Both bishops in the Diocese of Carlisle – the Church of England in Cumbria – have welcomed the launch of a series of extensive resources to support a process of discernment and decision-making on questions of identity, sexuality, relationships and marriage.

The Living in Love and Faith resources have today been published by the Church of England and represent three years’ work by more than 40 people, nationally.

They draw together the Bible, theology, science and history with powerful real-life stories and include a 480-page book, a series of 17 films and 16 podcasts, a course for groups – which stretches over five sessions and an online library of more than 300 other publications.

Throughout 2021 church communities will be encouraged to use the resources to support conversations and learning around the issues, prior to discernment in 2022 by an LLF national Next Steps Group, and then going before the Church of England’s General Synod, its national assembly.

Today the Bishop of Carlisle, the Rt Rev James Newcome, and the Bishop of Penrith, the Rt Rev Dr Emma Ineson, have welcomed publication of the resources.

They said: “Prior to the official launch we were lucky enough to have a preview of the Living in Love and Faith resources. We were both very impressed by what has been prepared to help support this time of joint learning and discussion.

“Last week we again flagged up the launch of these new resources to clergy colleagues across the diocese, so that they and those in our churches can engage with this process. Our prayer is that as many people as possible are able to do so.

“We understand that the COVID-19 pandemic has placed extra pressures on all of our churches, our clergy and congregations but the timeline allows for a full year in which to talk and learn together, drawing on these newly-published LLF resources.

“As both our Archbishops have recognised, the Church of England has previously struggled in addressing issues around identity, sexuality, relationships and marriage and this has created hurt and division on all sides.

“Our prayers are that, supported by the Living in Love and Faith resources, there will be a positive and mutually respectful time of engaging, listening, learning and understanding.”

People are encouraged to use the resources to help guide discussions at church and parish level as well as at Deanery Synods and larger groups.

As part of the LLF process the Diocese of Carlisle will develop a facilitation link – to help parishes engage with the materials – and which will be led by the Bishop of Carlisle’s chaplain, the Rev Canon Cameron Butland.

The LLF resources can be viewed here: www.churchofengland.org/LLF.

ENDS

For further information please contact Dave Roberts, Diocesan Communications Manager, on 07469 153658, 01768 807764 or atcommunications@carlislediocese.org.uk.