Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Friendly church

St John’s Church, Nevilles Cross, Durham, celebrates being a ‘Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Friendly’ church. The Reverend Nicky Chater, who is the Chaplain for the Gypsy, Roma, Traveller Community for Durham Diocese and the St. John’s Church Wardens are pleased to display the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Friendly logo in the window. Rector, Barney Huish, said, ‘People from these communities have been part of the Northeast and Durham Diocese for very many years. It is right that they feel welcome in our churches and communities. We want to do our part in breaking down misunderstandings.’

St John’s have invited a member of the community to be the speaker at the monthly Taste Service, an informal time of sharing some simple food together with an invited guest, who tells something of their story and faith journey. 

Also, the governing body of the Church, the Parochial Church Council, decided to include donations to a leading charity working nationally to promote understanding and inclusion of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities and to draw attention to their needs.

In February 2025 St John’s used an opportunity provided by Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Friendly Churches to host two showings of the play ‘Crystal’s Vardo’. This is live theatre which uses drama through the eyes of a child, to tell some of the history and culture of the communities, and to work against prejudice.

People were excited and surprised to see a Vardo inside St John’s, and impressed by the rapid change of costume and character by the small cast who managed to convey the stories bound up in the histories. The audiences were able to join in, shouting support or encouragement at different points in the story. Around 40 adults and three children attended the Sunday Evening performance. Feedback expressed by several commented on how enjoyable the event was and on gaining significant knowledge and understanding. One person wrote in that her negative perceptions and assumptions had been changed through the play.

On the Monday morning more than 90 Year 5 children from local primary schools, along with supporting adults attended St John’s and watched the play. There was lively engagement and interest throughout. The headteachers expressed their thanks and organised follow up work including using the play as a theme for an assembly and learning resources provided by the Crystals Vardo project. They felt both children and adults alike had gained new insights, knowledge and understanding.

The Church Wardens, Kath Shanks and Josephine Cundy, said, ‘We hope to be a welcoming church for all. Hosting the play and encouraging discussion afterwards is one way we can express this.’
You can find out more about Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Friendly Churches at sanctuaryplaces.co.uk