HIGHLIGHTS of the ’ Governing Body meeting at Venue Cymru, Llandudno on 11-12 April 2018

Student Laura Lloyd-Williams returns from UN summit with strong message about empowering women See page 7 Presidential Address Contents

Page 1 Presidential Address ‘Step out of your

Page 3 comfort zone and make The Church in the public square change happen’ Page 4 Engage with politics The called on the church to step out confi dently in faith to tackle its challenges, in his Presidential Address. Page 5 Emergency motion on Syria Archbishop John Davies, acknowledged the church was facing ‘confusing and challenging times’ which could lead to disabling fear and Page 6 anxiety. He urged members to follow the example of people in the Bible, Standing Committee report such as Moses, Joshua and Mary, by putting their faith in God and acting confi dently to make Page 7 change happen. Empowering women He warned that ‘simply standing on the shore and Page 8 gazing at the other side’ New plans for Newport Cathedral would leave the church in ‘increasing danger’. Page 9 Archbishop John said, Admission to Holy Communion “To coin words from the Letter to the Hebrews, Page 10 Evangelism update we, at what might be described as confusing and challenging times for our church, are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses: frail Page 11 people, fl awed people, people who have been challenged, people Question Time who have been anxious, people who have been afraid, people who have sometimes dressed up mere excuses as reasons for saying ‘No’, people who, from time-to-time tried and failed – but at least they tried. But they ultimately proved to be people who, with faith and trust and courage and grit, got the work going. “That is what the Governing Body’s role has to be – despite being of the same frail and fl awed fl esh as those people who populate the cloud of witnesses, we are called, as a body and as individuals in our own places, to that same faith and trust and courage and grit, to get the work going. Sometimes it feels safer to wait, anxiously, for a better moment, a more acceptable time. But, as the apostle Paul reminded the Corinthians, working together with Christ, the acceptable time has arrived. The acceptable time is Published by the Representative Body of the always now.” Church in Wales on behalf of the Governing Body of the Church in Wales, April 2018. Addressing Challenges No part of this publication maybe reproduced without The Archbishop reminded members that prior permission from the Publications Manager: the Church was addressing its challenges and The Representative Body of the Church in Wales, 2 Callaghan Square, Cardiff . CF10 5BT implementing radical changes following its review in All pictures are © of the Representative Body of 2012. It was also planning to celebrate its centenary the Church in Wales. in 2020 by ‘recognising concrete steps, solid

Page 1 | April 2018 | Highlights progress, and commitment to our core of us, who are called to be leaders, mood and a sense of downward trend, purpose’. Everyone, he said, had a the seeds of a deep anxiety, and a leaving us not with security, but in part to play. disabling fear, both of which have the increasing danger.” He said, “These are facts, not least potential to cause us to shy away from The Archbishop concluded, among them, that recommendations the challenge, divert us from pressing “Where and when and if tempted to do were received six years ago, facts on, and weaken the desire to seize or so, the Church in Wales cannot simply about which I believe it is both even try to create opportunities.” stand on the shore and anxiously my duty and my responsibility as Members, he said, must not be gaze towards the other side; rooted in Archbishop to insist that we remind overwhelmed by the challenges facing the call of the prophets and rooted in ourselves and others with regularity; them but must deal with them by the Gospel, we must, both attentively not only here at the Governing Body, acting in faith. and courageously, be ready to cross. but in our dioceses, within their “Today’s leaders, can all too easily Change will happen.” various structures, in our Ministry become, perhaps some have become, Areas, in our congregations and, too hung-up, on falling numbers, and very importantly, in our own hearts convinced ourselves that they can’t and minds as individual Christians, stem the tide and cross over to new called as today’s cloud of witnesses to ground. play our part, with faith and trust and “I know that each one of us could courage and grit.” sit down, alone, at a table at home or at our desks, and write an ever- Resistance to Change growing list of anxieties that might The Archbishop warned that disable us and others from dipping resistance to change was a problem our feet in the seemingly un-crossable in the church and it could be disabling stream and from stepping outside for leaders. the familiar and the situations which He said, “There is in some we think, at least for now, off er us To download the text, quarters, a simple dislike of change, security. But step out we are called to, listen or watch the resistance to change, even a refusal step out we must, because we know Presidential Address visit: to consider change, let alone embrace in our heart of hearts that not doing so www.churchinwales.org.uk/ change. This could all too easily simply perpetuates, in too many cases news/2018/04/governing- sow in the hearts and minds of all and too many places, a downcast body-address

Personal Commitment During his address, Archbishop John reminded members of their commitment a year ago to putting evangelism at the heart of the church. He then invited them to write down one thing they had each done since towards that. He said, “Because so much of how the agenda does develop depends on the commitment of individual hearts and minds, we want you, as individuals, to refl ect on your response to it after a year. Hence the sheets of paper. They are not going to be collected in, audited or scrutinised in any way – simply a personal opportunity for all of us, as leaders of our church, to honestly refl ect upon our own personal commitment.”

