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NEWCASTLE CATHEDRAL
A BEACON OF LIGHT
New Exhibition Explores the Image of Christ Through the Lens of Disability
Published July 2025
‘Seeking the Disabled Christ,’ a powerful and thought-provoking exhibition of prints by Dr Rachel Holdforth – a disabled and neurodivergent theologian and Spiritual Director – has launched at Newcastle Cathedral, available to view both in person and online.
Running from 30 July to 27 August 2025, the exhibition invites visitors to reflect on traditional portrayals of Jesus and consider how these depictions might evolve to better reflect the full diversity and complexity of human experience.
Rachel, based in Newcastle, is an active campaigner for disabled people in society and the Church, seeking to challenge long-held ideals of perfection, strength and beauty through her work. These lino-printed artworks, informed by conversations with fellow Christians with disabilities, reimagine Christ not as an idealised or distant figure, but in deep solidarity with those historically marginalised by both cultural norms and religious traditions.
“As a Christian artist who is disabled and neurodivergent, I created this exhibition from my own life, faith and experiences, and those of others who live with disability,” says Rachel. “This exhibition asks: what if we saw Jesus as disabled too?”
The exhibition will be on display in the Cathedral’s North Transept, including braille and audio interpretation of the artworks. The collection can also be viewed on the artist’s website.
While rooted in Christian theology, the exhibition speaks to anyone interested in questions of identity, representation, and the value of human difference.
Above: ‘Blind Christ’ by Rachel Holdforth and a visitor looking at the exhibition.
Throughout the month-long exhibition, Newcastle Cathedral will host a series of events to create space for deeper reflection and community engagement.
- On Saturday 9 August, from 2pm to 4pm, a celebration event will take place in the Cathedral Nave, offering the chance to view the artwork, meet the artist, and enjoy light refreshments in a welcoming and inclusive setting. Exhibition postcards will also be available, and an Inclusive Church stall will offer resources on disability and inclusion. Click here to book your FREE place.
- A week later, on Saturday, 16 August, from 1 to 4pm, the Cathedral will hold a Networking Lunch and Quiet Afternoon, designed as a reflective and supportive space for people with disabilities and neurodivergence, as well as those with lived experience of mental health conditions. Find out more.
- Finally, on Monday 18 August from 7:30 to 8:45pm, Rachel will offer an Online Artist Talk, where she will share the theology, inspiration and creative process behind the exhibition. Click here to book your FREE place.
Above: Two artworks from the exhibition, ‘Wheelchair Christ’ and ‘Christ with a Stoma’ by Rachel Holdforth.
The works in ‘Seeking the Disabled Christ’ invite viewers to confront deep-seated assumptions about divinity and humanity. Rachel portrays Christ as one who continues to bear the wounds of crucifixion – not as signs of defeat, but as a reminder that vulnerability and difference are integral to what it means to be fully human.
Rachel says, “Jesus is fully God and fully human. His wounds show us that perfection does not mean the absence of pain or weakness.
“All people are made in God’s image. You don’t have to be male, strong or able-bodied to be complete. God made everyone with love and purpose.”
For press enquiries, please contact Peter Cumiskey, Marketing & Communications Manager at Newcastle Cathedral, at peter.cumiskey@newcastlecathedral.org.uk.