Event: Disability, neurodivergence, and your calling

On 16th November 2024, we are holding an exciting event for those who are disabled and/or neurodivergent, who wish to explore their sense of calling to ministry within the Church. 

Katie Tupling, Chair of Diocesan Disability Adviser Network, will draw directly from her own lived experience, sharing her story and talking about the ways in which the Church is working towards greater inclusion and accessibility.

Katie was an Anglican parish priest for 16 years before becoming Diocesan Disability Advisor in March 2019.

Diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at the age of 2 ½, she is co-founder of ‘Disability and Jesus’, a user led task group wrestling with theology, discipleship, and church practice through the lived experience of disability. She is co-author of the book ‘Pilgrims in the dark‘, and has written two Grove booklets, ‘Worship and Disability, a Kingdom for all’ (2018) and “Being disabled, being human” (2022). 

Emma Major is a Licensed Lay Pioneer Minister in the Diocese of Oxford and serves additionally as a mentor within the national church's Vocations division. There she helps those who wish to learn more about becoming a lay minister, and works alongside them as they explore their sense of calling to this.

Emma is an encouraging and supportive mentor. She says, "I want to see mentees flourish and find who God wants them to be in their calling." 

Scott Cheeseman currently works in a local secondary school as a pastoral and safeguarding lead, previously he was a youth worker for 5 years at a Baptist Church, a Youth and children lead for a CofE Parish and a student youth worker for 3 years within a ecumenical project across multiple denominations. He was diagnosed with Dyslexic and Dyspraxia in Primary school and at university was diagnosed with Dyscalculia to complete the set! He is also exploring an ADHD diagnosis following some more conversations over the past few years whilst exploring a call to the Priesthood. He is passionate about helping others and is often volunteering for roles which are helpful and fun.