In conjunction with other groups advocating for LGBTQIA+ equality in the Church of England, Changing Attitude England is encouraging a mass response to the Living in Love and Faith process whether or not people have participated in a group. The preferred LLF way of responding is by using their questionnaire. This assumes people have engaged with the course. It asks questions about the contents of the course and what people have learnt from the course. The prime objective is to educate people to live well together.
Our prime objective is to ensure that at the end of the process in February 2023 the dominant response to LLF will have come from those of us who want the Archbishops’ radical new Christian inclusion to include LGBTQIA+ people equally in ministry and relationships.
There are several related points you may like to make:
- You could focus on how you think the example of Jesus helps us to understand the place of LGBTQIA+ people in his kingdom;
- Perhaps you are most concerned with the structural inequalities as a result of which LGBTQIA+ people are unable to marry or have their committed relationships blessed in church.
- You may want to focus on how those offering for ordained ministry are not allowed to express their love for each other physically and intimately.
- Or you may want to point out the mismatch between the legal status of equal marriage in England and the rules of the Established Church.
Please email your response to llf@churchofengland.org telling the bishops of your urgent hope for transformation in the Church.
You might like to use one or more of the suggestions below or simply write in your own words.
“I want the outcome of the LLF process to result in a Christian vision of God’s unconditional, infinite, inclusive love for LGBTQIA+ people.”
“I long for the radical new Christian inclusion of all marginalised people irrespective of gender, sexuality, colour, race, or ability.”
“I want the Church of England to adopt as a matter of urgency full equality for LGBTIQ+ people in ministry and relationships including the blessing of committed relationships and the removal of the quadruple lock, allowing equal marriages and civil partnerships to be solemnised in church.”
“I want an end to teachings, practices and attitudes towards LGBTQIA+ people, women, people of colour, and those with disabilities that are prejudiced, abusive, misogynistic, homophobic, transphobic and racist and undermine Christian teaching and values.”
Other ways to respond can be found on the LLF contact page: https://www.churchofengland.org/resources/living-love-and-faith/living-love-and-faith-respond or by completing the questionnaire https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/LLFcourse.
LGBTQ Faith UK 