Informal consultations Diocesan Synods

From May to November 2025, diocesan synod members are invited to give feedback on the draft LLF proposals. This page provides resources and background information to use at these informal consultations. For questions, please email [email protected].

An update on the draft proposals from the lead Bishop on LLF, Martyn Snow.

Update leaflets

The first leaflet provides a general update on the process to date, and details key aspects of the draft proposals for the use of the Prayers of Love and Faith (PLF) including in standalone services, and the accompanying proposed pastoral reassurance. 

The second leaflet provides more detail on the theological work to date by the Faith and Order Commission and the Episcopal Reference Group.

For ready to print versions of these leaflets, please see the bottom of the page. 

Draft proposals & theological advice

The full draft Code of Practice and the draft Guidance for use of the Prayers of Love and Faith, including in stand alone or bespoke services was published for General Synod in February 2025. This also includes detailed commentary on both of these key documents. The draft Bishops' Statement is still being developed. 

The advice to date from the Faith and Order Commission and their Episcopal Reference Group has been published in two synod papers. Any further updates from FAOC will be added to this page as and when they are published. 

  • GS Misc 1406. This includes three sections: one on unity and ecclesiology, another on the role of conscience in bishops’ work, and a final one on the relationship between holy matrimony, civil marriage, and same-sex marriage. For more detail, the introduction and the executive summaries of the three sections at the beginning of GS Misc 1406 are a good start.
  • GS Misc 1407. A part report from the Episcopal Reference Group which contains theological advice on whether the Prayers of Love and Faith as written affect the Church’s doctrine of marriage. You might find the executive summary of GS Misc 1407 helpful.

The Prayers of Love and Faith 

The Prayers of Love and Faith bring together a variety of liturgical resources to give thanks and praise to God for the gift of a loving relationship between two people, to mark their commitment to one another, and to pray with and for them.
 

Guidance for Diocesan Synod leads & participants

This guidance for diocesan synod chairs and facilitators offers background advice and a suggested timed outline for facilitating discussions and gathering feedback. 

The slide pack that can be used at the sessions, including questions, is available online via Mentimeter, and has been sent out to all Diocesan Secretaries and communication leads. If you have not received this, please contact the LLF team via [email protected].
 
Hard copies of the answer sheets, for those unable to use an electronic device to submit answers via Mentimeter, are available to request via [email protected]. 

Guidance for using Mentimeter

Diocesan Synods are encouraged to use Mentimeter, an online interactive presentation tool, to gather the feedback on the proposals. 

Ready to print leaflets