An Honorary Canon at Chelmsford Cathedral has resigned over its use of the controversial ‘Prayers of Love and Faith’ (PLF).
Revd John Dunnett said it was “impossible” to fulfil his role while keeping his integrity when the Cathedral is using the prayers which bless the relationships of same-sex couples against the teachings of scripture.
The cathedral first used the PLF in November 2025. The Chelmsford Diocesan Evangelical Network (CDEN) wrote to the Bishop and Dean expressing “profound concern” and asking them to reconsider their use. In January, the Dean responded confirming they would continue to use them.
‘Not taken lightly’
Revd Dunnett is the Chair of the CDEN and National Director of the Church of England Evangelical Council (CEEC). He said: “I have not taken the decision to resign from being an Honorary Canon lightly or enthusiastically.
“It has been a privilege to have carried this honour over the last few years. However, the Dean and Chapter’s decision to use the Prayers of Love and Faith at Chelmsford Cathedral has alienated many of us who hold to the historic and biblical Anglican doctrine.”
He explained: “My fundamental objection, which is shared by members of CDEN, is that we believe the Prayers of Love and Faith to be endorsing something that is contrary to the teaching of the bible.”
He added: “Because Dean Jessica has indicated that the decision will not be reconsidered, it would be impossible for me to retain the title with integrity.”
Living in Love and Faith
The prayers blessing same-sex relationships were formally backed by the General Synod in February 2023 as part of the Living in Love and Faith (LLF) process that started in 2017.
The House of Bishops, in January, released a letter announcing that LLF was coming to an end after acknowledging that offering stand-alone services to bless same-sex relationships, akin to marriage services, or permitting clergy to be in same-sex civil ‘marriages’, could not be done without following full legal due process.
The Bishops committed to setting up a working group to consider legal and theological changes that would be needed in order to implement the above policies. It is to report back within the first two years of the new General Synod, which starts later this year.
They wrote: “Since no new developments are envisaged immediately, we are not proposing any new arrangements for pastoral reassurance beyond the commitments offered in this statement.”
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