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Ian Gomersall A Retired Rector’s Reflections Asses and Bishops
Theo Hobson Me, a priest?
74 CommentsCharity Commission press release
Regulator issues Official Warnings to two Church of England Dioceses
The Charity Commission has taken regulatory action against and over failures to handle safeguarding allegations in line with the Commission’s guidance and trustee duties.
The Commission’s definition of safeguarding includes taking reasonable steps to protect from harm all those who come into contact with a charity.
The charities, which have purposes to assist and promote the work of the Church of England in the Dioceses of Liverpool and Chelmsford respectively, have both been issued with Official Warnings and advice on how to improve their practice for the future…
The full text of the press release continues below the fold.
Each diocese has issued a statement in response:
The minutes of the October 2025 meeting of the Church of England’s House of Bishops have now been published (38 pages!)
25 CommentsThe Church of England’s House of Bishops has issued a statement on Living in Love and Faith (9 pages).
There is also a covering press release which is copied in full below.
House of Bishops shares letter to the Church as Living in Love and Faith approaches conclusion
14/01/2026
The House of Bishops has shared a letter to the wider Church of England setting out an agreed position as it prepares to bring the Living in Love and Faith (LLF) process – which explores the Church’s approach to identity, sexuality, relationships and marriage – to a conclusion.
The letter, in the form of a statement from the House, speaks about proposed new bodies to be set up once LLF comes to a conclusion; confirms an agreed approach to any further changes and rules out so-called Delegated Episcopal Ministry at this stage.
Following a General Synod vote in February 2023, same-sex couples can now receive public prayers of dedication, thanksgiving and asking for God’s blessing – known as the Prayers of Love and Faith (or PLF) – as part of a regular church service.
At a meeting today, the House confirmed the decision taken at its meeting in October that, based on legal advice, new special or ‘bespoke’ services using Prayers of Love and Faith would need full formal authorisation under canon law.
They also acknowledged that general permission for clergy to be in a same-sex civil marriage would require a formal legislative process and agreed to explore what legislation would be needed.
And they made clear they could not agree to placing some parishes under the care of bishops with “separate and independent jurisdiction” as a result of the Prayers of Love and Faith at this stage.
The bishops’ letter details how a new working group would carry out the theological and legislative preparatory work needed and report back to the new General Synod – which will be elected later this year – with recommendations within the first two years after the election.
The House recognised and regretted the deep hurt, particularly to LGBTQI+ people, caused by the decisions.
It agreed a letter to the Church, bringing LLF and the process initiated by the February 2023 Synod vote to a formal conclusion and setting out steps to be taken next. A vote of bishops to issue the letter achieved overwhelming consensus across traditions and the range of theological views on questions of sexuality and marriage.
Those steps include establishing a Relationships, Sexuality and Gender Working Group to support the House of Bishops and enable it to:
Engage in preparatory work and explore the approval process under Canon B2 that would be necessary for bespoke services of Prayers of Love and Faith;
Explore what legislative changes would be required to enable clergy to enter same-sex marriage;
Continue to explore what pastoral episcopal provision and reassurance would be required, proportionate to any further proposed changes;
Report back to General Synod with recommendations within the first two years following the upcoming elections.
A new Pastoral Consultative Group will also be set up to advise bishops and archdeacons on specific cases in the interim and facilitate consistent practice across the Church.
“We dare to hope that the LLF process will leave a legacy of greater inclusion of LGBTQI+ people in the life of the Church of England, together with deeper understanding of the theological issues and greater honesty about, and tolerance of, individual differences,” the letter explains.
Speaking of the need for careful consideration of next steps, it adds: “Lessons need to be learned from the process of the last three years.
“It is important to avoid a further cycle of hopes or anxieties being raised only to be disappointed.”
Detailing the process the Church has undergone since the 2023 Synod motion, including the introduction of Prayers of Love and faith, the bishops write: “We believe we have fulfilled, albeit imperfectly, the February 2023 General Synod motion as best we can given the range of views across the Church of England, including replacing Issues in Human Sexuality after the July 2025 Synod motion, without departing from or indicating any departure from the Church’s doctrine of marriage.
