The PCC of St Mark’s, Broomhill and Broomhall, wishes to express its deep disappointment at the recent decision by the House of Bishops to delay the implementation of the Living in Love and Faith provisions.

We believe that this delay represents a failure to honour the decisions of General Synod and the process of discernment and consultation that so many across the Church have engaged in prayerfully and in good faith. The statement issued by the House of Bishops has, in our view, significantly undermined confidence in the LLF project and in the integrity of the Church’s commitment to radical inclusion.

We are particularly grieved that the bishops appear to have yielded to pressure from those using threats of financial and institutional division—such as through the Ephesians Fund and similar measures—to resist progress towards greater inclusion. Such a capitulation risks legitimising bullying behaviour and deepens the pain experienced by LGBTQIA+ Christians and their allies, who have already borne the cost of the Church’s hesitancy and exclusion for far too long.

We urge our Bishops to commit to implementing the LLF outcomes in a timely and transparent manner, enabling bespoke services of blessing, and allowing clergy to enter civil same sex marriages. 

St Mark’s remains steadfast in its commitment to full inclusion, justice, and the dignity of every person as made in the image of God.

23rd October 2025

Bishop Pete and Bishop Leah have now sent out a pastoral letter to the Diocese which you can read here.

​If you would like to sign an open letter to the House of Bishops, Inclusive church has one here https://www.inclusive-church.org/llf-open-letter/?