An Inclusive Church
We are proud to be part of the Inclusive Church Network, whose mission statement has been adopted by our PCC:
‘We believe in inclusive church – a church which celebrates and affirms every person and does not discriminate.
We will continue to challenge the church where it continues to discriminate against people on grounds of disability, economic power, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, learning disability, mental health, neurodiversity, or sexuality.
We believe in a Church which welcomes and serves all people in the name of Jesus Christ; which is scripturally faithful; which seeks to proclaim the Gospel afresh for each generation; and which, in the power of the Holy Spirit, allows all people to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Jesus Christ.’
At St Mary’s, this is not just a statement on paper. It shapes how we pray, how we welcome, and how we live together as a community.
So whoever you are, whatever your story, you are welcome here. Whether you are full of faith or full of questions, whether church is familiar or completely new, whether you come with joy, grief, hope, doubt, or curiosity - there is a place waiting for you at St Mary’s.
We recognise and celebrate the rich diversity of Gravesend — culturally, socially, and spiritually. Our town is beautifully varied, and we believe the Church should reflect that same generous breadth of of experiences and backgrounds.
Inclusiveness, for us, is not about being fashionable or ticking boxes. It flows from the heart of the Gospel itself. Again and again, we see Jesus noticing those on the edges, drawing people in, and building a community marked by grace.
To be an inclusive church is simply our way of trying to follow Christ faithfully — with open doors, open hearts, and open hands.
We have ramps which can be put down for access to the buildings, an accessible toilet and induction hearing loop in both hall and church.
