As a diocese, we have engaged strongly with the LLF process to guide us through the conversations on human sexuality. We therefore commend the recent statement from the Next Steps group.
We hope these pages help with your LLF conversation but if you want more support then email llf@dioceseofliverpool.kinsta.cloud.
Living in Love and Faith is the Church of England’s national conversation on human identity As the Church of England website states
“This church-wide learning together, listening to one another, and listening to God is part of discerning a way forward for the Church of England in relation to matters of identity, sexuality, relationships and marriage. The purpose of the resources is to enable the Church of England churches across the country to participate in a process of learning and praying together as part of discerning a way forward in relation to matters of identity, sexuality, relationships and marriage.
“The Church of England is keenly aware that issues of gender and sexuality are intrinsic to people’s experience; their sense of identity; their lives and the loving relationships that shape and sustain them. We also know that the life and mission of our Church – and of the worldwide Anglican Communion – are affected by the deep, and sometimes painful, disagreements among us which have been debated and discussed on many occasions over the years.
“These divisions have come into sharper focus because of society’s changing perspectives and practices, especially in relation to lesbian, gay, transgender, bisexual and intersex people. The Church wants to understand what it means to follow Christ in love and faith given the questions about human identity and the variety of patterns of relationship emerging in our society, including marriage, civil partnership, cohabitation, celibacy and friendship.
“The LLF resources explore these matters by studying what the Bible, theology, history and the social and biological sciences have to say, and by telling the real-life stories of followers of Christ with diverse experiences and convictions.”
The Church of England has made it clear that this is a three-year project. Inviting people to engage in an open, honest discussion initially over the next 12 months. They acknowledge that it will be an ongoing conversation and one that needs to happen with love, grace, kindness and compassion.
We want to give you the time to enable your reflection and discernment.
You can find the LLF resources at the Living in Love and Faith Learning Hub
Here you will find a five-session video course, podcasts, films, and an extensive library of resources.
Key principles when working through the LLF resources
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- Create a safe place where all voices are heard and respected
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- Pray for those you will invite to participate
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- Try to have diverse groups
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- Follow the prayer, plan and prep guidance in the coursebook (available online)
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- If you require a facilitator or access to a chaplain, the Advocates will be able to signpost you
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- Pray for those you will invite to participate
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- Get diverse opinions and stories
(The St Michaels’ House protocols provide a framework)
The LLF book brings together biblical, theological, historical and scientific perspectives to questions of identity, sexuality, relationships and marriage. Commissioned and commended by the Bishops of the Church of England, its production has involved many people across the Church and beyond who bring great diversity and depth of expertise, conviction and lived experience to these matters.
If you have concerns, wish to raise matters or need support and advice. Then contact llf@dioceseofliverpool.kinsta.cloud.
You can get support for your LLF conversation from an oversight team led by Bishop Bev.
The team includes Rev Amanda Bruce and Canon Malcolm Rogers, Kieran Bohan, Warren Hartley and Revd Dan Leathers who are able to help and advise leaders on holding these conversations.
The Church of England has devised this course to help church communities to examine afresh their life and learning together in the face of difference and diversity. It is based on the Church of England’s ‘Pastoral Principles for Living Well Together’.
We understand the challenge for leaders to engage with Living and Love and Faith and we have some resources for you that are based on the course written by Eeva John. You can download the resources here
- Facilitation course (3hr) PowerPoint
- Facilitation course (3hr) pdf
- Facilitation notes for online groups
- Braver and Safer – creating online space for learning together well
If you want further support then contact llf@dioceseofliverpool.kinsta.cloud.
The national church has set up online training for those who need to train others. You can find the details here
The LLF chaplains were co-ordianted by Mr Mark Littler. This provision closed on 30th April 2022..
If something arises following that date you can email LLFchaplaincy@dioceseofliverpool.kinsta.cloud and we can signpost you to other support that may be avilable for you to access.
Any safeguarding or ‘at risk’ issue, should be immediately referred to the Acting Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor (Andrew Holmes 0151 705 2153 or andrew.holmes@dioceseofliverpool.kinsta.cloud).
Depending on the urgency and if the DSA is unavailable the issue should be reported directly to the police.
The most important part of LLF is to run the course and have meaningful conversations. But equally important is the timescale set out by the national church for continuing the conversation in the House of Bishops and General Synod.
Click here for more details on the timescale on the Living in Love and Faith Journey.
Feedback
The Diocese of Liverpool welcomes feedback on your LLF conversation. Please complete this form to give us your details.
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