The Church of England has published Living in Love and Faith (LLF) resources to help us look at Christian teaching and learnings on identity, sexuality and marriage with respect and a genuine commitment to living and listening well across difference.
The resources are available from the LLF hub which can be found here: https://llf.churchofengland.org/
Following the Church of England General Synod’s recent vote in favour of proposals which, while not changing the church’s doctrine of marriage, enable same-sex couples to come to church after a civil marriage or civil partnership for prayers of dedication, thanksgiving and for God’s blessing, Bishops Martyn and Saju want to assure churches and clergy of their ongoing prayers and pastoral care while the details of these proposals are worked out in the coming months.
They are continuing to have conversations with people across the diocese, aware that the decision of Synod has been welcomed by some but is a concern for others. In all these conversations, they continue to commend following the Pastoral Principles, which you can find here and they are encouraging people to use the Chaplaincy provision in the diocese (details of which can be found below) for support.
If you wish to send them feedback on the Living in Love and Faith proposals, please do email the Bishops at this address: Bishops.Office@LeicesterCofE.org including your name and which worshipping community you are part of. Please keep your response to a couple of hundred words so that they have time to read everyone’s views. They are grateful for those they have already received although they are not able to reply to them all.
Bishop speaks on Living in Love and Faith
Bishop Martyn has spoken about the LLF process in his Presidential Addresses at recent Diocesan Synod meetings where there have been discussions about the process. He has also recently (January 2023) recorded a video on our diocesan priority of Reconciling Communities, highlighting his ongoing commitment to retaining the unity of the Church across difference. Read more here.
Chaplaincy
LLF involves engaging across difference about matters that are deeply personal and relate to questions of identity. A number of people have come forward to offer chaplaincy to those who feel vulnerable or need support as a result of taking part in the course or engaging with the resources.
Our LLF chaplains are as follows:
- Revd Canon Karen Rooms
Acting Dean of Leicester
karen.rooms@leicestercofe.org
07906 899611
- Revd Wendy Dalrymple
Rector of All Saints, Loughborough, member of the Inclusive Church network. Chair of House of Clergy of Leicester Diocese Synod.
rector@allsaintsloughborough.org.uk
01509 268362
- Revd Canon Chris Oxley
In city parishes in Leicester for 25 years, followed by six years in rural parishes and retired five years ago. Heads up the Chaplaincy Team at the cathedral, also a Spiritual Director. Currently attached to St Mary de Castro in Leicester.
oxleycr@btinternet.com 07803 878869
- Martin Pilton and Jackie Wainwright
Parents to LGBTQI+ children; offering affirming support to other parents with questions arising from LLF discussions.
llf_ally@icloud.com
- Ven Richard Worsfold
Archdeacon of Leicester, previously Vicar of The Church of the Martyrs in Leicester and also served at Ratby, Groby, Newtown Linford and Countesthorpe
richard.worsfold@leicestercofe.org
07487 616648
• Revd Matthew Gough
Rector of St Mary's, Anstey and All Saints' Church Thurcaston with Cropston; previously Assistant Curate at St Mary Magdalene, Knighton.
revgough@gmail.com
07754 961997