“We believe, as a House, that the time has now come formally to conclude this Synodical process in February 2026 and to identify the next stages of work which will need to be considered by the House of Bishops and the General Synod in the coming years, including the ongoing structures for development, dialogue and discernment.”
The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, said: “Living in Love and Faith was never meant to be a contest with winners and losers yet, because it touches upon such profound theological convictions and personal lived experience, many have felt it to be this way and many have been hurt and confused.
“As we take stock of where we have got to so far and all the things that still need to be explored in the future, my prayer is that we can come together as those whose profound disagreement on some things is outweighed by our profound love for God and for each other on so many things.
“As this stage of the journey comes to an end, we look forward, honouring one another’s integrity, and seeking Christ’s wisdom with patience and humility.”
The Bishop of Winchester, Philip Mounstephen, said: “I’m aware that the process of LLF has been very fraught and I’m sorry that it has caused both pain and some anger amongst many.
“I know too that we are not now where many would want us to be – but I think the place we’re in now is a place of commitment to due and proper process: and that really matters.
“We are – and we need to be – a properly ordered Church.”
The Bishop of Sheffield, Dr Pete Wilcox, said: “I know that many, including in my own Diocese, were deeply distressed by the decisions indicated by the House of Bishops in October last year, and confirmed today.
“But after two years in which, as our statement says, on the one hand ‘hopes have repeatedly been raised and dashed’, and on the other ‘anger has mounted at the perceived disregard for due process’, I am certain that it is right to pause, to take stock and to ensure any future movement in relation to these contested steps follows robust good process and is accompanied by proportionate pastoral provision.”
The Bishop of Chelmsford, Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani, said: “I profoundly regret where we have ended up and know that these decisions will be very painful for many, especially LGBTQI+ people and all those who hoped for greater progress – indeed I am one of them.
“I know it will feel to some that the Church has gone backwards in recent years, not forward. At the same time, I want to recognise that some progress has been made in that prayers of blessing for same-sex couples in committed relationships have been commended for use in public worship for the first time.
“Whilst I believe there is no theological distinction between prayers of blessing being offered in scheduled services or bespoke services, further progress at this stage would have meant agreeing to special arrangements, including separate episcopal structures, which I could not support. Such changes would result in the fracturing of our common life and the undermining of our Anglican identity.
“I will continue to advocate for more progress, recognising that there are others who will disagree. Meanwhile, I urge us all to be gentle and kind towards one another, refusing to judge each other, uniting in our common purpose to love God and neighbour and sharing the good news of Jesus Christ in word and action.”
The Bishop of Blackburn, Philip North, said: “The LLF process has caused immense pain on all sides because the matters it concerns carry us to the heart of what it means to be human and what it is to be Christian.
“After a great deal of praying and reflecting together, the House of Bishops has agreed that we want to avoid fragmentation and travel together as one Body for the sake of our mission to the nation.
“This means that when we are making big decisions about what we believe, we need to use General Synod’s established processes to discern God’s will.
“For some we have not gone far enough, for others we have already gone too far. My prayer is that we can stay together for the sake of the people we are called to serve.”
The Bishop of Oxford, Steven Croft, said: “I am very grateful to all those who have engaged with the LLF process over many years and at considerable personal cost.
“I am thankful that some progress has been made towards greater understanding and inclusion of LGBTQI+ sisters and brothers through Prayers of Love and Faith.
“In my own view the Church of England still has some distance to travel on this journey in the coming years.
“The House of Bishops statement published today is honest about the different views held across the Church in good conscience and expresses a commitment and an appeal to all to continue to walk and work together for deeper understanding.
“The statement also outlines the next stages in dialogue and a clear process for making decisions into the future.”
