Eglwysi Ynghyd yng Nghymru | Churches Together in Wales

Aberfan 2026

Cytun — Wed, 21 Oct 2026 10:19:49 +0000

Weeping together: Aberfan and the meaning of Christian unity

Cytûn’s General Secretary, Dr Cynan Llwyd, has highlighted the churches’ shared ministry of care, solidarity and advocacy as Wales marks the sixtieth anniversary of the Aberfan disaster.

On 21 October 1966, a colliery spoil tip collapsed above the village, engulfing Pantglas Junior School and nearby homes. The disaster claimed the lives of 116 children and 28 adults.

In a reflection on the anniversary, he describes how local ministers prayed together and coordinated visits to households in the immediate aftermath. Across different Christian traditions, churches worked together to support bereaved families and the wider community.

The Methodist minister Irving Penberthy, who knew many of the children through Sunday school, accompanied fathers as they identified their children at Bethania Chapel. He later described sharing their grief as “the ministry of tears”.

That shared commitment continued beyond the immediate emergency. In July 1967, the Merthyr Council of Churches asked Erastus Jones to serve as an ecumenical pastor in Aberfan. Support from Welsh churches in Canada helped fund his appointment and the establishment of Tŷ Toronto, which supported community life and later addressed social and economic hardship across the valleys.

The churches also helped residents make their voices heard. Baptist minister Kenneth Hayes, who lost a son in the disaster, helped organise parents to represent their interests at the tribunal.

Reflecting on the significance for churches today, Cynan writes:

“Our calling to unity, understanding and common witness should become visible in the lives of the people we serve. Fellowship grows in prayer and conversation, and deepens when we accept responsibilities together that require us to remain present over time.”

Dr Cynan Llwyd

His reflection calls on churches to listen patiently, share resources and stand alongside communities seeking justice, while recognising the differing ways people experience grief and faith.

Above all, he emphasises that remembrance must remain centred on Aberfan’s people:

“As we mark sixty years, our attention belongs with the people of Aberfan: those who died, the bereaved, survivors and the generations who carry this history. Their stories deserve care, and their voices deserve to shape how the disaster is remembered.”

The full article in English is available to read on Dr Cynan Llwyd’s personal Substack.

Defence, ethics and public money

Cytun — Tue, 20 Oct 2026 12:26:27 +0000

Cytûn joins Welsh Government roundtable on ethical defence investment

Cytûn’s represented the churches at the roundtable yesterday (Monday 19 October). It was chaired by senior officials, at the invitation of Adam Price MS, Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy.

The meeting was one of a series of discussions being held by Welsh Government with industry, universities, trade unions and civil society. The Ethical Defence Investment Framework for Wales will guide its support for businesses in defence-related sectors.

Cytûn’s response rests on three areas:

International humanitarian law, which protects civilians in armed conflict.
The Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015, including its goal of a globally responsible Wales.
The widest possible value for Wales from Welsh Government support for business, building on provisions already in government policy.

“We are grateful for the invitation, and we will keep engaging constructively. Our member churches hold a wide range of convictions on defence, so we are not taking a position on the sector itself. Our concern is that decisions rest on clear law and bring lasting and genuine value to Wales.”

Cytûn

Cytûn also asked that proposals stay within the powers of the Welsh Government and the Senedd, and that the framework be clear enough to be tested in law.

The sector is a significant employer in Wales. Around 16,000 people work directly in aerospace and defence, according to the Welsh Government. Last year, ITV Cymru Wales took a rare look inside the General Dynamics plant in Merthyr Tydfil, where about 250 people build Ajax armoured vehicles for the British Army.

Concerns over timetable for consultation

Stakeholders have only one week to respond. Cytûn believes this is too short for organisations whose members hold a wide range of views.

This is part of Cytûn’s wider work on faith and human rights, and on the place of the Christian tradition in Welsh public life. That tradition has shaped Wales for centuries. Since disestablishment in 1920, the churches have served public life as voluntary bodies. Their freedom is secured by clear law that protects people of every faith and none.

