New Living in Love and Faith appointment after bishop’s resignation

A recent interim theology adviser has been appointed to the House of Bishops following the recent resignation of the Bishop of Newcastle as co-lead of Living in Love and Faith (LLF) within the Church of England. 

Bishop Helen-Ann Hartley was co-lead alongside Bishop Martyn Snow but stepped down from the role following the appointment of conservative vicar, Dr Tom Woolford, as interim theology adviser. 

In a press release announcing her resignation from LLF, the bishop expressed “serious concerns” in regards to the process to appoint an interim theological adviser to the House of Bishops and said that it had had “a critically negative impact on the work Bishop Martyn and I were looking for, in good faith, to do”.

“My role as co-lead bishop for the LLF process is now undermining my capability to fulfil my primary calling, to guide and look after the people and places of the Diocese of Newcastle,” she said. 

At the time, Bishop Snow said that the co-lead bishops for LLF “have to be involved within the appointment of future theological advisers”. 

The Archbishops of Canterbury and York yesterday announced that the Rev Canon Dr Jessica Martin, of Ely Cathedral, has now been appointed to work alongside Dr Woolford. 

“In the last week, there was numerous public commentary in regards to the appointment of the Interim Theology Adviser to the House of Bishops,” the Archbishops said. 

“This has required care to resolve, not only for people involved or affected by this appointment, but for the broader LLF process.

“We are grateful to Jessica and to Tom for his or her willingness to work together as interim Joint Theology Advisers.

“We remain concerned in regards to the negative tone of debate in some parts of the Church, especially on social media.

“We must all do our utmost to disagree in a way which shows the love of Jesus Christ to every one we encounter, especially those with whom we disagree.

“We are confident that Tom and Jessica will model this of their recent roles and support the bishops in our work.”

Dr Jessica Martin said: “It is an incredible pleasure to fulfil this interim role, working alongside Dr Woolford within the service of the entire Church, and modelling a mutual charity inside difference in the recommendation he and I offer together to support the bishops and FAOC.”

Dr Tom Woolford said: “I understand the vital importance of ensuring that trust within the LLF process is maintained and I welcome the appointment of Dr Martin as Joint Theology Advisor.

“I intend and anticipate that we’ll each individually, in addition to together, strive to supply advice in a neutral manner, and I stay up for our working together in support of the bishops and FAOC.”