The Church of England today has released the Living in Love and Faith (LLF) resources. There is a book, together with a suite of resources to help churches engage in deep listening, dialogue, and study about human identity, relationship, sexuality and marriage so that we might gain a deeper understanding of what it means to embody a Christian vision of living holy lives in love and faith.
Bishop Bev, lead for Liverpool Diocese said ““Never before has the Church of England produced such a comprehensive and multi-disciplined teaching and learning resource. It is hoped that every church will participate in the 5 session course with its suite of films, podcasts and journals, so that we may learn together, grow in our understanding and listen deeply, not only to one another and our own inner voice, but most importantly, to what God is saying to the Church
Bishop Bev's introduction on Living in Love and Faith (LLF)
How to engage with Living in Love and Faith
As a Diocese, we are suggesting people engage with the five-week online resources course during Lent 2021.
There are a few reasons for our approach. We are very aware that this year has been incredibly difficult in many ways. We are discouraging a rushed response from our people as we don’t want to add any more stress to the current situation.
You will hear some dioceses are pushing for immediate engagement with LLF. In Liverpool, this is not a race! We recognise this has been an incredibly difficult year for everyone and we have no desire to add stress to stress. So we are suggesting churches engage with this over 5 weeks during Lent.
The Church of England has made it clear that this is a three-year project. Inviting people to engage in 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.
LLF Advocates
There are two advocates for the Diocese of Liverpool who have been appointed to support this work, The Revd Canons Amanda Bruce and Mal Rogers. Amanda and Mal will be encouraging roll-out and are presently seeking people across the traditions of the church to serve as chaplains. If you would be willing to lend yourself to this role, please be in touch with either Amanda or Mal at llf@liverpool.anglican.org
Watch Bishop Bev in conversation with Mal Rogers on the LLF process
Key principles when working through the LLF resources
- Create a safe place where all voices are heard and respected
- Pray for those you will invite to participate
- Try to have diverse groups
- Follow the prayer, plan and prep guidance in the course book (available online)
- If you require a facilitator or access to a chaplain, the Advocates will be able to signpost you
- Pray for those you will invite to participate
- 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 a great diversity and depth of expertise, conviction and lived experience to these matters.
We are delighted that all licensed stipendiary clergy will be receiving a copy of the LLF book in the post. Regrettably, we are not in a position to extend the list of recipients, for financial reasons, but are pleased to say that the book is widely available free online. We encourage all Leaders to take a look at the book prior to leading a small group.
If you have concerns, wish to raise matters or need support and advice. Then contact llf@liverpool.anglican.org.