Notes to Editors
The House of Bishops voted to issue the statement as follows:
For: 35 Against: 1 Abstentions: 4
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18 CommentsHelen King sharedconversations What colour should it be? ‘Furthering’ Living in Love and Faith
Mark Clavier Well-Tempered 10 Lessons from 30 Years of Being a Priest
David Runcorn Inclusive Evangelicals Male and female he made them – celebrating one humanity, equal and different
Stephen Parsons Surviving Church Music in the Worship of the Church. Cause of Unity or Division?
155 CommentsNeil Patterson ViaMedia.News A Tale of Two Reports
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Paul Avis Church Times Ailing and failing: the Church of England has lost its way
“An institution that is marred by scandal and division needs to prioritise ethical thinking and acting”
Helen King sharedconversations The Third Province: Welcome to Mercia
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Anonymous Surviving Church What about the Women? A Story of Spiritual Abuse of a female victim in the Conservative Evangelical constituency.
50 CommentsLucy Winkett The Observer Hands off our Christmas, Tommy Robinson
Peter Adams Talking Peace If the far right have parked their tanks on our front lawn, we need to get out and start the conversation!
Jonathan Clatworthy The point of it all Carol services and misleading bible readings
Andrew Anthony The Observer Sarah Mullally, archbishop of Canterbury
Ian Gomersall A Retired Rector’s Reflections Are LGBT people really welcome in the C of E?
320 CommentsLast week Chanel 4 broadcast a two-part documentary See No Evil about serial abuser John Smyth. It can be viewed online here, and there is this introduction: Serial abuser John Smyth’s wife speaks for first time in Channel 4 documentary. It has attracted much press interest.
Madeleine Davies Church Times ‘I am so ashamed’ says John Smyth’s widow in Channel 4 documentary
Jayne Manfredi Church Times TV review: See No Evil
Tim Wyatt Premier Christianity See No Evil: This Channel 4 documentary paints John Smyth’s family as his first victims
Barbara Ellen The Observer See No Evil – a too painful story of child abuse and the Church
Tola Mbakwe Premier Christian News ‘I never confused my dad with God’: John Smyth’s daughter speaks about faith and survival ahead of new doc
Fiona Lamdin and Bea Swallow BBC News ‘My dad abused 130 boys – learning the truth was horrifying’
The Church of England issued this press release Statement on Smyth documentary.
On a related matter there is this report in the Church Times.
62 CommentsMadeleine Davies Church Times Bishop ‘correct’ not to act against vicar concerning handling of Smyth reports, tribunal rules
Mandy Ford Together for the Church of England Dean of Bristol sends message to the Bishops
Sermon preached by the Very Revd Mandy Ford at Canterbury Cathedral, 14th December 2025
Trevor Thurston-Smith The Pensive Pilgrim A Fearful House?
Alice Goodman Prospect Clerical life: We priests need our turnaround time to get our heads straight
106 CommentsThe Church of England’s House of Bishops met today, and agreed to spend more time finalising its proposals on the Living in Love and Faith (LLF) process. There is a press release, which is copied below.
House of Bishops continues work finalising Living in Love and Faith decisions
16/12/2025
The House of Bishops has agreed to spend more time finalising its proposals on the Living in Love and Faith (LLF) process, which explores the Church’s approach to identity, sexuality, relationships and marriage.
At a meeting at Lambeth Palace in London today, bishops discussed a series of decisions taken in principle on the direction of LLF at their last meeting in October.
While those decisions were not contested, the bishops identified some areas where further clarification is needed and agreed to continue work on a letter to the Church summarising LLF and setting out an agreed position.
Bishops recognised the deep hurt, particularly to LGBTQI+ people, as a result of those decisions.
The House will meet again in January to finalise the text of the letter – which will take the form of a statement from the House.
The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, who chairs the LLF Programme Board, said: “Although we recognise that having not set out a final decision today may add to the frustration and distress many people are feeling, it is important we take proper care and time on this. That is needed.
“We remain on course to bring proposals to Synod for consideration in February.”
