Living in Love and Faith

The Living in Love and Faith process is 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. Despite big differences over the best approach to take, the Church agrees it needs to better include and support LGBTQI+ people.

In July 2024, General Synod asked the House of Bishops to undertake further work on two aspects of the LLF process:

1. The Prayers of Love and Faith, specifically on how to use these in so-called ‘bespoke’ services and what pastoral reassurance might be needed for this.
2. A timetable for consideration of the question on removing restrictions for clergy entering same-sex civil marriages.

The House of Bishops has asked the Faith and Order Commission (FAOC), and the Episcopal Reference Group (the episcopal members of FAOC), together with the LLF team and the LLF Working Groups for advice and to draft proposals. The draft proposals remain flexible, and both consultations and further theological advice will help the House of Bishops refine them, before deciding if and how to take them forward, including bringing them back General Synod to be discussed and voted on.