Called As We Are: Disability in the Church

I have been so privileged to spend the first half of 2026 working on a beautiful commission for the Church of England’s Disability Project. I have travelled up and down the country to photograph twelve incredible leaders within the Church, who each live with disabilities (inclusive of long-term, chronic illness, and neurodivergence). This was really special for me as I came into the world of photography as a result of living with M.E. for many years and my body shutting down, forcing me to find a new way of working. Being able to bring my whole self into a project, and particularly being able to connect with the sitters with the same condition, was such an empowering experience. Although, I have to admit to being completely wiped out at the end!

This past weekend, after many interviews, train journeys, photoshoots and drafts of texts, Called As We Are was launched officially at York Minister by the Archbishop of York, and attended by the Archbishop of Canterbury and many others! I was so encouraged to see how warmly the exhibition was received by everyone there, and had a few lovely emotional conversations with those who were deeply touched by the portraits.

We really wanted to celebrate the gifts and callings of each of the leaders involved, and to challenge perceptions of what it looks like to lead within the Church. I also really wanted to enable each person to feel completely valued and to leave their shoot feeling confident that they had been fully seen. It was such a huge honour to be a part of this.

The exhibition will be touring around the country, exhibiting in the cathedrals of Exeter, St Albans, Chelmsford, and Liverpool, until Spring 2027.

Find out more HERE and please check out the lovely video from Rev. Melissa Carter - one of the wonderful sitters - at the end of the article!