The Church of England Evangelical Council (CEEC) has released a set of resources designed to help churches and their Parochial Church Councils (PCCs) navigate the current Living in Love and Faith (LLF) challenges.
In December 2023, the House of Bishops commended the Prayers of Love and Faith (PLF) for use within regular services. In July 2024, the General Synod voted for further work (albeit by a small majority) on so-called ‘standalone services’, and the introduction of clergy same-sex marriages. This work is being carried out by several working groups and led by the Bishop of Leicester.
Over the course of the next two synods, the journey towards standalone services and clergy same sex marriages will continue.
John Dunnett, the National Director for CEEC, said: 'What we’re hearing on the ground is that many PCCs are realising they need to address the issues raised as PLF continues. Many are also asking how they can take action and, with others, become part of the emerging de facto parallel province. Navigating Living in Love and Faith in a local context can be extremely challenging and we know that a one-size-fits-all approach just doesn't work.
'So, we have produced a set of resources, which we hope will help churches in different contexts work through the reality of some of the LLF proposals, make decisions and take appropriate action.'
The resources comprise documents, videos and books and will help PCCs have a good discussion about what can often be divisive issues.
PCCs who have not yet had any discussions around marriage and sexual ethics may find the video with Vaughan Roberts, Vicar of St Ebbe's Church in Oxford, a helpful starting point. Churches wanting to offer a genuinely inclusive welcome might find Ed Shaw’s advice in a second video helpful too. PCCs wishing to pass a motion regarding the non-use of PLF will find some draft motions to consider. There are also draft outlines for PCC study days and a downloadable paper to introduce the Ephesian Fund, plus two highly recommended books.
Dunnett concluded: 'I remain convinced that without enough churches taking action the bishops will simply not believe the concern is as widespread as it truly is.'
A helpful challenge – but I don’t recognise those views
This article was written in response to the article "Same-sex attraction and identity: Are evangelicals on the right track?" …