Meet our Trustees - Roo Stewart
Channel: Open Table Network
Date: 2023-03-13

Hello. My name is Roo Stewart and I'm a trustee of the Open Table Network.
I work for the United Reformed Church, equipping our congregations to pursue justice through advocacy and campaigning for systemic change. I do this ecumenically with the Baptist Union and the Methodist Church, sharing expertise and resources as part of the Joint Public Issues Team.
Part of my focus with the Open Table Network is helping communicate who we are to a wider audience. Communication is key for me, especially since growing up in a society where the voices of LGBTQIA+ people were silenced in schools, vilified in the media, and excluded from churches. I didn’t have any role models that I could identify with, our groups where I felt I truly belonged. My goal for Open Table is that it will enable LGBTQIA+ people today to find support, encouragement and acceptance throughout their own spiritual and social development.
I’m now based in North London, but I grew up in the north of Ireland, around beautiful beaches, breathtaking landscapes and blissful woods; a refuge from the violence and hatred, expressed through bombs and bullets, divided communities and tribal religion that underscored my childhood during what we euphemistically called ‘The Troubles’. But I also had firsthand experience of bringing people together through the arts and by celebrating difference with courage and hope.
After some time as a class teacher, I spent ten years as a worship director in Anglican and Baptist churches. Music has been a big part of my life, particularly leading choirs, bands and orchestras, creating an environment that showcases others’ talent and the power of working together. My heart for Open Table is that it is an environment where the unique skills and abilities of all are welcomed and nurtured, creating a wonderful, confident, harmonious expression of glorious humanity in all its diversity.