House of Bishops shares letter to the Church as Living in Love and Faith approaches conclusion
The House of Bishops has shared a letter to the wider Church of England setting out an agreed position as it prepares to bring the Living in Love and Faith (LLF) process – which explores the Church’s approach to identity, sexuality, relationships and marriage – to a conclusion.
The letter, in the form of a statement from the House, speaks about proposed new bodies to be set up once LLF comes to a conclusion; confirms an agreed approach to any further changes and rules out so-called Delegated Episcopal Ministry at this stage.
The Church of England has been considering questions of relationships, sexuality and gender for many years, involving different stages as part of a longer journey of the Church of England to listen, learn and respond to changing views in our society towards identity, sexuality, relationships and marriage. From 2017 - 2026 these conversations took place through the Living in Love and Faith process, producing lots of resources and learning materials, which can be accessed through the LLF Hub. Despite big differences over the best approach to take, the Church agrees it needs to better include and support LGBTQI+ people.
At the start of 2026, it was decided to conclude the Living of Love and Faith process and continue these conversations in other ways. The House of Bishops explained the next steps in a Statement. One of the key next steps was to establish a new Relationships, Sexuality and Gender Working Group, which will resource the House of Bishops in making recommendations to the General Synod.
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