We will be in touch with members shortly about the Welsh Government’s timetable.

The Senedd Opening 2026

Cytun — Mon, 19 Oct 2026 09:28:56 +0000

Cytûn looks back on a significant week in Welsh political life

Last week was a significant one in Welsh political life, as King Charles III formally opened the Seventh Senedd on Thursday 15 October. The ceremony in Cardiff Bay followed a national ecumenical service at Llandaff Cathedral on Tuesday 13 October.

Cytûn’s General Secretary, Dr Cynan Llwyd, represented the organisation at both occasions, which provided an opportunity to reflect on the responsibilities of public service and the contribution of churches and faith communities to Welsh life.

The cathedral service brought together representatives of churches, faith communities and Welsh public life to give thanks for those who serve Wales and pray for the work ahead. The Archbishop of Wales, the Most Revd Cherry Vann, preached, while church leaders and interfaith partners contributed prayers and blessings. Politicians from all parties represented in the Senedd were invited.

Cytûn warmly thanks Llandaff Cathedral for its hospitality and the considerable work involved in preparing and hosting the service.

During Thursday’s ceremonial opening, the King addressed Members of the Senedd and quoted the late historian John Davies: “Canys gwydn yw’r hen genedl hon” — “For tenacity is the hallmark of this ancient nation.”

Looking back on the week and reflecting on those words, Dr Llwyd said:

“Church unity requires tenacity: the patience to keep listening, the humility to learn from one another, and the courage to pursue a shared calling across our differences.

“At Cytûn, we seek to nurture that commitment through prayer, friendship and practical cooperation. Each Christian tradition brings gifts that can enrich our shared witness and service.

“Jesus prayed that his followers would be one so that the world might believe. Our unity carries a responsibility to make Christ’s love visible through the way we treat one another and serve our neighbours.

“As Wales begins this new Senedd term, may its churches be tenacious in love, generous in partnership and faithful in working for the good of everyone who calls Wales home.”

Creating Connections

Cytun — Wed, 23 Sep 2026 10:13:51 +0000

Religion and the Media in Wales

Cytûn is pleased to support the development of two new events bringing faith communities and the media together in Wales this November.

The Religion Media Centre’s Creating Connections: Religion and the Media in Wales events will take place in Bangor on 2 November and Cardiff on 9 November 2026.

Cytûn has been keen to support the development of these events as an opportunity to strengthen relationships and understanding between faith communities and those working across the Welsh media.

Creating Connections will bring faith leaders and organisations together with journalists and other media professionals, providing an opportunity to make new contacts and explore how religion and belief are woven into the life of Wales.

Professionals from television and radio, as well as editors and reporters working in print and online media, will be present to answer questions and explain how they work. Faith representatives will also have an opportunity to talk about their work and identify stories emerging from their communities.

For Cytûn, encouraging this kind of dialogue is particularly valuable. Wales has a diverse religious landscape, while churches and other faith communities continue to contribute to public life at both national and local level. Developing stronger connections with journalists can help faith communities understand the media better, while enabling journalists to develop contacts and a deeper understanding of religion and belief in contemporary Wales.

Bangor

Monday 2 November 2026, 13:30–18:00

Powis Hall, Main Arts Building, Bangor University, LL57 2DG

Book a free place: Eventbrite – Bangor

Cardiff

Monday 9 November 2026, 13:30–18:00

Temple of Peace, King Edward VII Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3AP

Book a free place: Eventbrite – Cardiff

Places are free, but advance booking is required.

Supporting Mission in Schools

Cytun — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 10:00:47 +0000

Working with schools in Wales? Understand the Welsh context

Churches have significant opportunities to build relationships with local schools – but working with schools in Wales means understanding a distinctly Welsh education system.

Scripture Union, one of the newest members of Cytûn – Churches Together in Wales, is offering an Introduction to Schools Ministry training day in Swansea on Wednesday 30 September, led by the SU Cymru team.

The training offers churches and Christian workers practical support to develop their engagement with schools, with a particular focus on the Welsh education context.