Highlights | April 2018 | Page 2 The Church in the public square The question of how and why the But there are other areas in public Stories of faith Church should engage in public debate where the voice of the church People in public life in Wales life was one of the key items on the is questioned, sharper-edged areas shared their stories of faith in agenda. which step into – whether it be with a fi lm, commissioned by the It was an item of two parts – group a small or a large ‘P’ - the political Standing Committee and shown discussions at this meeting to be arena. before members broke up into followed, in the light of the groups for discussions. discussions, by a plenary Huw Thomas, the leader of Cardiff session at the next meeting Council and Auriol Miller, the Director in September. of the Institute of Welsh Aff airs, were Ahead of the meeting, among those talking frankly about members were given four how their faith motivates their work in refl ections from a variety of the public sphere. perspectives on the subject: Also featured were: Simon Prince, Canon Carol Wardman, former Chief Constable of Dyfed Bishops’ Adviser for Church Powys Police; Roy Jenkins, BBC and Society, looked at why radio presenter; Harriet Morgan, a the debate was needed; property lawyer at Geldards; and Canon Dr Peter Sedgwick Gaynor Ford, a retired magistrate. explored reclaiming the Anglican social theology tradition and “I believe people go into public life also how the church to try and do good. decides about politics; “It is not only But being anointed Dr Matthew Rees our privilege to to be good news, to outlined why it was speak in the public being sent to bring worth faith groups square it is also life in all its fullness, engaging in politics is something which I and the Welsh our duty and our believe we are called Government in responsibility.” to do. So it isn’t a particular; and case of should we Dr Tristan Nash, of the University of have something to say, something to Wales, Trinity Saint David, looked at contribute to these areas of people’s the role of ethics in informing decision- lives, or which impact on people’s making in the public square. lives, but how can we? And if we are Introducing the item, the criticised for trying to say something, Archbishop said, “It is not only our for intervening, for debating, my privilege to speak in the public response to that is, ‘bring it on’.” square it is also our duty and our responsibility. There are very few communities across Wales where Christians are not involved in Watch the fi lm community projects – that work sits ‘Faith in Public Life’ www.churchinwales.org.uk/news/ comfortably alongside the Gospel. church-in-wales-fi lms

Page 3 | April 2018 | Highlights ‘Engage with politics’ says Darren Millar AM

Politics is a ‘mission fi eld’ said in our place and the outcome of that be transformed”. Darren Millar, Assembly Member may not be pretty.” Mr Millar said debates and reforms for Clwyd West and chair of the Mr Millar reminded members that at the National Assembly had been Assembly Cross Party Group on Jesus told his disciples to ‘go into the shaped by members who brought a Faith, who was invited to the meeting world and preach the Good News to Christian perspective. These included to talk about his personal experience everybody’. assisted suicide and organ donation. as a Christian in public life. “So the world, the whole of it, is The role of the Cross Party Group He urged church leaders not just to our mission fi eld, every single part of of Faith was particularly signifi cant, speak out in the political square but to it – not just geographical places, such securing spiritual care guidance for encourage Christians to engage with as Africa, Asia, Latin American and the NHS, a faith tourism action plan the world of politics and in careers other far reaching corners of the earth, and continued commitment to public which would take them into having but town halls, county halls and in our funding for chaplaincy services. A infl uence in government. national parliaments. If we can readily chaplaincy service at the National God, he said, gave his people a send missionaries to unreached people Assembly was also being set up. very clear mandate after Creation to groups across the world but don’t send Church members could do three ‘fi ll the earth and govern it’. them to the unreached people groups things to engage, he concluded: pray “There’s a wonderful verse in in Cardiff Bay or Westminster then we for those in politics and for those Proverbs that when the godly are in are missing God’s mark and missing it in authority, including holding civic authority the people rejoice but when very widely.” prayer events locally; encourage the wicked are in power, they groan. Engaging in the public sphere was people to participate in politics – One thing is clear, that if we are an eff ective way to share the Gospel, from school governing bodies to the not in power, as godly people, then he said. When Christians engage with UK government; and off er practical someone else is going to be in power decision-makers “whole nations can support for those standing for election.

