The Diocese of Newcastle has appointed its first ever chaplain for LGBT+ matters.

Rev Emma Duff is a former lawyer, who was ordained in 2014.

The role will provide a ‘safe space’ for people contemplating issues of sexuality to discuss with someone in the church. Its aim is to encourage LGBT+ individuals to feel welcomed in diocesan life.

Rev Duff told the Hexham Courant: "I’m delighted to have been appointed as lead LGBTQI+ chaplain and am looking forward to recruiting a team to provide welcome, support and safe spaces.

"In our churches and in society at large, LGBTQI+ people face discrimination and danger… Recent Stonewall research has shown that less than half feel safe holding their partner’s hand in public.”

Whilst issues of sexuality remain contentious in the Church of England, the Diocese of Newcastle has previously been supportive of LGBT matters. In 2018, it hosted a ‘Queering the Church’ panel as part of Newcastle pride week, featuring Rev Bingo Allison, who identifies as nonbinary, genderqueer and transgender.

Earlier this year, the Bishop of Newcastle, Dr Helen-Anne Hartley stepped down from her role as part of the Living in Love and Faith programme, saying: “Mindful of different views within my own diocese, I am fully committed to the full inclusion of LGBTQIA+ people.”

On Rev Duff’s appointment, she said: "This chaplaincy role is a visible demonstration of our desire to ensure that we are resourcing and celebrating the inclusion of those who have too often been marginalised and silenced by the church’s debates and practices."