Education is devolved in Wales, with a curriculum and legislative framework distinct from England. The day will explore Welsh legislation around Collective Worship, opportunities to support schools with Religion, Values and Ethics (RVE), resources appropriate to Curriculum for Wales, and the bilingual context of Welsh education.

Rhiân Evans, National Mission Coordinator for Wales, Scripture Union England and Wales, said:

The training will be led by the SU Cymru team who are both fluent Welsh speakers and between them have many years of experience working with schools across Wales in a variety of contexts and across both languages.

Rhiân Evans

Throughout the day, the SU Cymru team will look at the practical elements of church engagement with schools, including Welsh legislation for Collective Worship and opportunities for churches to support schools in delivering their RVE curriculum. Participants will also be introduced to a range of resources suitable for use within the Curriculum for Wales framework.

The training is particularly aimed at those who are new to schools ministry, as well as people who have experience of working with schools in England but have not previously worked within the Welsh system. It will explore both the opportunities available to churches and some of the important differences between the education systems in Wales and England.

With an experienced Welsh-speaking SU Cymru team, the training is relevant to ministry across Welsh-medium, English-medium and bilingual school communities.

Find out more and book your place through Scripture Union

Welcome to the new Bishop of Bangor

Cytun — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 13:58:20 +0000

A joyful celebration as Wales welcomes the new Bishop of Bangor

It was a joyful occasion in Newport on Saturday as Christians from across Wales gathered to celebrate the consecration of the Rt Revd Dr Manon Ceridwen James as the Bishop of Bangor.

Hundreds filled St Woolos Cathedral for the Episcopal Ordination, joining Bishop Manon’s family, friends, colleagues and representatives of the wider Church as she began a new chapter in her ministry.

Cytûn warmly congratulates Bishop Manon and joins the Church in Wales and the Diocese of Bangor in celebrating her new ministry.

“We celebrate with the Church in Wales and the Diocese of Bangor as the Rt Revd Dr Manon Ceridwen James is consecrated as Bishop of Bangor. Manon is a friend and a passionate supporter of ecumenical work in Wales, and we look forward to continuing to work with her as she steps into this new role. We wish her the abundant generosity and blessing of God upon her ministry.”

Dr Cynan Llwyd

Raised in Nefyn on the Llŷn Peninsula, Bishop Manon was ordained deacon at Bangor Cathedral in 1994 and was among the first women ordained priest in the diocese in 1997. Her consecration now makes her the first woman to serve as Bishop of Bangor.

Her ministry has included parish, education, training and vocations roles across the dioceses of Bangor and St Asaph. She became Dean of Bangor Cathedral in October 2025, having previously served as Director of Ministry at St Padarn’s Institute.

The service drew deeply on the Christian and Welsh heritage that has shaped both Bishop Manon and the diocese she will serve. It took place close to the feast of St Deiniol, founder of the early Christian community at Bangor, and the Church’s commemoration of William Salusbury and Bishop William Morgan, whose work translating Scripture and the Prayer Book had a lasting influence on Christian faith, Welsh language and culture.

There was also a particularly appropriate message for the ecumenical life of Wales in Bishop Manon’s own reflections on her new ministry. Looking beyond her own calling, she said:

“As I respond to this call, I hope it will also be an opportunity for people across the Diocese of Bangor, and beyond, to reflect on their own calling and on what God might be calling us to do together. I am excited by the opportunities we have to serve our communities and to share God’s love with everyone.”

Esgob Manon Ceridwen James

That emphasis on what Christians are called to do together lies at the heart of Cytûn’s work and our shared commitment to ecumenism across Wales.

The celebrations continue in Bangor on Saturday 19 September, when Bishop Manon will be installed as Bishop of Bangor at St Deiniol’s Cathedral at 2pm and welcomed by representatives from across the diocese.

Cytûn offers Bishop Manon our warmest congratulations and prayers as she begins this new ministry, and we look forward to continuing to work alongside her in our shared Christian witness across Wales.