Welcome to our guests The Revd Sally Thomas - Cytûn & the Covenanted Churches in Wales (Also representing The United Reformed Church); The Revd Keith Tewksbury (Superintendent of the Conwy & Prestatyn Methodist Circuit) The Methodist Church; The Venerable Alan J Perry (pictured left) - Executive Archdeacon of the Diocese of Edmonton in the Anglican Church of Canada, who was engaged in a project to visit the Governing Bodies or equivalent in the Anglican Communion, to learn about how the various governance systems function. Mr Perry gave a short account of the Synod in Canada.

Highlights | April 2018 | Page 4 Emergency motion calls for diplomacy not violence in Syria

Helen Biggin, Llandaff , supported The debate was cut short when the motion. “It twenty members stood up together represents everything calling for an immediate vote under we have talked about constitutional rules. The motion at this Governing was subsequently carried by an Body. I would like overwhelming majority. to think that implicit in what we are Bishop Gregory thanked members saying is that we hold everyone for their support. “Don’t let this motion involved in our prayers,” she said. stop here. Carry it back to your Revd Kevin Ellis (Bangor), who parishes, particularly the invitation to has visited Syria on a number of pray,” he urged. occasions, said many Christians there Escalating international tension supported President Assad due to in relation to Syria, following a his protection of them and, moreover, suspected chemical attack on atrocities had also been committed by the rebel-held town of Douma, the government’s opponents. He said, prompted the “The motion does a brilliant job in to table an emergency motion. It holding together our need to respond, was seconded by the Bishop of to support those involved in potential Motion St Davids, Joanna Penberthy. action and to call for our prayers for That the Governing Body: Bishop Gregory said, “It seems those in Syria.” The Revd Joel Barder (St Davids), to me that having • Note with alarm the return spent yesterday reminded members to the international agenda talking about the of the Holocaust. “At of the possibility of heavy way in which the this moment in Israel bombardment and violent church has to it is the Holocaust intervention in the situation speak out in the memorial day and one in Syria; public square and the Governing of great pains felt, even 70 years later, Body having been encouraged by the is that the world stood by and watched • While condemning the use Archbishop to step up and set a pace as these things of chemical weapons, is for the church, we would be missing a happened and mindful of the complexities huge opportunity and a necessity not did very little of the situation which rule out simplistic answers; to speak out about what is happening about it. in Syria at the moment.” I wonder if we • Call upon the UK He acknowledged the complexity need also to Government to prioritise bear that in mind of the situation, adding, “We have to concerted diplomatic action avoid the temptation to pontifi cate. We as we see the to secure more peaceful are none of us experts on the Middle images of people and consensual international East and it would be easy to have a attacked by the responses rather than an debate when we assume we have the government, it escalation of violence. answers when we don’t.” seems.”

