Meet Open Sanctuary
Held in relationship and in shared intention.
Here, we honour the people who make Open Sanctuary what it is - a living, breathing community shaped by presence, practice, and mutual support.
Connected by calling, diverse in practice.
Our members come from many walks of life - each offering their gifts in service to others, within their own communities and beyond. What unites them is a shared commitment to walking with care, holding space with integrity, and living in alignment with their deeper values.
Here you’ll find a selection of our Community Ministers and the work they do. One of the blessings they receive is when they are invited to honour the key points in life by creating and delivering baby blessings, weddings, funerals and other rites of passage.
Each brings their own voice and vocation to this shared sanctuary. We’re honoured to walk alongside them.
Our Ministers
Rev. Angela Maughan
07770985736
www.angelamaughanceremonies.co.uk
My goal in my life is to help people to be the very best they can be and to leave the person feeling better in themselves after we have talked or interacted.
I am passionate about my role, and I am approachable and friendly.
A bit (no, a lot if I am being honest) of a perfectionist, I have an attention for detail. But also relaxed and motivated.
I am generous and I have a good heart and I am committed to the individuals, couples and families that I work with.
I am just about to start a two year spiritual direction course, which I am really excited about.
Rev. Cate Reid
07494 039002
Being a minister with Open Sanctuary allows me to walk alongside people through some of life’s most sacred and significant moments. Rooted in love, simplicity, and deep respect for all beliefs, I cherish the freedom to craft ceremonies that are personal, meaningful, and inclusive. It’s a privilege to hold space for others, whether in celebration, grief, or quiet contemplation, and to do so with authenticity and compassion.
Rev. Rachel Cheer
07974 712978
Before I became an Ordained Celebrant for Open Sanctuary, I had a few different professional roles, all of which revolved around people, rites and culture. The first was as a museum curator, the second as a charity fundraiser for a children’s hospice charity and then as an independent celebrant. What I really love is listening to people’s stories. Really listening. With my heart, my intuition and my ears. How can I help this person? For me, ceremony is my magical tool. Especially those infused with a spiritual dimension, which are always powerful and healing. Open Sanctuary has really taught me how to combine my celebrant skills with my spiritual understanding of the world.
Rev. Jean Thomson
07501452580
jeanthomsonceremonies@gmail.com
I have a strong faith in so far that I believe that there is a Higher Power that exists within all of us and surrounds us for the greater good. To me that means God. That said, what I will not do as a Minister is preach religion or my faith to you but will respect and honour all faiths or none. I firmly believe and respect that everyone is an individual with their own spiritual beliefs or without. What I will do is help you discern you core beliefs, listen to you and support you in their realisation making sure your ceremony is reflective of your values.
Rev. Thomas Baxter
07548 250031
Celebrancy is something I have come to later in life and found I have both a great passion and a natural ability for. I have spent most of my life working in public services, whether as General Manager in major West End Theatres, running my own restaurant in the Highlands, or as General Manager of Glamis Castle. All of these positions have offered unique experiences which I have taken with me and utilised to great effect as a celebrant.
Rev. Tracy Sellar
07803 823536
I was Ordained through the Open Sanctuary in a beautiful ceremony in September 2023 surrounded by friends and family, and I continue to develop and deepen my understanding of spirituality and love, without judgement and with integrity in my heart.
Powered by an unwavering commitment to spiritual growth filled with compassion, I am now embarking on a new chapter, crafting bespoke ceremonies resonating with the unique essence of each individual or couple.
Rev. Diane McLeish
07427668145
Hello, I’m Diane, a community celebrant and minister based in beautiful Perthshire, where nature shapes my work and way of being.
I’m not religious, but deeply spiritual, attuned to the rhythms of the earth and the unfolding mystery of life. I felt a calling to help people mark life’s most meaningful moments, and I create ceremonies that honour love, loss, identity, and transformation.
I believe in the healing power of ritual, the magic of storytelling and the quiet strength of being truly seen. And I shall always guide you with kindness and presence.
Our Community
In the Open Sanctuary, our strength lies in our beautiful diversity: people of every age, gender, belief system, background, and life path find a home here. We don’t seek uniformity - we celebrate difference. Every voice, experience, and perspective is welcome, and no single viewpoint holds more weight than another. In this tapestry of humanity, every person is as sacred and as vital as any minister. Together - ministers and community members alike - we co-create a space of openness, respect, connection, and shared growth.
