The Archbishop of Canterbury has taken to social media to urge people to pray as the College of Bishops meets this week to discuss the next steps of the Living in Love and Faith discernment process.
 
Most Rev Justin Welby wrote on Twitter he is looking forward to "fruitful, energising and honest conversations" over the next three days. 

"I pray we may be open to the presence of the Holy Spirit, that we might listen and learn from each other, and hear God's call for God's Church," he continued. 

Although The College of Bishops gathers twice each year to set the agenda that will be put before the next General Synod, this year's meeting is particularly crucial as the issue of same-sex marriage is being discussed. 

Following a two-year process in which churches across the country have been consulted on whether to allow same-sex marriage in the Church of England, a report was published this year. 

The Living in Love and Faith consultation confirmed two strong positions within the Church, those with a strong desire for the Church to be more inclusive in regards to same-sex marriage and those who believe allowing it would be a departure from Biblical teaching. 

The one thing both sides agreed on was a strong desire for bishops to show a clear consensus to give clear leadership on the issue.  

Most Rev Stephen Cottrell also took to Twitter to urge for prayer. He said: "Joining bishops @churchofengland as we reflect on the Living in Love and Faith consultation, please pray for us in this important work."
 
The bishops' reflections gathered during the next three days will be brought to the February 2023  General Synod for decision-making.