Revd Luke Dowding to leave OneBodyOneFaith
As OneBodyOneFaith enters our fiftieth year of working to ensure that LGBT+ Christians not only survive, but thrive, we bring news of a significant change in the leadership of our team in the departure of the Revd Luke Dowding as CEO.
Having previously served as a trustee, the Revd Luke Dowding joined the OneBodyOneFaith staff team in 2019 as Executive Director and in short order moved to establish us as a leading voice in dynamic partnership work in the UK. Initiatives such as Space To Be during the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrated a vision and an aptitude for bringing people together – united in our similarities but also delighting in our difference.
Luke dedicated significant skill and time to the stabilisation and sustainability of the governance of OneBodyOneFaith, doing so alongside the committed members of the Board. Luke championed the introduction of the Co-Chair model for the Board and brought the dream of our team of Patrons to life – both ensuring that our structures better represent those we seek to serve.
In 2023, a formal strategy was launched that sought to nurture the joy of LGBT+ Christians, as well ensuring their safety within Christian and faith-based spaces. Through fundraising efforts and with additional support from generous member-legacies, Luke led the charity through a period of transformation that enabled both expansion beyond the UK borders, as well as growing our team of part-time staff. To acknowledge the breadth of his work and our increased footprint, Luke took on the role of Chief Executive Officer at this time.
OneBodyOneFaith has, under Luke’s leadership, been able to stretch our wings through innovative spiritual offerings such as the Rhythm online prayer group and retreat programmes, in our leadership development work both here in and around the world, by nurturing and creating space for our team to flourish and grow into new roles and new opportunities, and by working collaboratively with partners to develop resources such as Creating Sanctuary, How to be a Good Christian Ally, and the OneBodyOneFaith LGBT+ & Christian 101 Series.
In the last seven years we have also strengthened the Christians at Pride network and supported UK Black Pride; re-engaged with the European Forum of LGBTI+ Christian Groups; engaged with key denominational moments such as Living in Love and Faith, the Church in Wales Governing Body, the Lambeth Conference, and the national consultation on accredited LGBT+ ministers in the Baptist Union of Great Britain; merged with Accepting Evangelicals; offered unique programming such as with the young people at Oak Hill; and began exciting new partnerships with organisations like Symphony.
Luke’s perseverance and tenacity have also enabled us to grow relationships at leadership level across the breadth of traditions and denominations in the UK and globally, and his integrity and honesty have created space for accountable relationships to be forged with political bodies and government.
In 2024, Luke was ordained by First Baptist Church Halifax and credentialed by the Canadian Association for Baptist Freedoms. This profound moment in Luke’s ministry was another outworking of both his and OneBodyOneFaith’s commitment to intentional global partnerships that enable LGBT+ Christians to thrive.
Luke comments:
“It has been a privilege to serve as a leader for OneBodyOneFaith and in our shared work for LGBT+ justice in the Church. These last almost-seven years have been profoundly challenging but also deeply rewarding. For me, the work we’ve done speaks for itself and I am sure that the Board of OneBodyOneFaith will take what we have done and build on it – always striving for all to know that the Kin-dom of God has no walls or limits, nor does the love of God. It has been my absolute pleasure to work with some truly brilliant and inspiring people – there are too many of you to name, but I do need to say a special and deeply-felt thank you to Katie Marsh, without whom all of these good ideas would never have actually happened. Thank you to the membership of OneBodyOneFaith for enabling me to serve our community for many years, and to partners, friends, and companions on the way. What a journey it has been.”
Throughout his time as CEO, Luke has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to LGBT+ justice in faith spaces and contributed to the wider ministry of the Church – we are grateful for both his leadership and all that he has given.
Co-Chair of Trustees, the Revd Dr Mark Rowland said:“I have been immensely glad to work alongside Luke throughout his time working for OneBodyOneFaith. His drive and commitment to the cause of LGBT+ Christians is impressive and inspirational. OneBodyOneFaith has been transformed by his work and enabled to engage in new and innovative ways. The doors he has opened will provide opportunities for the charity as it takes its next steps. We look forward to seeing where Luke’s work and ministry takes him, confident that he will continue to make a bold difference in Britain and beyond.”
As we look back to the last fifty years, and to the next chapter that we have yet to write, we praise God for all that has been and for being with us thus far and we pray for clear discernment for what might be next.
