The Church of England is in couples therapy. Can we work through our issues without splitting?

As debates over sexuality intensify, most people in the CofE are nevertheless desperate to avoid a break-up, says Bishop Martyn Snow. He’s suggesting two new approaches which might help the Church better imagine its future

It’s time for some fresh thinking on Living in Love and Faith - the Church of England’s major project on human sexuality. 

The process has officially been running since 2017, although in reality it started much earlier than that. And although some significant changes have been made – Prayers of Love and Faith for use with same-sex couples have been introduced – confronted by yet another recent delay, there continues to be a lot of pain for a lot of people. 

Despite delays to the introduction of bespoke services for same-sex couples to be blessed, it does feel as if we are moving into a new season. Dioceses are soon to be consulted on proposals for pastoral reassurance for people who can’t in conscience use the Prayers of Love and Faith. To avoid these consultations, and other conversations around LLF, simply repeating previous acrimonious debates, how might we introduce fresh thinking? 

While this might sound nebulous to those looking for something more concrete, I want to tentatively suggest that…