Page 5 | April 2018 | Highlights Standing Committee report

The use of important topic in the church today.” The Revd Dr Adrian Morgan church buildings Outlining plans for the celebration (Swansea & Brecon) for mission, the of the Church’s centenary in 2020, suggested a radical role of the church Mrs Perkins said the working party answer to the in the public was focusing on a digital media problem of church square and campaign, a pilgrimage, a provincial buildings. “I was celebrating the Church’s centenary service, a family service in Mid Wales in Christchurch, New Zealand after in 2020 were the three issues on and projects in parishes. A Centenary the earthquake in 2011,” he said. the Standing Committee’s ‘front Appeal Fund was also planned to “Suddenly most of the churches there burner’ said its chair, Lis Perkins, support one overseas project, focused were no longer fi t for purpose and presenting the report. on South Sudan, and a project in that completely changed the debate. “How can we support sustainable Wales, to help homeless people. People began to look strategically at churches? What is a sustainable “Telling and hearing the story of where the people were and where church? This is quite an issue and the church is very important. We want the church needed to be.... Let’s have it was helpful for us to discuss it in to show the daily impact of the church a conversation of earthshattering smaller groups so everyone had a in communities throughout the life of consequences,” he urged. chance to express an opinion. We the nations,” she said. The Archdeacon of Llandaff , want to incorporate as wide a range of “Keep an eye on the website and Peggy Jackson, views as possible into the topic.” note the key dates as they become suggested some In April 2019 the Governing Body available. The clock is ticking so we need outward action to will be invited to discuss Church to go back and plan how we are going to mark the centenary. Buildings for Mission. Members were mark the centenary in our parishes.” “The proposals we invited to write in with their thoughts Dr Heather Payne (Llandaff ) said have are in-church – by the church on this topic ahead of the Committee’s being a welcoming to church people. Should we not meeting in February so that it could church to everyone take courage and speak into the take into account the range of views should be an aim. public square of the province? Think across the Church. “To be Christ in the of off ering some public statement On the role of the church in the world, to have sacred to the people of Wales and commit public square, Mrs Perkins noted that spaces that are of benefi t to the ourselves to Wales for the future?” it was an area which could create community, we must make sure our Mrs Perkins urged members to tension. “Speaking truth to power can church buildings are accessible and send in further thoughts or other be uncomfortable but should we be welcoming. A practical suggestion ideas on the important matters for doing it? That is the question – the would be to have a simple audit, a life in Wales today for potential role of the church in public life will be checklist to see what a church is like consideration by the Governing Body. a big part of our meeting today and in for people who are not actually there. September. We believe it is a vitally Changes may need money spent.”

The following recommendations were moved: • Canon Steven Kirk and His Honour Judge Andrew Keyser QC be appointed members of the Standing Committee for the triennium to 31 December 2020; • Mrs Lis Perkins and Archdeacon Peggy Jackson continue on the Panel of Governing Body Chairs for a period of six years; • The Revd Dr Ainsley Griffiths be appointed an Associate Member of the Methodist Conference for 2018 and 2019; • Canon Steven Kirk be invited to attend the Synod of the Scottish Episcopal Church from 7-9 June 2018 as the Church in Wales’s representative and that such appointments of representatives to attend the Synods of other Churches be delegated to the Standing Committee in future.

Highlights | April 2018 | Page 6 Empowering women across the world – a report from the UN summit

“I pledged to bring back to the “Instead of looking for the same Church in Wales all I learnt to help us people to take on roles each time, to empower women across Wales.” let’s encourage diversity – women Laura told Governing Body can bring so much to the table if only that the key issues to come out of given a chance.” UNCSW62 were indigenous rights, Following her address to access to healthcare and education, Governing Body, Laura took questions harmful practices, such as Female from delegates. Genital Mutilation and early child Lesley Joy forced marriage, LBTQI2+ rights and (St Asaph) thanked intersectionality and human traffi cking Laura for her “brilliant and modern slavery. presentation” and Laura explained how women in asked her about the situation in the UK. A student from St Asaph was the rural communities often have fewer Gregor Lachlann Waddell youngest Anglican delegate to the rights than men. “In Canada” she (St Asaph) asked recent United Nations’ Commission said, “Indigenous women leave about the gender pay on the Status of Women (UNCSW62). school at an early age, get married gap in the US Church. Laura Lloyd-Williams told and have children. That is all that is The Revd Dean Governing Body how she expected of them. Roberts (Monmouth) represented the Church “In Sudan, the Many go missing said “As a parish priest I see many in Wales as part of a testimony of and the church women in church whose husbands 16-strong delegation sent ran a campaign to or partners aren’t alongside them. by the worldwide Anglican a women is highlight their plight, How can we empower women to be Communion to discuss worth half the ringing the church Christian witnesses in their home issues of gender equality value of a man’s” bell for every missing life?” and the empowerment of woman. Last year Laura replied saying by giving rural women and girls. alone, the bell rang 1,200 times. women “confi dence that they are Laura said, “I am so fortunate to “In Sudan, the testimony of a unstoppable”. be part of the Church in Wales which women is worth half the value of a Dr Robert Wilkinson (St Davids) recognises and supports young man, meaning two female witnesses said he was particularly interested in people. All the Anglican Provinces are required, for every man. The Laura’s closing remarks on discerning were asked to send young people, yet Anglican Church there is doing much potential. He asked, “Are we making only Wales fulfi lled this request. I was to challenge this.” assumptions when any role needs the only delegate to this Commission Laura said more diversity should to be fi lled about who is a suitable at the UN who was under 24-years-old. be encouraged to empower women in person for it both in terms of gender “It was an amazingly busy two Wales. “Take a look around the room,” and age? It’s too easy to make weeks. I met so many fascinating she said, having asked all the female assumptions that rule out young people from all over the world members to stand up. “This a great people and particularly to rule out and heard their stories. I learnt so start to gender equality in the Church younger women. I put it to GB that we much and had some life changing in Wales. Let’s see how we include look at our conscience and not to fall experiences. women at all levels of ministry. into the trap of doing that.”

