The United Reformed Church’s daily devotion for 8 June 2026, written by a familiar friend of Cytûn offers a timely and theologically rich reflection on Romans 13 and the limits of civil obedience.

Each morning, the United Reformed Church sends out a reading, reflection, and short prayer to help Christians focus on their journey of discipleship. The devotions are written by over 100 contributors from across the denomination and beyond, and are available by email, on URC social media, and on the URC Daily Devotions website where you can also sign up to receive them directly to your inbox.

Today’s edition, the first in a two-week series on Church and State, is written by the Revd Gethin Rhys — a retired URC minister, long-standing ecumenical voice, and former Policy Officer at Cytûn : Churches Together in Wales. Gethin remains an active friend and supporter of Cytun’s work, and his contribution to the daily devotion programme is warmly welcomed.

Drawing on Romans 13, Gethin opens up the apparent tension between Paul’s call to submit to governing authorities and the URC’s own Basis of Union, which asserts that the Church “is not subordinate to the state” in matters of obedience to God. It is a distinction, as Gethin notes, that often surprises those who come from an established church tradition.

With characteristic wit and pastoral wisdom, Gethin challenges a too-easy invocation of Christian vocation as a licence to break the law — using the example of clergy who treat speeding fines as a badge of spiritual dedication. The reflection asks a harder question: does God truly call us to risk others’ safety in the name of ministry?

The devotion closes with a prayer for the discernment needed to distinguish genuine obedience to God from what is merely convenient to ourselves — a challenge as pressing for churches in Wales today as it was in first-century Rome.

This is the first in a series Gethin will contribute over the coming fortnight, and we commend it warmly to all who engage with questions of public theology, civil authority, and the witness of the Church in society.

Read the full devotion and sign up to receive the URC Daily Devotions.

Cytûn is pleased to confirm that the 2026 Welcome to Wales course will take place from 23–25 September 2026 at Sport Wales’s Centre, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff.

The course is designed for ministers and Christian workers who are coming to work in Wales for the first time, or returning after a period away. It offers an opportunity to become more familiar with the Welsh context, meet others beginning ministry or service in Wales, and prepare well for working within Welsh communities.

Both residential and non-residential applications are welcome. The closing date for applications is 30 August 2026.

For more information, or to apply, visit the Welcome to Wales 2026 course page. For queries, please contact Sasha Perriam at post@cytun.cymru.

Cytûn was pleased to be present at Eisteddfod yr Urdd in Ynys Môn last week, as part of our wider summer programme of engagement across Wales.

The Urdd Eisteddfod, which took place from 23–29 May 2026, provided a valuable opportunity to meet visitors, speak with partners, and share more about the work of Churches Together in Wales. During the week, Cytûn recorded a series of interviews, including conversations with first-time visitors to the Maes and with leaders from member denominations in Wales and across the UK.

These videos are now live on the Cytûn website under the Events section and are also available on the Cytûn Facebook page.

Cytûn’s summer programme continues with support for local members at the Llangollen International Eisteddfod from 7–12 July 2026, followed by our presence at the Royal Welsh Show in Llanelwedd from 20–23 July 2026, and the National Eisteddfod at Y Garreg Las, near Cardigan, from 1–8 August 2026.

Through these national gatherings, Cytûn continues to encourage conversation, cooperation and shared witness in communities across Wales. Additional volunteers and visitors are always welcome.

Churches across the UK are being invited to take part in Disability Awareness Sunday 2026, with the release of a free, creative new resource available to download from Christian charity Through the Roof (www.throughtheroof.org).

The 2026 theme, ‘One Body, Many Parts’, draws on 1 Corinthians 12 and celebrates the truth that the Church is not complete without disabled people. The official date is 27 September 2026, though churches are encouraged to take part on any Sunday that works for them.

Seeing things differently
At the heart of the new resource is the vision of Triona Brading, a young autistic Christian, Roofbreaker disability champion with Through the Roof, and ministry trainee. Triona brings insight, joy and imagination to the biblical image of the Body of Christ. She shares her perspective as an autistic Christian in the main video she made for churches to show for Disability Awareness Sunday:

Her gentle humour opens up a powerful challenge: what does it really mean for the Church to live as one body, where every person — disabled or not — is welcomed, needed and able to play their part?

