Church of England updates on Living in Love and Faith
(Last updated: April 2024)
The Church of England has been discussing how to respond to changes in society in relation to matters of identity, sexuality, relationships and marriage. It currently teaches that marriage is the lifelong union between a man and a woman, contracted with the making of vows, and it remains the proper context for sexual activity. At St John's we welcome all people and seek to care for each other pastorally and sensitively as the Bible teaches.
Living in Love and Faith (LLF)
The Church of England launched the Living in Love and Faith project to discern a way forward. A wide range of resources were produced which represented a variety of views in different areas to help churches engage and respond. At St John's, the PCC engaged with these resources, and there was a four-part Sunday sermon series on LLF in October 2022. The PCC voted that our response would be to affirm this video from the Church of England Evangelical Council (CEEC).
Prayers of Love and Faith (PLF)
In January 2023, the Bishops of the Church of England proposed the introduction of Prayers of Love and Faith for the blessing of couples in same-sex relationships. They also proposed changing the guidelines for clergy which requires them to live in accordance with the church's teaching on marriage, but not changing the doctrine of marriage. In February 2023, this was narrowly approved by General Synod (the church parliament).
There have been some legal difficulties in introducing PLF and new pastoral guidance because making this change could be indicative of a change doctrine (which would require a 2/3s majority). The Bishops decided to commend PLF in December 2023, so that churches can use them, but not yet in "standalone" services.
The Anglican Communion
In June 2023, St John's hosted Archbishop Justin Badi Arama - the leader of South Sudan Anglican Church and chair of the Global South Fellowship of Anglicans (GSFA). He and the other Global South Provincial leaders have been clear that the House of Bishops' decisions are a departure from the historic faith and break communion with those provinces who remain faithful to the historic biblical faith.
St John's and the Diocese of Salisbury
In August 2023, St John's informed the Bishops of Salisbury diocese that we would not be able to follow their lead if they were to push ahead with the Prayers of Love and Faith, because they would mark a serious departure from the biblical apostolic faith. If PLF were commended in our diocese the PCC decided that we would not contribute to the Diocesan Common Fund (Fairer Share system), but support local mission in other ways.
Bishop Stephen (the Diocesan Bishop) with Bishops Karen and Andrew (the Area Bishops for Dorset and Wiltshire) wrote to rejoice in the commendation of PLF in December 2023, and expressed their determination to push for services for same-sex couples and the removal of restrictions for clergy.
In January 2024, St John's began paying our Parish Share into the Ephesian Fund organised by CEEC. This money is then offered in a restricted way to the Diocese of Salisbury - firstly to cover the costs of St John's ministry, and then to fund evangelical mission in the Diocese. So far the Diocese has not accepted this money. Also in January, after lengthy discussion with the Bishops, Peter and Matt (Vicar and Associate Minister) joined other local evangelical clergy writing to the Bishops to explain that we cannot follow their lead and need to ask for additional oversight. So far the Diocese has not made any additional provision.
Please pray for God to keep the church united in the truth as we seek to be witnesses for Jesus. Pray for wisdom for Peter, Matt, and the Church Wardens and Council as they work with other local evangelical churches to discern the way forward.