My experience finding a church community away from home

When I first came to London, I was uncertain whether I would find a church community that felt like home. 

Being a student who is both Christian and LGBTQ, it's not always easy to find religious spaces in which my identity is affirmed, accepted and celebrated.

During welcome week, LSE was visited by several Christian groups promoting themselves to students, however I was met with several confused faces and hesitant answers when I asked if their communities are open-minded or even, taking a risk here, queer-affirming. Not yet finding the confident declaration of acceptance I was looking for, I embarked on a hopeful search for a faith community that was right for me. 

My search started by researching faith centers located around my hall. 

Living quite centrally at Butler's Wharf, it wasn't hard to find a lengthy list of Christian churches in my area. A quick google search yielded several options to explore. I learned more about these churches and their communities by diving into their websites and even their social media profiles on Facebook and Instagram.

Faith centers may use their website as a space to describe their values and passions. Scanning these websites for terms like "love," "social justice," and "acceptance," I identified which church I wanted to visit and get a feel for in person. 

Connecting with a faith community has helped me feel supported and at home in London.

After a few weeks, I knew that I had found a (albeit temporary) spiritual home at Southwark Cathedral, only a short walk from my hall. I got to know fellow members of the congregation by introducing myself at coffee hour after services. Now, I'm grounded in knowing I'm part of a faith community full of familiar faces. Going to church weekly gives me the space and time to find mental clarity amidst the chaos of my master's degree. Therefore, I'm grateful I took the time to find a spiritual community that aligned with my values despite feeling apprehensive. 

To the students who are interested in expanding their spiritual lives in London, I know it can be scary. It's hard to branch out and join a new community, especially one that may look different than what you're used to. That being said, I encourage you to push past the fear and start by doing some research about what kinds of communities exist right in your hall's area. You just might be surprised by what you find.