Page 7 | April 2018 | Highlights Living and Learning Cathedral to be city beacon programme

Plans to make Newport Cathedral fi t for purpose as the Mother Church for the were unanimously backed by Governing Body. The motion to amend the cathedral constitution and regulations was introduced by the Dean of the Cathedral Church of St Woolos, Lister Tonge. He told delegates that St Woolos, which became the cathedral in 1949, “functions as a cathedral when needed to be so, but only due to the volunteers. “We want to change this, so the building can become a beacon in the city… We are attempting to engage with the community as never New resources for church groups were before. We house the homeless and attempt to engage with all those launched at the meeting by St Padarn’s in need.” Institute. Dean Lister told members that the diffi culties were around The Living and Learning programme off ers governance. The Constitution of the Church in Wales meant bilingual resources specifi cally written for the that in Newport the roles and responsibilities of the Cathedral Church in Wales on a range of theological, Chapter and the church’s PCC overlapped. The Cathedral Chapter scriptural and practical topics, including Leading were eff ectively trustees of a charity over which they have little Worship and Five Marks of Christian Mission. responsibility. The changes to the constitution, would allow the The Revd Professor Jeremy Duff , Principal PCC to give up responsibility for the fabric of the building to focus of St Padarn’s said, “These resources are on its responsibility for the mission of the cathedral. aimed at stimulating the work of promoting The Archdeacon of Newport, Jonathan Williams, seconded service and discipleship for congregations, they the motion. not a course. They are for church groups to use The Revd Mark Owen (Monmouth) spoke in to support their learning. We hope they will be support of the motion, “The cathedral belongs to of value to the growth and life of our church.” us as a diocese. It feels as it is almost ‘home’ as it You can download the programmes at the never has done before. It will continue to grow and St Padarn’s Institute website: fl ourish.” www.stpadarns.ac.uk/?page_id=710 Canon Steven Kirk (Llandaff ) was delighted to read about this scheme. He said, “Although I am a member of another cathedral chapter and I wouldn’t want to say that this provision would suit us, Bookshop launches this is exactly what the cathedral review should encourage – each new website cathedral looking at its own governance to see how and where changes should be made. Newport is a trailblazer and I am very pleased to see them move forward in an imaginative way.” The , Richard Pain, paid tribute to Dean Lister for his vision in wanting to move the cathedral to a place which represents the whole diocese. He said, “This is an experimental scheme over three years, which will be monitored and scrutinised as any good institution should do. I endorse this scheme 100 percent.” The motion was carried unanimously. Motion Ruth Dickinson and Terry Cox launched i. Note the Newport Cathedral Constitution and Regulations dated the new website for the Churches Together 13 March 2018; Bookshop at the meeting. ii. Give permission for the experimental constitution and regulations The website has the full catalogue of Church to be used in Newport Cathedral for an initial period of three in Wales books that can be ordered online years, the time and date of commencement to be determined by the Dean and Chapter; and for delivery to you at home. iii. Request for a progress report after two years from its www.ctbooks.org.uk commencement date. Highlights | April 2018 | Page 8 Admission to Holy Communion