FREE resource for churches!
The free Disability Awareness Sunday 2026 Resource includes:

• Two short videos
• A ready‑to‑use service outline
• Practical ideas for all-age worship and youth activities.

The resources are designed to help churches move beyond awareness towards Access, Belonging and Commission: the ABC of Disability Inclusion, and to spark conversations that can lead to lasting change.

Churches can request the free resource now at:  
throughtheroof.org/forchurches/disability-awareness-sunday

Show the video. Pray together. Celebrate every member of Christ’s Body.

As churches across the UK – and beyond – join in, Through the Roof hopes Disability Awareness Sunday 2026 will inspire many to say with confidence: we are one body, with many parts – and everyone matters.

The 2026 Senedd election has led to the biggest change in the composition of the Welsh Parliament since the start of devolution. The expansion of the Senedd to 96 Members, together with the introduction of a more proportional electoral system, has created a more politically diverse Chamber, with no party holding an overall majority.

The chart below provides a detailed breakdown of the new composition of the Senedd.

As Plaid Cymru becomes the largest party in the Senedd for the first time since devolution, its leader Rhun ap Iorwerth has declared his intention to secure the role of First Minister.

Reform UK has also gained significant representation in the Senedd for the first time, enough to form the opposition, while Labour has seen a dramatic reduction in its number of seats. Meanwhile, the Conservatives have also lost ground, and the Liberal Democrats remain with one elected member with the Greens also winning two seats for the first time.

The Senedd is expected to operate in a more collaborative and negotiated political environment. However, with major policy differences between the centre-left parties and Reform, this will not be easy to achieve.

Building coalitions and working together on specific issues will play a more important role in forming and sustaining the next Welsh Government. Smaller parties and individual groups may have greater influence over legislation and policy priorities than in previous Senedds.

The intention behind the new electoral arrangements was to make the Senedd more representative of votes cast across Wales. The results suggest that the balance of seats reflects the national share of the vote more closely than under the previous system.

Dr Cynan Llwyd, General Secretary of Cytûn said: “Churches Together in Wales offers its congratulations to Plaid Cymru on its victory in the 2026 Senedd election, and to Rhun ap Iorwerth as he prepares to serve as First Minister of Wales.

At this moment of change in our national life, we pray for him, for all elected Members of the Senedd, and for all who carry the responsibilities of public service. We ask God to grant wisdom, humility and courage, and to strengthen every effort made for the common good.

The churches of Wales stand ready to work constructively with the new Welsh Government and with partners across society to foster unity, cooperation and hope. We particularly welcome the call to “uncompromising compassion”, and pray that this spirit will shape public life in Wales in the years ahead.”

As Wales goes to the polls today in the 2026 Senedd election, Cytûn: Churches Together in Wales is inviting churches, communities and voters to reflect on the Christian calling to unity.

In a new video message recorded for election day, Dr Cynan Llwyd, General Secretary of Cytûn, draws on the words of Ephesians 4, encouraging people across Wales to seek humility, patience and peace at a time of political choice and public debate.

Dr Llwyd reminds viewers that elections matter deeply, shaping the life of our communities and the future direction of Wales. But he also calls Christians, churches and all people of goodwill to resist division, listen generously, and work together for the common good beyond polling day.

Cytûn encourages everyone to watch the message, to pray for Wales, and to hold elected representatives, candidates and communities in prayer as the democratic process unfolds.

Earlier in April, and in the context of the Senedd election, eaders of the main faith communities in Wales gathered at the Temple of Peace in Cathays Park in Cardiff on Monday to sign a public statement of solidarity in advance of the forthcoming Senedd elections. The text of the statement can be seen in one of the photos below. Here is the full text of what Dr Cynan Llwyd shared during the event.

“It is a privilege to stand here today, and a particular honour to do so alongside Christian, Muslim and Jewish leaders as we affirm this shared commitment to peace and friendship. In days marked by war, fear, division, and uncertainty, this moment matters. It matters because it says, publicly and clearly, that faith need not be a force of suspicion or hostility, but can be a force for healing, courage, and hope.

As a Christian, I want to say plainly why I am here.

