The discussion at the end of the LLF process
February 13, 2026 by Ian Paul
Yesterday in Synod, we spent five hours (yes, five!) on what is likely to be the final debate on the Living in Love and Faith process (LLF), the Church of England’s damaging and divisive debate on sexuality launched by Justin Welby in 2017. Following what was widely seen as a volte face by the House of Bishops in October—both in terms of what they said and their belated commitment to transparency—they offered this motion as ‘settlement’ for the process:
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The Archbishop of York to move:
That this Synod:
a) recognise and lament the distress and pain many have suffered during the LLF process, especially LGBTQI+ people;
b) affirm that the LLF Programme and all work initiated by the February 2023 LLF Motion and subsequent LLF Motions will conclude by July 2026;
c) thank the LLF Working Groups for their committed and costly work, which will now draw to a close with the conclusion of this synodical process;
d) commend the House of Bishops in establishing the Relationships, Sexuality and Gender Working Group and Relationships, Sexuality and Gender Pastoral Consultative Group for continuing work.’
As is customary for this debate, both ‘sides’ (excuse the shorthand) viewed it with deep suspicion—revisionists because it understated their pain, and showed no real signs of sorrow, and the ‘orthodox’ because clause (d) seemed like a hostage to fortune, leaving the door ajar for future possible change and further damaging debate. Indeed, Steven Croft, bishop of Oxford, had said as much in the Tuesday afternoon Questions session, talking about ‘affirming’ bishops (as if those believing the teaching of Jesus and the doctrine of the Church were somehow ‘denying’) and an ongoing process.