More than 20 members joined in a Bishop’s we are open to discussion. (Monmouth) said, “This debate passionate discussion on admission “We are committed to this is focused around the wrong to Communion. It followed an policy. We are listening, and we are sacrament…. it’s crucial for children introduction by the Bishop of ready to work on its improvement, who receive communion, to be St Asaph, Gregory Cameron, who both theological and with practical properly prepared.” He explained how reminded delegates that this issue measures for its reception but, we he believed parents bringing children had fi rst been raised as a question have stepped out in faith and we are for baptism, should be properly at Governing Body in 2009. It had not minded to step back.” prepared and responsible for bringing been referred to the Doctrinal Standing orders were suspended up their children in the Christian faith. Commission, which had produced to allow a full and lengthy discussion, He said, “This right to be baptised is a paper that was unanimously which was opened by Canon Patrick a hangover from Christendom. Many accepted by delegates. It was Thomas (St Davids) in support don’t know what baptism is.” following these discussions that of the policy. He Andrew Sims (Llandaff ) said he’d the Bench of Bishop’s issued their explained how he had spoken to people in pastoral letter on the matter in 2016. discussed the issue his congregation who “This did not come out of the blue,” with young families asked, “If confi rmation Bishop Gregory told Governing Body. in his churches most isn’t for communion, “It is important to note the theological of whom were “very happy that their then what is it for?” context [for the pastoral letter] and say children had been baptised and were He went on, “As members of Christ’s something about the process.” given bread…. Children come more body we have shot ourselves in the He explained: regularly now and there’s a small foot if the purpose of confi rmation 1. Over the centuries there has been part of the Kingdom of Heaven in this wasn’t communion. I was baptised no defi nitive pattern or relationship church. I do believe the Bishops have as an infant and confi rmed before I between baptism, confi rmation and had an excellent idea this time.” made a personal commitment. When communion. Diff erent emphasis on The Revd John Connell (Monmouth) I made a personal commitment, I had these sacraments has emerged over said, “Thank you. For a mission- nothing left to do to show my outward the centuries. minded priest in the catholic tradition, commitment.” 2. We are in the business of creating this was what I needed to develop my The Revd Dr Harri Williams faithful disciples of Jesus Christ; work with children and young people.” (St Davids) asked, “What about enabling people to grow into a living It was wrong he said “to send children children who attend church without faith. Admission to communion isn’t back to their place, hungry” after their parents? What about children about convenience or tidiness, it’s Communion. whose parents are divorced and who about adopting a system which The Revd Naomi Starkey (Bangor) share parental responsibility – what enables the church to encourage faith. reminded everyone happens if dad says ‘yes’ but mum 3. Absolute priority is given to God’s that Bishop Gregory’s says ‘no’? What about those in foster Grace in the work of salvation: God introduction included care? Churches must continue to loves us, and we shouldn’t turn faith the importance of the provide age appropriate learning into work to qualify for salvation. Grace of God, which study and refl ection.” 4. Baptism is complete initiation into is “immeasurable and extended to all. Responding, Bishop Gregory the Christian faith. No further initiation That doesn’t absolve us of the need said he valued Governing Body’s is required, and this has been for preparation but it does allow us to passion for faith and discipleship.The accepted ecumenically over the last off er unchurched parents a welcome Bishops would be taking seriously 40 years. and allow the Holy all the comments raised and further To end, Bishop Gregory said, Spirit to respond.” guidance would be issued after their “We are a church which believes in In contrast, the meeting in June. theological debate and as a Bench of Revd Dean Roberts

Page 9 | April 2018 | Highlights Growing the church a framework for evangelism

Nine areas to progress for evangelism stats didn’t tell an accurate and • Mission action planning – we need and mission were outlined to Governing complete picture and that we needed to be focussed, strategic and well Body by the , Andy to work together to ask the right resourced, not formulaic, said John. These areas were identifi ed by questions to fi nd out where there was Bishop Andy. three working groups – on growth, genuine growth. Better data analysis Bishop Andy off ered the following evangelism and pioneer ministry would be helpful. recommendations as an update on – which had now come together to • The role of chaplains is signifi cant – progress to Governing Body: prepare a report, A Framework for these are cultural and appropriate. 1. St Padarn’s Institute to work with Healthy and Joyful Mission. • Training and selection – “We want to Dr Sandra Miller who has worked The nine areas were: release laity and clergy to focus on with the on • Expanding the capacity of the church the work of evangelism but currently occasional offi ces. to do mission well – fi nding ways for that doesn’t feature strongly on the 2. The Bench has agreed to the established church to do the work curriculum of theological colleges,” showcase good examples of of evangelism in a joyful and anxious- said Bishop Andy. mission and has commissioned a free way. Seasons and festivals off er • Occasional offi ces – Bishop Andy series of fi lms. good opportunities for this. said many people came back to 3. Every mission or ministry area • Learning from our brothers and us for services such as baptisms, should establish a pioneer ministry sisters’ churches – what are others weddings, etc giving us good or project. doing which is creative, dynamic opportunities to be invitational. 4. The RB has released £10m for and has traction? • Para-church organisations – Bishop evangelism – this will be specifi cally • Looking at the work of pioneer Andy said there were good things for people to come and hear and projects and pioneer ministry. to be learnt from para-church respond to the Good News. People need to embed themselves organisations, such as the Church A formal report will be reviewed by without an agenda in ways which Army. Did they have the capacity to the Bench of Bishops in June with a don’t seem false and inappropriate. contribute to be a missional church report to Standing Committee in July • Data – Bishop Andy said the church’s to off er natural church growth? and a full debate in September.