You can watch the livestream on YouTube here: Consecration – YouTube

Do not be afraid

Cytun — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 08:49:59 +0000

Christians across Wales called to pray for unity

At a time when fear and division can too easily shape our communities, Christians across Wales are being invited to do something deliberately different: come together, pray together and rediscover what unites us in Christ.

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, 18–25 January 2027, brings Christians of different traditions together around the theme ‘Do not be afraid’.

The prayers and reflections for 2027 have been prepared by representatives of the churches in Ireland. Drawing particularly on Luke 12:22–34, they reflect on Jesus as the Good Shepherd and his call to the ‘little flock’ to live not in fear, but in trust, hope and service.

For Cytûn, this is more than a week in the church calendar. It is an opportunity to make Christian unity visible in our communities – through shared prayer and worship, but also by strengthening relationships between churches and finding new ways to witness and serve together.

Resources for churches

Churches Together in Britain and Ireland (CTBI) has produced resources to help churches, local ecumenical partnerships and individuals take part in the Week of Prayer.

The resources include the 2027 English prayer and reflection booklet, material for use in worship, a multilingual poster and presentation resources.

Download the English Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2027 resources:

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2027 – English resources

The Week of Prayer is traditionally observed from 18–25 January, although communities may choose to mark it at Pentecost or at another suitable time.

Do not be afraid. Pray together. Build relationships. Make Christian unity visible.

Hiroshima 2026

Cytun — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 11:04:28 +0000

Peace and a Political Dilemma for Wales

On 6 August, as the National Eisteddfod gathered at Y Garreg Las, Cytûn marked Hiroshima Day, 81 years since the first use of an atomic bomb in war. The event and its commemoration have particular significance this year.

Wales’s new Plaid Cymru Government is already facing a difficult political dilemma. How does a government led by a party committed to peace, human rights and international law reconcile those principles with its responsibilities for security, economic development and thousands of skilled jobs in Wales?

That tension has now become immediate. Welsh Government support for the forthcoming Defence Security Resilience Cymru summit in Newport has attracted criticism from peace campaigners, particularly given Plaid Cymru’s previous opposition to arms-industry events.

Ministers will not attend, although civil servants will be there to support Welsh businesses, while the Government develops a new ethical framework for the defence sector.

The Challenge to Theology and Witness

For the churches, these are questions of public theology as well as politics. These issues also fall within Cytûn’s shared policy priority of Citizenship – considering how Christians and the churches engage with the moral and political choices facing our society.

The Nonconformist and Dissenting tradition has a significant history of Christian witness for peace. That tradition is represented within Cytûn today by members including the Union of Welsh Independents and the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), while the historic contribution of movements such as the Baptist peace movement in Wales, alongside continuing Christian witness for peace across the denominations.

Hiroshima Day Meditation

Earlier that day, the President of the Union of Welsh Independents led a meditation at the Cytûn stand, reflecting on Hiroshima, peace and the Christian calling to be peacemakers.

The meditation is available in Welsh with subtitles.

Hatch, Match and Dispatch

Cytun — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 16:33:40 +0000

Hatch, Match and Dispatch? Two Out of Three Under Review

Changes Ahead for Weddings and Funerals?

Two areas of law closely connected with church life and ministry – weddings and funerals – are receiving attention at UK level. Although these matters are not devolved, the changes could have particular implications for churches, denominations and Christian organisations in Wales.

Cytûn is drawing this work to members’ attention and would welcome views, through the representatives of our member denominations and organisations, on any issues in Wales which may benefit from a coordinated response.

Reforming weddings law

The Ministry of Justice is consulting on Tying the Knot: Reforming Weddings Law in England and Wales, with responses invited by 24 September 2026.

The proposals could significantly change how religious marriages are legally recognised and conducted, including a move from a system primarily based on registered buildings towards one focused on authorised officiants.

Issues include:

the eligibility of religious and belief organisations to nominate officiants;
the responsibilities and oversight of officiants;
where weddings may legally take place; and
safeguards within the marriage system.

The proposals may be particularly relevant to smaller and independent denominations, including Cytûn’s Category B members, as eligibility requirements could affect smaller bodies differently from larger established denominations.

