12th October 2023

Dear Friends,

Living in Love and Faith

You will probably know that the House of Bishops met on Monday to agree what to take to General Synod when it meets in November as the Living in Love and Faith process continues.

We are writing today to inform you that we have both independently signed a statement that dissents from the decisions made by other members of the House of Bishops. As you can imagine, the decision to do this has been a very difficult one to take. But the conduct of the House, its bypassing of Synodical procedure and its failure to seek consensus places us both in the position where we feel we have no choice but to take a stand.

The balance between the duties that a Bishop has nationally and for a Diocese is incredibly difficult to get right. In the specific context of the House of Bishops, our role is not primarily to represent the Diocese of Blackburn but rather to have a responsibility for the wellbeing, unity and good ordering of the wider church. However we are also aware that how we act in that context is bound to have implications within the diocese.

Therefore we want to emphasise in the strongest possible terms that our profound love for every person, lay and ordained, within this diocese, regardless of where they stand on these issues, is absolutely guaranteed. We delight to serve a Diocese where there is genuine theological breadth, and we are currently rejoicing to see new clergy keen to come to the diocese who represent the full range of views. LGBTQIA+ clergy may feel especially vulnerable at this time and we want to reassure you in particular of our ongoing love and care.

We know that many of you will struggle with the decision we have made to sign the statement. That will not stop us from serving you, supporting you, praying for you and helping you to develop into the priests that he calls you to be. We hope also that you will continue to pray for us.

Our hope is that by God’s grace, in a diocesan family where mutual flourishing is gently flowering despite national storms, that in this new test, we might find the Spirit working “mutual missioning” where we can minister shoulder by shoulder in mission for the sake of the people of Lancashire.

I also hope it goes without saying that, just as we have felt the need to express our views publicly, so you must also feel free to do so. There is no ‘diocesan line’ on LLF. We hope, though, that all will speak graciously and in accord with the Pastoral Principles which we strongly commend. May we continue to be a diocese that models good relationships even when theologies diverge.

Please do feel free to share this letter with your lay leaders. If you or your team wish to have a conversation with either of us, then please do not hesitate to be in touch.

These are very challenging times for our Church and our Diocese. In a time of difference, may we be united in prayer.

Yours,