Following a meeting on December 12th 2023 the House of Bishops agreed to commend the Prayers of Love and Faith for use this Sunday. The House also published pastoral guidance on how they can be used.
You can read the release about these prayers on the Church of England website.
In a letter to clergy Bishop John said
I was happy to commend these prayers for use by those who wish to do so. If you are to use these prayers then you need to use them in the manner and context in which they are intended. These prayers are an offering for those who want and need to be respected as such. You will need to read the guidance notes carefully so that you are using them appropriately.
You need to be aware that this commendation by the House of Bishops does not confer any legal status of authorisation of those prayers. Also, the standalone services have not yet been authorised for experimental use, and decision about this will follow in the New Year. The third part of the pastoral guidance (concerning the expectations around ministers and ministry) will also be issued next year, as will proposals regarding national provision for those who cannot in conscience support the use of this material.
There is no compulsion to use the Prayers of Love and Faith. This is a matter of conscience for our clergy and churches and in Liverpool, like across the Church of England, opinions differ. I am still very aware that this remains a moment of pain for many, some will be impatient to move more quickly whilst others are concerned at this step. If you experience difficulty or come under pressure in any way either in person or online then please speak to your Archdeacon.
This remains a time when we must continue to be kind to one another as the Church of England takes this step. For through this what is most important is the unity of our purpose at this Christmas time reaching the communities we serve with the Good News of Jesus’ birth.
God bless you in all you do, you remain in my thoughts and prayers this advent.
Rt Revd Dr John Perumbalath, Bishop of Liverpool