Called As We Are

Called As We Are opens in the North Transept of St Albans Cathedral on 10 November, running through to 26 November. It's a photographic exhibition by Ruth Samuels, featuring twelve portraits of Church of England leaders who are disabled, Deaf or neurodivergent. Among them are the Revd Canon Em Coley and the Rev Melissa Carter.

Each portrait is paired with the subject's own words on their disability, their faith journey and the adaptations that have helped them along the way. The exhibition is accessible through audio descriptions and British Sign Language interpretation, so you can engage with the stories in the way that works best for you. The portraits are the work of Ruth Samuels, who herself lives with ME.

The show is a national project by the Church of England's Disability Project, produced in partnership with Art and Christianity. It celebrates the ministry and faith of Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent Church leaders, and it's been on the road for a while: it launched at York Minster in July and has since stopped at Exeter, Liverpool and Chelmsford. After St Albans, it's due to conclude at St Giles Cripplegate in London in early 2027.

Two people close to the project put it into perspective. Disability Ministry Enabler John Beauchamp describes it as an exploration of how what is often regarded as human 'woundedness' becomes a doorway to a greater revelation of the fullness of Christ. Helen James, who oversees the Disability Project, notes that many deaf, disabled and neurodivergent priests and ministers serve but are often unseen. The exhibition brings them into the light.

It's free to enter, though donations are welcome. You'll find it in the North Transept of St Albans Cathedral, Sumpter Yard, AL1 1BY, from 10 to 26 November.