Worship and collections The opening Eucharist, at which the Archbishop was the celebrant, was held in St Paul’s Church Craig y Don, organised by the , and the Bishop of Bangor preached. Evening Prayer in Holy Trinity Church Llandudno on Wednesday evening was led by the and the Bishop of St Asaph preached. Morning Prayer on Thursday morning was again in St Paul’s Church, and the offi ciant was the Revd Dr Adrian Morgan, organised by the Diocese of Swansea & Brecon. Prayers and Bible study led by the Revd David Morris (Llandaff ) opened the business on Thursday.

Collections taken at the meeting will be given to Kaleidoscope Wales and Christian Aid Wales equally. Kaleidoscope Wales is a charity that provides help and support for people and their families dealing with alcohol and drug problems. The total collection, before the Gift Aid claim has been added, comes to £912.59. Tributes Silence was kept in memory of three former Governing Body members who had died recently: Bishop , who retired as Bishop of Bangor in 2004; Sir William Gladstone, who chaired the Representative Body from 1977-1992; and Graham Whatley, a former member of the GB from the Diocese of Swansea & Brecon.

Highlights | April 2018 | Page 10 QUESTION TIME 1. The Revd Dr Harri Williams, (St Davids) Following on from the Governing Body’s decision to recognise the importance of caring for God’s creation (September 2017) would the Representative Body give consideration to providing Parishes/ LMAs with ‘Green Loans’ to be able to undertake capital works on buildings which would make them environmentally friendly?

Answer - the Chair of the Representative Body, James Turner In reviewing the future issues around church buildings the issue of loans has been raised and is under consideration going forward. The challenge with any loan scheme is how to ensure repayment and the appropriate level of interest to charge (given that the loan would use part of the Representative Body’s general funds which are income generating). The suggestion is an interesting one and will be considered alongside a more general review of funding for church buildings.

Q2. Sue Last (St Asaph) In an increasingly multi faith world, where the equality and diversity legislation supports the special provision for religions, does the Church in Wales have any plans to develop guidelines for use in multi faith chaplaincy?

Answer - Bishop of St Asaph, Gregory Cameron Multi-faith chaplaincy has become increasingly important as the religious profi le of Welsh society becomes notably more diverse, and as secular institutions which support chaplaincy seek to provide for all their users, and to act with complete neutrality towards the sometimes competitive claims of diff erent religions. Since multi-faith chaplaincy tends to arise in the context of other institutions, it is those institutions, or the chaplains within them, that tend to develop the guidelines that work within their own particular structures. Nevertheless, it would probably be fair to say that the approach of the Church in Wales has tended to be reactive rather than pro-active in these matters, and there has not been the capacity within our existing structures to generate offi cial guidance at Provincial level. At the beginning of May a new director of Faith, Unity and Order will take up his post. For the fi rst time, we will have a Provincial offi cer whose brief specifi cally includes responsibility for inter-faith matters, and it may be that an early task for him to look into this question.

Q3. Canon Dr Trish Owens (St Asaph) Members of Governing Body will have followed the proceedings of the Public Hearings project of the Independent Inquiry in to Child Sex abuse in England. Following the launch of the Truth Project in Cardiff in 2016, and the stakeholder event held in Swansea in March 2018, and in the light of the Church in Wales’ own independent review of 2011 and the subsequent investment in safeguarding at all levels within the province, what is the position of the Church in Wales with regard to the current IICSA? Answer - Provincial Secretary, The Legal Department has already provided to the Inquiry all documentation that it has requested from the Church in Wales and Mr Mark Powell QC who has extensive Child Protection experience has been retained in order to assist and represent the Church in Wales as necessary. At present a defi nite date has not been given to us in relation to when the Church in Wales will be called to the Inquiry, but early indications are that it will be some time after March 2019.

The Governing Body will next meet on Wednesday 12 and Thursday 13 September 2018 at the University of Wales, Trinity Saint David, Lampeter.

Page 11 | April 2018 | Highlights