There is also a distinct Welsh perspective, including implications for the place and practical use of the Welsh language and for the mission and ministry of churches in Wales.

Some members, particularly UK-wide denominations and established consultees, may already be preparing responses. We would welcome information about this work and any matters requiring particular attention in Wales.

Members wishing to contribute to Cytûn’s consideration of the consultation are asked to do so through their denomination or organisation’s representative to Cytûn. Views will be considered by Cytûn’s Enabling Group. Please send contributions to post@cytun.cymru.

If the responses indicate that a Cytûn contribution would add value, we will explore with members the possibility of a coordinated response.

Further information

Tying the Knot: Reforming weddings law in England and Wales – GOV.UK

The consultation closes on 24 September 2026.

Funerals, funerary methods and remains

The Law Commission is also working on Rights and Obligations Relating to Funerary Methods, Funerals and Remains, within its wider programme on Burial, Cremation and New Funerary Methods.

This is at an earlier stage and has not yet reached public consultation. It is considering a person’s wishes for their body after death, who should make decisions about funerals and remains, family disputes, responsibility for arrangements, and the legal status of human remains.

These questions could have important pastoral and practical implications for churches, ministers and those involved in funeral and bereavement ministry.

Cytûn members may be approached by the Law Commission to participate in pre-consultation engagement. We would welcome hearing, through member denominations and organisations, about involvement or issues which may have a distinctive impact in Wales.

Further information

Rights and Obligations Relating to Funerary Methods, Funerals and Remains – Law Commission

Burial, Cremation and New Funerary Methods – Law Commission

UK-wide legal reform does not always have identical practical consequences in Wales and England. The Welsh language, smaller denominations and the realities of mission, ministry and pastoral care in Wales may all require particular consideration.

We therefore invite member denominations and organisations to channel their views through their Cytûn representatives to the Enabling Group via post@cytun.cymru. Where those views indicate that collective Cytûn engagement could add a useful Welsh ecumenical perspective, we will consider with members how best to take this forward.

Education and faith schools

Iestyn Davies — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 13:39:12 +0000

Local and national policy at the heart of Cytûn’s Eisteddfod discussions

Cytûn used its presence at Eisteddfod Genedlaethol y Garreg Las to continue discussion around some of the most pressing challenges facing communities across Wales, with education and the future of faith schools high on the agenda.

Dr Cynan Llwyd, General Secretary of Cytûn, met the Rt Revd Dorrien Davies, Bishop of St Davids and Church in Wales Bishop with responsibility for education.

The discussion was particularly timely. The Church in Wales has expressed strong concern over proposals affecting the status of church schools in Pembrokeshire, including Ysgol Cilgerran, a Welsh-medium school where Pembrokeshire County Council has proposed removing its Voluntary Controlled Church in Wales status.

The Church has argued that the issue goes well beyond the administrative status of an individual school. It concerns parental choice, the character of local communities and families’ ability to access a church-school education. Bishop Dorrien visited schools facing change earlier this year, underlining the value of both their educational contribution and their Christian ethos.

This raises a wider question for Wales: what place will faith schools have in the future of Welsh education?

Church in Wales schools educate around 27,000 learners. At its national schools conference this year, the Church emphasised equity, inclusion and community cohesion alongside educational excellence and Christian vision.

For Cytûn, this is not an issue for one denomination or one school alone. Education is one of Cytûn’s five policy priority areas, as endorsed by its membership. That gives Cytûn a clear responsibility to ensure that the experience, voice and contribution of the churches form part of the national conversation about the future of education in Wales.

The conversation between Dr Llwyd and Bishop Dorrien therefore connected an immediate local concern with a much wider national challenge: how can Wales protect educational choice, value the contribution of faith schools, and ensure that decisions about the future of schools are rooted in the needs and voices of the communities they serve?

Watch the conversation between Bishop Dorrien and Dr Cynan Llwyd as they discuss the challenges facing education and faith schools in Wales – and please share it to help widen this important conversation.