24 September 2026
Chelmsford Cathedral will host 'Called As We Are', a powerful exhibition of twelve portraits celebrating the life and witness of disabled, deaf and neurodivergent people who minister and work in the Church of England.
Featuring twelve portraits by documentary and portrait photographer Ruth Samuels, the exhibition was launched at York Minster in July and is now touring four Church of England cathedrals, including Chelmsford Cathedral.
The exhibition will be on display at Chelmsford Cathedral from 12 October to 9 November, before concluding its national tour at St Giles’ Church, Cripplegate, London, in February 2026.
Each portrait is accompanied by personal reflections from those featured, sharing their experiences of disability and neurodivergence, their journeys of faith, and the adjustments and support that have enabled them to flourish in ministry. Audio descriptions and British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation are also available.
Helen James, who features in the exhibition, and oversees The Church of England’s Disability Project, said:
“There are many deaf, disabled and neurodivergent priests and ministers living and proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ, but often this is unseen or unrecognised as a gift to the church.
“Disability, neurodivergence and difference are all part of what it means to be human, to be members of the ‘human race’ who are created to reflect the image of God. The breadth and diversity of the human experience leads us to understand more of the breadth and diversity of the God we worship and whose image we reflect.”
The Revd John Saxon, Disabilities’ Adviser for Chelmsford Diocese said:
"I’m delighted that the ‘Called as we are’ exhibition is coming to Chelmsford Cathedral. The exhibition is a powerful reminder that everyone has a place in the life and ministry of the Church. It celebrates the truth that God calls each and every one of us, with our unique gifts and experiences, just as we are. Being inclusive is not just about welcoming everyone to sit with us in the pews, it is also opening the pulpit, altar table and rectory study to all whom, following exploration and discernment, are authorised to such ministry."
Further information about the event can be found below:
This article is taken from the latest edition of WePray.
