More than 7,000 Christians from across the Church of England have signed an open letter expressing disappointment at the Church’s lack of action over the Living in Love and Faith (LLF) process, which had been exploring whether to permit standalone blessing services for same-sex couples.

The LLF process stalled in October, four months after the BIshop of Leicester, Rt Rev Martyn Snow resigned from leading the group, saying he was not the right person to steer change. 

The Inclusive Church Network, which aims for greater inclusion of LGBTQ+ people in church life, hopes to see same-sex couples have their relationships recognised at the altar in the future; if not by marriages, then by standalone blessing services. 

The issue has proven contentious at General Synod, with many clergy arguing that standalone blessing services or prayers amount to the Church endorsing same-sex marriage before God. 

The Inclusive Church Network's national coordinator, Chantal Noppen, told Premier Christian News that the Church's stalling on the issue has been "painful". 

"People have bared their souls [in campaigning on LLF], and been vulnerable, saying: 'This is my experience, and I'm bearing these scars'... For the Church to say 'Yeah, but that doesn't really matter, does it?'... It's not very Jesus-y."  

She added that she wants to see the Church "love and care" for people regardless of their sexuality or relationship status. 

The letter has been signed by members of churches which do not endorse same-sex blessings. Among the total signatories are 13 cathedral deans, 14 archdeacons, and seven bishops, as well as parish clergy, chaplains, Readers, churchwardens, PCC members, youth workers, and congregants.

The Church of England stated that its LLF process is part of "a longer journey... to listen, learn and respond to changing views in our society towards identity, sexuality, relationships and marriage."