by Francis Martin, Church Times
‘The bishops made progress, with a view to reaching final decisions, when the House next meets in December, on proposals to bring to the General Synod in February 2026’
BISHOPS considered the next steps in the Living in Love and Faith (LLF) process at a residential meeting this week.
During a House of Bishops meeting in Berkshire from 6-8 October, the bishops “received an update from members of the LLF working groups, members of the LLF Programme Board, and the Faith and Order Commission, along with legal advice”, a statement issued by Church House, Westminster, said.
“Bishops spent time in groups and in plenary session discussing different areas of the current LLF proposals, and the key elements which should be included in a Bishops’ Statement.
“They considered possible legislative processes. The bishops made progress, with a view to reaching final decisions, when the House next meets in December, on proposals to bring to the General Synod in February 2026,” the statement said.
The Archbishop of Canterbury-designate, the Rt Revd Sarah Mullally, previously led the LLF process, under which blessings for same-sex couples, known as the Prayers of Love and Faith (PLF), have been authorised for use in existing Church of England services.
The bishops’ further proposals are expected to cover the use of the PLF in “bespoke” services, whether clergy will be formally permitted to enter same-sex relationships, and the possibility of structural provision for those who oppose the changes.