“I am here because of Jesus Christ. He, whom Christians follow, is the Prince of Peace. He is the one who taught us that the greatest commandments are to love God and to love our neighbour. He is the one whose love was never narrow, tribal, or conditional, but freely given to the overlooked, the outsider, the poor, the wounded, and the stranger. He broke down barriers of hostility. He crossed boundaries others were afraid to cross. He called his followers not to dominate, but to serve; not to inflame hatred, but to make peace. He humbled himself to death. even death on a cross.

“So for Christians and churches, this day should be a reminder of who our Lord is, and therefore of who we are called to be. Peacemakers.

“And to our Muslim and Jewish friends, I want to say this with sincerity and humility: we stand with you in a shared commitment to peace and reconciliation. We honour your presence, your friendship, and your witness. We know that trust is built not only by words spoken in ceremonies such as this, but by relationships, solidarity, and courage shown over time. We are committed to that work.

“I also want to say, gently but unambiguously, that those who wrap cruelty in Christian language, or drape exclusion in religious symbols, do not speak for the faith of Jesus Christ. The politics of contempt, whether seen in Trump, in MAGA, in Unite the Kingdom rallies, in some political parties who are standing for election here in Wales, or in those who carry crosses as badges of division rather than signs of self-giving love, do not represent the Gospel we proclaim. Christ’s cross is not a weapon of fear. It is the sign of reconciling love.

“So may this be more than a signature. May it be a witness. A witness that in Wales we can disagree deeply, yet still walk together with generosity and respect. A witness that hatred will not have the last word.

“And a witness that, by the grace of God, peace is still possible.”

As the Senedd election approaches, Cytûn has been engaging with candidates from across the political spectrum, inviting them to reflect not only on their party priorities but also on the values and experiences that shape their approach to public life. These conversations aim to encourage deeper engagement with the choices facing voters, and to highlight the importance of thoughtful, values-driven leadership in Wales.

Throughout this series, the focus has been on looking beyond headlines to consider how political commitments connect with the wellbeing of communities, the pursuit of justice, and the responsibilities of those seeking office. At a time when public debate can often feel polarised or superficial, creating space for more reflective discussion is both timely and necessary.

We now bring this series to a close with our final interview, featuring Joe Carter of the Welsh Liberal Democrats. In this conversation, we continue to explore the motivations, priorities, and perspectives that underpin his candidacy, offering readers an opportunity to consider how these align with the challenges and opportunities facing Wales today.

As polling day draws nearer, we hope this interview, along with the wider series, supports informed participation and thoughtful reflection among all those preparing to cast their vote.

Read a comparative analysis of the parties’ manifestos via this link.

With every main party’s manifesto now published, Cytûn has released an updated analysis of party positions to help faith communities engage with the Senedd election on 7 May — and reminds voters that independents and smaller parties will also be on the ballot.

Now that all six of the main parties contesting the Senedd election on 7 May 2026 have published their full manifestos, Cytûn – Churches Together in Wales has released a Senedd Election 2026 Manifesto Briefing Update — a detailed supplement to the document published in March 2026.

The original briefing drew on pre-manifesto policy signals and party commitments available at that time. The update reviews the completed manifestos in full, together with independent economic analysis — including assessments by the Institute for Fiscal Studies — to offer a sharper and more comprehensive comparison of what each party is actually promising.

What’s new in the update?

The update examines all six parties across Cytûn’s five priority policy areas: Health, Education, the Economy, International Affairs and Climate Change, and the Church and the Citizen.

On health, NHS waiting times dominate every party’s agenda. Labour proposes a £4 billion Hospitals of the Future Fund; Plaid Cymru sets specific waiting time targets; the Conservatives would declare a health emergency on taking office; the Liberal Democrats would invest £300 million in social care funded by a 1p income tax rise; and the Greens place prevention and early intervention at the centre of their health vision. Reform UK commits to cutting waiting times through efficiency savings.

On the economy, the sharpest divergences concern taxation. The Welsh Conservatives propose a 1p cut to the basic rate of income tax and the abolition of Land Transaction Tax on home purchases — commitments the Institute for Fiscal Studies has described as difficult to reconcile with the party’s wider spending plans. The Liberal Democrats are the only party proposing a tax rise. The Greens propose replacing council tax entirely with a Land Value Tax.

