This Autumn, the House of Bishops will meet to consider further proposals on LLF, with a view to reporting their progress back to the meeting of the General Synod in February 2026. Extensive theological work by the Faith and Order Commission (FAOC) will be available to inform the bishops in their decision making. This includes advice on the nature of doctrine and how it develops, the text and context of the Prayers of Love and Faith, and the exemplarity of clergy life. In order to assist the bishops in their discernment, feedback received from the informal diocesan consultations will also be considered.

Key Dates

October 2025: Proposals in development around the use of the Prayers of Love and Faith to be considered at regular autumn meeting of the House of Bishops.

October 2025: LLF Working Group members and other stakeholders further consider the draft proposals at their residential meeting.

November 2025: The Archbishop of York (chair) and other episcopal members of the LLF Programme Board will meet with key stakeholders to update them on the House of Bishops October meeting.

December 2025: Decision by the  House of Bishops on proposals to bring to General Synod.

January 2026: Papers published for the General Synod meeting in February.

February 2026: General Synod will debate and then vote on the proposals.

What is Happening now?

The LLF Programme Board together with the LLF Staff team is working to:

• Support bishops in discerning, shaping and agreeing their proposals to present to General Synod.
• Engage stakeholders to refine proposals.

The Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell, Chair of the Programme Board, said: “Living in Love and Faith has been a long journey towards becoming a more welcoming church, where every person in God’s creation can truly flourish. I know that there remain deep and often painful differences about the path ahead, but I pray for this new season of LLF and remain hopeful that the General Synod next year may bring us closer to agreement. I give thanks for all who have worked so faithfully on these proposals and ask God to guide and bless their conversations in the months to come.”

What is Being Prepared?

The LLF Programme Board, led by its episcopal members and supported by the LLF and legal staff teams, will prepare the following documents for consideration by the House of Bishops: 

• Drafts of a Bishops’ Statement, Code of Practice, and Pastoral Guidelines for the use of the Prayers of Love and Faith.
• Report from informal diocesan consultations and stakeholder feedback.
• Terms of Reference for an Independent Review Panel and Pastoral Advisory Group.
• The Faith and Order Commission will also provide advice on:
  • The nature of doctrine
  • The text and contexts of the Prayers of Love and Faith
  • Theological reflections on options and possible processes for ordaining and licensing clergy in same sex civil marriages

Sept 15, 2025