This response was submitted as a letter to the Church Times on 19 October 2025 but not published.
For background to the House of Bishops’ Statement, read Tim Wyatt’s excellent summary of preceding events and David Monteith’s moving letter on the human fallout from Living in Love and Faith.
Madam,
LGB Christians wish to express our deep disappointment at the House of Bishops’ decision to delay authorising the use of Prayers of Love and Faith (PLF) in standalone services. We are equally dismayed by the decision to postpone recognising same-sex civil marriages entered into by clergy until after a lengthy legislative process. Both appear faithless.
While the bishops’ desire for “unity, transparency and proper process” is commendable, it is nonetheless difficult to avoid the conclusion that this decision signifies yet another failure of courage and leadership. For decades, the Church of England has studied, consulted, and listened to the experiences of LGB Christians, with repeated theological and pastoral arguments for recognition. What is now missing is not understanding but the will to act.
The latest announcement reaffirms a familiar pattern of delay and deferral. To be told to wait again, while LGB relationships continue to be treated as a problem to be managed rather than a gift to be celebrated, is harmful, pastorally and spiritually. The language of procedural propriety cannot disguise the continuing injustice of withholding blessings from those whom God has already blessed.
The truth is that the bishops have chosen to prioritise institutional caution over pastoral compassion. The Synod vote in 2023 opened the door to a more inclusive Church, which this latest decision will undoubtedly close again. This reluctance casts doubt on the Church’s claimed commitment to “radical inclusion” and sends a painful message to same-sex couples, both lay and clergy.
Unity cannot be built on the unjust exclusion of a minority. True unity comes from truth, justice, and love. The Church must not allow fear of division to silence the prophetic call to recognise the full humanity and holiness of LGB people.
We therefore call on the House of Bishops to:
- Expedite the process for authorising standalone services of blessing, recognising that delay perpetuates harm;
- Affirm that clergy in faithful same-sex marriages should be able to serve without fear of sanction or discrimination; and
- Model the Gospel values of courage, inclusion, and compassion, which the Church proclaims to the world.
As we continue to pray for the House of Bishops and the entire Church, we also pray for those whose faith and solidarity are once again being tested by these decisions. We are confident that God’s love is not compromised by our institutional timidity and that one day all loving relationships will be wholeheartedly celebrated before God and within God’s Church.
Yours faithfully,
Canon Mark Bratton
Nikki Bekker
Dr Mark Chater
Dr Sarah Rutherford
Revd Lorenzo Fernandez-Smal
Tony Green