09.11.20 – the Church of England has today published a landmark set of resources to aid discernment and decision-making on questions of identity, sexuality, relationships and marriage. Living in Love and Faith is the most extensive research into this area by any church, and it builds on several initiatives already taken in the Diocese of Oxford.
Our journey so far
In October 2018 the four bishops of the Diocese of Oxford issued Clothe yourselves with Love: a pastoral letter on the inclusion of and care for LGBTI+ people within the Diocese. Just over a year later, the Diocese launched a Chaplaincy Service for LGBTI+ people and their families.
Living in Love and Faith
The Living in Love and Faith resources published today draw together the Bible, theology, science and history with powerful real-life stories designed to help every Christian explore questions of identity, sexuality, relationships and marriage.
A comprehensive suite of resources
- A book, available to order from Church House Publishing
- Story films and podcasts
- A five-session course for small groups, including videos and a booklet to use
- An online resource library of over 300 resources to draw from.
Church-wide learning and engagement
Living in Love and Faith marks the start of a period of church-wide learning and engagement to take place during 2021, after which there will be recommendations made for the future life and mission of the Church.
Parishes can expect to see further information from the Diocese about Living in Love and Faith, and how we can all contribute to the national feedback process, early in the new year. Meanwhile, we encourage every parish to visit the LLF Learning Hub (link below) and to begin to plan how they might prioritise these vital conversations in churches and small groups during Spring/Summer 2021.
Start exploring
Other links and useful information
- Clothe yourselves with love
The pastoral letter to the Diocese that sets clear expectations of inclusion and respect towards LGBTI+ people. - LGBTI+ Chaplaincy Service
The LGBTI+ Chaplaincy Service in the Diocese of Oxford offers listening and support, and prayerful affirmation for LGBTI+ people, their families and friends. - BBC interview with two members of the LLF working group
A radio interview with two of the members of the LLF working group; Revd Dr Andrew Goddard, Revd Canon Giles Goddard - Living in Love and Faith learning hub
Films, podcasts and teaching resources can be found on this resource hub. - Order the LLF book from Church House Publishing
Amid the biblical, theological, historical and scientific exploration, each of the five parts includes encounters with real, contemporary disciples of Christ whose stories raise questions which ask us to discern where God is active in human lives. - Find out more behind the LLF project