, Durham. Steeped in history yet very much alive in the present, All Saints is a warm, welcoming, and open-hearted community. Our vision is to be a church rooted in prayer, friendship, and active compassion—where everyone is valued, and no one is a stranger.