Originally founded as a subsidiary society of the Central Institute London in 2001, the Faculty of Liturgical Musicians was independently administered from 2003. Fellowship of the FLM was originally open only to existing members of the CIL who held a musical qualification; after 2003, the CIL restriction was lifted and all who were musically qualified were permitted to apply, with the Faculty defined as “an independent learned society composed of church musicians and other persons interested in liturgical music.” There were no fees payable for membership.

As of 2004, the aims of the FLM were defined as follows:

“a.) To promote the highest standards in the performance of liturgical music.
b.) To raise awareness of the richness and diversity of liturgical music and its associated heritage.
c.) To encourage liturgical musicians to share their skills and experiences, making liturgical music accessible to a wider audience.
d.) To preserve the heritage of liturgical music.
e.) To give formal recognition to the achievements of its members.”

According to its Constitution, “Those elected Fellows shall either hold a higher-level qualification in, or substantially in, music, for example, a degree, or a music college diploma at any level, or have several years’ experience as a church musician of demonstrable ability.”

The Director of the FLM, Stephen R. Crosbie, was organist and choirmaster of Kirkcudbright Parish Church, Dumfries.