Living in Love and Faith
Living in Love and Faith (LLF) was a Church of England project initiated in February 2017, with resources published in November 2020. It was designed to encourage Church-wide learning, listening and conversation regarding identity, sexuality, relationships and marriage. It aimed to help the Church navigate, with love and faith, differing views on these topics, particularly regarding the inclusion of LGBTQIA+ people.
In January 2026, the House of Bishops shared a letter to the Church of England to set out an agreed position as it prepared to bring the LLF process to a conclusion. The theological and legal advice on LLF has also been published in four General Synod papers.
The process was drawn to a close in February 2026, with a new working group to be established to continue work on same-sex relationships and marriage. The LLF resources and the associated Pastoral Principle resources are still available for use both online and in printed formats.
Living in Love and Faith resources
Prayers of Love and Faith
Prayers of Love and Faith (PLF) is a suite of resources for praying with and for a same-sex couple who love one another, and who wish to give thanks for and mark that love in faith before God. You can now access and start using these resources.
The Prayers of Love and Faith (and the associated Pastoral Guidance) were commended for use in regular public worship services in December 2023, and are an outcome of the Church of England’s Living in Love and Faith project.
The suite of resources offer a variety of liturgical resources to celebrate in God’s presence the gift of a loving relationship between two people, to mark their commitment to one another, and to pray with and for them. These prayers recognise and celebrate the goods in faithful, committed same-sex relationships and seek God’s help and blessing in growing in faith, love, and holiness.
Prayers of Love and Faith resources
FAQs
When can I use the Prayers of Love and Faith?
Anyone can use the resources in private prayer. In the context of a service of public worship, Prayers of Love and Faith can only be used by licenced ministers (lay or ordained, including those with PTO), under the authority of the minister with the cure of souls. Churches can choose to use some or all of the resources.
Any church wanting to use the Prayers of Love and Faith in public services are encouraged to discuss this with their PCC first, and to work within the tradition and sensitivities of their local context. However, a PCC cannot veto a minister’s decision, and churches are encouraged to be transparent about their practice.
Prayers of Love and Faith may also be used in chaplaincy contexts, following the same good practice as parish churches.
What does a ‘regular’ worship service mean?
A ‘regular’ worship service is an existing service (eg a Eucharist or Evening Prayer) which is not structured around the prayers. For example, Prayers of Love and Faith could be used as part of the prayers of intersession.
Can the Prayers of Love and Faith be used in bespoke or special services?
The suite of resources is not currently commended to be used in bespoke or special services. The Prayers of Love and Faith can be used in private prayer, or in regular worship services.
There will be ongoing discussions on same-sex relationships and marriage through national Church of England working and consultative groups following the end of the Living in Love and Faith project, and bespoke or special services may be part of these discussions.
Are the Prayers of Love and Faith a marriage service?
No, the Prayers of Love and Faith are not a marriage service and must therefore not use any parts of the authorised marriage liturgy. They recognise faithfulness, goodness, and commitment in same sex relationships but do not constitute Holy Matrimony. It is not currently possible for same-sex couples to get married in the Church of England.
There will be ongoing discussions on same-sex relationships and marriage through national Church of England working and consultative groups following the end of the Living in Love and Faith project.
Does every church have to offer Prayers of Love and Faith?
No church will be compelled to use the Prayers of Love and Faith, and the decision lies with the minister with the cure of souls. A PCC cannot veto a minister’s decision, but churches are encouraged to be transparent about their decision. Some churches will choose to offer all of the prayers in the suite of resources, whilst others will choose to use some, and others still will choose not to use any of the resources.
What if I'm asked to offer the Prayers of Love and Faith but do not feel able to?
Choosing to use the Prayers of Love and Faith is optional, and it is recognised some will not feel they are able to use the prayers if asked to do so by a same-sex couple. It is recommended that churches are transparent about their practice, including whether they would offer only private prayers, prayers as part of a regular service, or not at all.
The bishops recognise that the use of the Prayers of Love and Faith is a matter of theological conscience and there is a deep and public commitment that this will be respected by the bishops and wider Church.
If a clergy member decides they do not want to offer Prayers of Love and Faith, the response to anyone who asks for a Prayers of Love and Faith blessing should be first and foremost pastoral. Parishes should work with their deanery to point people to another local church or clergy member where enquirers can receive a blessing.
Can the Prayers of Love and Faith be used after a civil partnership or civil marriage?
Yes, the prayers may be used following a civil ceremony, in line with the Pastoral Guidance.
The Prayers of Love and Faith were written specifically for same-sex couples, in recognition that there was previously no pastoral provision for them. Some prayers may be suitable for different-sex couples, but there are already alternative provisions for them (e.g. the liturgy for Dedication after Civil Marriage).
How do I find a church offering Prayers of Love and Faith?
Many churches offering Prayers of Love and Faith will choose to add a note on their website. Churches offering the prayers may also add a ‘Prayers of Love and Faith’ tag to their
A Church Near You page – search first for the location, and, once the results appear, type 'Prayers of Love and Faith' into the tag search bar (containing the text 'choir or disabled access'), click the tag option that appears, and then click 'find'. To search for tags on a mobile phone, you must scroll to the bottom of your location search results and click 'search again' to reveal the tag search bar.
No fee should be charged for being offered the Prayers of Love and Faith.
How will people know my church is offering Prayers of Love and Faith?
It is hoped that churches offering Prayers of Love and Faith will conversations with their regular church members about their choice to offer Prayers of Love and Faith.
To help visitors find which churches are offering Prayers of Love and Faith, churches can add a ‘Prayers of Love and Faith’ tag to their
A Church Near You page. This can be done through the parish login, and the tag can be found under the 'Facilities' tags options.
Who do I contact if I have more questions about Prayers of Love and Faith?
In the first instance, you can speak to your own parish priest, or to your Area Dean. For more complicated parish situations, please contact your archdeacon or bishop.