Southwell and Nottingham urges his clergy not to use PLF until canonically authorized

The Bishop of Southwell and Nottingham has written an ad clerum letter asking his clergy to desist from using Prayers of Love and Faith until they have gone through the appropriate process outlined in Canon B2, which allows liturgical matters to be carefully considered by the General Synod.

In his 12 December 2023 letter, the Rt. Rev. Paul Williams noted there remained deep disagreement on whether the current church teaching on marriage and sexuality should be changed, and what was permissible within the current teachings.  While he would not constrain his clergy, he asked them to prioritize maintaining pastoral stability and unity within the diocese while considering the implications of using PLF prayers for the Church of England and the wider Anglican Communion..

PLF can be used at the discretion of the minister with cure of souls for same-sex couples seeking prayer and God’s blessing, General Synod had decided. If used publicly, it should be incorporated into a regular service and follow the published Pastoral Guidance. However, the content of the forthcoming Pastoral Guidance, which will address authorized ministry and replace Issues in Human Sexuality, has yet to be decided, he wrote.

However, it was important to note that the bishops’ commendation does not grant legal status to these Prayers, and ministers should exercise their own discernment in accordance with the church’s doctrine and canons, which maintain that sexual intimacy belongs within marriage, he said.

Bishop Williams wrote he could not advise the use of these prayers in public worship, despite the House of Bishops’ commendation, as using these prayers may indicate a change in doctrine, which goes against the teachings of the Church of England. 

For those who still wish to use the prayers, he emphasized the importance of consulting with churchwardens and the PCC. For those who do not wish to use the prayers, they are not obligated to do so and can seek support from the Archdeacons if tensions arise.