40 CommentsThe Church of England’s General Synod will meet in London from 9 to 13 February 2026. The outline of its business is online here, and is copied below the fold.
14 CommentsSouthwell Minister announced today that their next Dean will be the Revd Canon Dr Stephen Evans, who is currently the Rector of St Marylebone in central London. He will be installed as Dean on 19 April 2026. The Minster is the cathedral of the diocese of Southwell and Nottingham. Its website has more details here.
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24 CommentsUpdated 12 December
This matter was first reported by Donna Birrell on Premier Christian News: Exclusive: Abuse survivor and former staff member say Church treatment pushed them to the brink. Her report is worth reading in full but here’s an excerpt.
The case of Survivor N
Survivor N’s case began more than a decade ago when he first reported accusations of abuse against a priest in the Diocese of London.
Premier has seen evidence that when he filed a complaint against the accused priest, Rt Rev Sarah Mullally as Bishop of London, contravened the Clergy Discipline Measure code of practice by sending a confidential email about the allegations directly to the priest concerned, outside of the CDM process. She also wrote to him that the claims were “unsubstantiated”.
Survivor N says he was then subjected to what he describes as a “systematic campaign of harassment and retribution as a CDM complainant”.
He later filed a formal complaint against Bishop Mullally for her handling of the case. In March 2020, in a letter seen by Premier, the then Bishop at Lambeth acknowledged receipt of the complaint. But 16 months later, when his lawyers requested an update, the same Bishop at Lambeth stated that the complaint had only just been received by Lambeth Palace.
A senior psychiatrist told Premier that during those 16 months, Survivor N’s mental health deteriorated sharply.
To this day, despite repeated requests from his solicitors, Survivor N says he has not received a formal response.
Today, the Church of England has issued two statements:
Lambeth Palace statement:
The provincial registrar for Canterbury has written to an individual – known as ‘N’ – to clarify and outline next steps in relation to a complaint the individual initially submitted in 2020 against the Bishop of London under the Clergy Discipline Measure.
Due to administrative errors and an incorrect assumption about the individual’s wishes, the complaint was not taken forward or appropriately followed up. The Bishop of London was unaware of the matter, as the process never reached the stage at which she would have been informed of the complaint or its contents.
The provincial registrar has apologised to those involved and urgent arrangements are now being made for the complaint to be considered according to the relevant statutory process.
The Bishop of London, Dame Sarah Mullally, said:
“N has been let down by the processes of the Church of England. While his abuse allegations against a member of clergy were fully dealt with by the Diocese of London, it is clear that a different complaint he subsequently made against me personally in 2020 was not properly dealt with.
“I am seeking assurance that processes have been strengthened to ensure any complaint that comes into Lambeth Palace is responded to in a timely and satisfactory manner.
“The Church’s processes have to change, both for complainants, and for the clergy who are the subject of complaints. Today, I am one of those clergy. As Archbishop of Canterbury, I will do everything in my power to bring about much needed and overdue reform. We must have trust in our systems, or else we cannot expect others to put their trust in us.”
Update 12 December
Donna Birrell has a further report: Church forced to revisit Mullally case as survivor raises concerns over contradicting evidence in its response which again I recommend reading in full. Another excerpt:
67 CommentsLambeth Palace told Premier that the reason N’s complaint hadn’t been followed up was because additional documents hadn’t been provided after July 2021 and the provincial registrar had believed N had decided not to proceed with the matter.
However, Premier has seen evidence that two bundles of documents dated 22nd August 2021 were sent to Lambeth Palace as well as to the ‘Designated Officer at the Church of England Legal Office’. A copy of the bundle was also sent to the President of Tribunals on the same date. They were all marked as having been delivered.
Lambeth Palace has told Premier that this hard copy documentation had previously been received from N in electronic form the previous month. However N disputes this and said several bundles were sent in August 2021 including several witness statements which had not previously been sent via email. Lambeth Palace told Premier that the Office of the President of Tribunals has no record of receiving anything from the complainant in August or September 2021.