On the Nation of Sanctuary — Wales’s framework of support for refugees and asylum seekers — Labour, Plaid Cymru, the Liberal Democrats, and the Greens all support maintaining and developing the policy, while the Conservatives and Reform UK have both pledged to scrap it. Members should be aware that most immigration pledges in this election cannot be delivered by the Senedd, as immigration remains a reserved matter for Westminster.

Hear from the parties directly

Cytûn has published interviews with representatives of five of the six main parties, exploring their positions on issues of concern to faith communities in Wales. The interviews are available now:

Peredur Owen Griffiths Plaid Cymru

Darren Millar Conservative

Paul Rock The Green Party

James Evans Reform UK

Huw Thomas Labour

An interview with a Welsh Liberal Democrat representative is currently being arranged and will be published on the website in due course.

Cytûn encourages readers to engage with all of the interviews as part of their prayerful reflection ahead of polling day on 7 May.

Who will be on your ballot paper?

While the six main parties — Wales Labour, Plaid Cymru, the Welsh Conservatives, the Welsh Liberal Democrats, Reform UK, and the Wales Green Party — have all published full manifestos and are contesting seats across Wales, voters may find candidates from a wider range of political viewpoints on their ballot papers. Smaller parties and independent candidates will be standing in constituencies across Wales and, under the new proportional system, their votes carry real weight.

This is the first Senedd election held under a proportional system: 96 Members will be elected across 16 six-member constituencies using the D’Hondt method. No single party is expected to win an overall majority, meaning that the priorities of smaller parties and independents may prove decisive in shaping the next Welsh Government.

To find out who is standing in your constituency — including all smaller party and independent candidates — visit whocanivotefor.wales, an independent, non-partisan resource listing every candidate on the ballot in your area.

Engaging prayerfully and thoughtfully

Cytûn does not endorse any party or candidate. These briefings exist to help denominational leaders, local church communities, and individual members of faith to engage with this election thoughtfully, prayerfully, and well-informed. Faith communities are encouraged to host or attend hustings events with candidates from across the parties, to use this briefing as the basis for group discussion, reflection, or prayer, and to encourage all eligible members to exercise their democratic right and vote on 7 May 2026. The full Senedd Election 2026 Manifesto Briefing Update is available at www.cytun.co.uk. For further information, contact post@cytun.cymru.

Judith has served the Union with extraordinary faithfulness for eleven years, and during that time she has also been a valued trustee of Cytûn. Her retirement gives us a wonderful opportunity to say thank you — not just for what she has done, but for the way she has done it.

Those who have worked alongside Judith speak consistently of her warmth, her grace, and her genuine care for people. Whether supporting local churches and ministers, navigating change within the Baptist Union of Wales’ structures, or representing Welsh Baptist life in wider ecumenical settings, she has brought wisdom, patience and a deep Christian generosity to everything she has touched.

Rob Nicholls, President of the Welsh Section of the Union, paid tribute to her ‘steadfast leadership and lasting influence,’ while Maggie Rich, President of the English Section, recalled the impression Judith made from the very beginning — her careful listening, her balanced judgement, and her instinct to connect with people as well as with the questions in front of her.

The United Council of the Baptist Union of Wales described her contribution simply and powerfully: they will miss her greatly, and they give thanks to God for calling her to this work for such a time as this.

Dr Cynan Llwyd, General Secretary of Cytûn, added his own warm tribute:

‘Judith has been a wonderful colleague and a real friend to the ecumenical family in Wales. She brought both steadiness and joy to her work — qualities that are rarer and more valuable than people sometimes realise. Her commitment to building and deepening relationships between our churches has left a genuine mark, and we are deeply grateful for the years she gave to Cytûn as a trustee alongside her substantive role with the Baptist Union of Wales. We wish her every blessing as she begins this new chapter, and we pray that she will know God’s goodness and renewal in the time ahead.’

We join the wider Baptist family, and indeed the whole Ecumenical fellowship in Wales, in giving thanks to God for Judith’s ministry — and in praying that her retirement will be rich, restful, and full of the same joy she brought to so many others.

Diolch o galon, Judith. Pob bendith.