OXFORD'S iconic cathedral is set to launch a series of inclusive services for the LGBT+ community.

Christ Church Cathedral will host services called Sacred over a six-month period, starting this month.

Gay evangelical Christians Jayne Ozanne, a high-profile campaigner for equality in the Church, and Revd Marcus Green, rector of Steeple Aston, are involved in the project.

The Very Revd Prof Martyn Percy, Dean of Christ Church, said: "We recognise that many have not yet been able to find their spiritual home in Oxford, and are looking for a safe place where they can find hope and healing with people they can trust.

"We are glad to be able to host this and look forward to welcoming all who those who are searching for the space and vibrant spirituality this service will offer."

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Revd Green will lead the first service on Sunday, February 23, at 8pm, and Oxford resident and author Ms Ozanne will preach.

The launch coincides with LGBT History Month, which runs annually in February.

Anyone is welcome to go along and there will be an opportunity for those who do attend to socialise afterwards, if they wish to.

The initiative is being pioneered by a group within the Diocese of Oxford, including Christ Church’s college chaplain, Revd Clare Hayns, and succentor, Revd Philippa White.

Worship will be led by Liam Cartwright and prayer ministry by the Revd Hannah Cartwright.

It will initially run on a monthly basis until July, and details of future services will be published on the @Sacred_Worship twitter page.

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The Church of England sparked controversy last month after the House of Bishops declared that only heterosexual married couples should have sex.

Following backlash, the Archbishops of Canterbury and York then apologised for the 'division and hurt' the statement caused.

More than 3,500 people have now signed an open letter to the House of Bishops, initiated by four people including Ms Ozanne.

The letter expresses 'anger and disappointment' about the initial statement and describes it as 'cold, defensive, and uncaring of its impact on millions of people it affects.'

It adds: "The Church has become a laughingstock to a nation that believes it is obsessed with sex.

"This statement has significantly damaged the mission of the Church and it has broken the trust of those it seeks to serve.

"We ask you to consider how we can, together, build a truly radically inclusive Christian Church."

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Prominent campaigner Ms Ozanne, who sits on the government's LGBT Advisory Panel, wrote about her own struggle for acceptance in her memoir Just Love.

In a speech delivered in Bournemouth on Monday, she spoke of the 'hypocrisy' of church leaders who 'preach one thing and practice something completely different' regarding same-sex relationships.

Tweeting about the Sacred Oxford services this week, she said she was 'thrilled to be involved'.

Dorchester Abbey tweeted: "[This is] an important new venture."

The project also has the support of Christ Church’s chapter and college officers, who help to oversee the work of the college.