The first time N learned that the CDM against Sarah Mullally hadn’t progressed and was no longer outstanding, was when he was told by Premier Christian News earlier this month.
The Prime Minister’s Office has announced that the next Suffragan Bishop of Grimsby in the diocese of Lincoln will be the Ven Jean Burgess, currently Archdeacon of Bournemouth in the Diocese of Winchester. The Lincoln diocesan website has this story.
7 CommentsAppointment of the Suffragan Bishop of Grimsby: 10 December 2025
The King has approved the nomination of the Venerable Jean Ann Burgess, MA, to the Suffragan See of Grimsby, in the Diocese of Lincoln.
From: Prime Minister’s Office, 10 Downing Street
Published 10 December 2025Background
The King has approved the nomination of the Venerable Jean Ann Burgess, MA, Archdeacon of Bournemouth, in the Diocese of Winchester, to the Suffragan See of Grimsby, in the Diocese of Lincoln, in succession to the Right Reverend Dr David Court following his retirement.
Jean was trained for ministry via the East Midlands Ministry Training Course, accredited by Nottingham University.
She served her title at St George and St Mary’s Church, Gresley, in the Diocese of Derby, and was ordained Priest in 2004. Jean served as Interim Minister at St Alkmund’s and St Werburgh’s from 2008 and was appointed Priest-in-Charge in 2013 and incumbent in 2018. Jean served as Archdeacon of Bolton and Archdeacon of Salford, both in the Diocese of Manchester, from 2018.
In 2023, Jean took up her current role as Archdeacon of Bournemouth, in the Diocese of Winchester.
Following the October announcement from the House of Bishops regarding the effective halting of the LLF process and a change of direction from the discussion towards and votes taken for fuller LGBTQ+ inclusion, Inclusive Church wrote an Open Letter and invited those who wished to be included as a signatory to it, to do so. People were asked to provide their name and home postcode, with the option to also add their title, the name of their church and an estimate of the size of their regular church congregation. The letter was available for one month, with no external media coverage, publicity through diocesan channels or paid promotion.
The full text of the letter is copied below the fold.
Inclusive Church has now issued a press release reporting on the nearly 7000 signatures received, which you can read here. (now in PDF format)
And there is a further much more detailed analysis available here.
96 CommentsThe Prime Minister’s Office has announced the appointment of Canon Christopher Palmer as the next Dean of Winchester. The press release is copied below. There is more information on the cathedral website. Canon Palmer will be installed on 15 March 2026.
Appointment of Dean of Winchester: 8 December 2025
The King has approved the nomination of The Reverend Canon Christopher Palmer, Canon Residentiary and Treasurer of Exeter Cathedral, as Dean of Winchester.
From: Prime Minister’s Office, 10 Downing Street
Published 8 December 2025
The King has approved the nomination of The Reverend Canon Christopher Palmer, Canon Residentiary and Treasurer of Exeter Cathedral, as Dean of Winchester, in succession to The Very Reverend Catherine Ogle following her retirement.
Background
Christopher was educated at University of Oxford and trained for ministry at St Stephen’s House, Oxford. He served his title at All Saints, Emscote, in the Diocese of Coventry, and was ordained Priest in 1999. He served as Team Vicar of All Saints, East Sheen, in the Diocese of Southwark and, from 2005, was also the Area Dean of Richmond and Barnes. In 2010, Christopher was appointed Team Rector of Merton Priory.
From 2018 Christopher served as Canon Chancellor of Exeter Cathedral and he took up his current role as Canon Treasurer in 2022.
15 CommentsDiocese of Newcastle Bishop Helen-Ann’s Presidential Address to Diocesan Synod
[This address refers to a motion on LLF at Newcastle diocesan synod; the motion is copied below the fold.]
Surviving Church A reply to Anon’s Reflections on the Safeguarding Failures and Delays in the C/E highlighted by the Charity Commission
Mark Clavier Well-Tempered Four Last Things
34 Comments