While personally opposed, the Bishop of Chichester has offered no counsel to his clergy on whether they should use the Prayers of Love and Faith (PLF) commended by the Church of England’s House of Bishops.
In an ad clerum letter dated 13 December 2023 the Rt. Rev. Martin Warner updated the clergy on the decision taken by the House of Bishops, described his views on PLF, but remained silent as to what his clergy should do.
He described the PLF as ‘commended’ and provisional, similar to experimental texts used in baptism and the Eucharist. However, their use was not obligatory, and no one hads the right to demand their use.
Bishop Warner, an Anglo-Catholic and member of the Society of Wilfrid and Saint Hilda, said he asked the prayers not be weaponized or used under coercion, as their purpose was to glorify God and edify the people.
The prayers were not considered a form of marriage service, he explained, noting the House of Bishops was deeply divided over their propriety.
Bishop Warner stated he voted against due to their lack of clarity, theological rationale, and formal pastoral provision. He further warned PLF had the potential to divide the Church of England.
“My vote against was a vote in favour of patience, clarity and reassurance, and of unity of purpose and understanding. These qualities are still required of us as we go forward together,” Bishop Warner wrote.
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