Meithrin Gobaith Growing Hope www.stdavidsdiocese.org.uk www.facebook.com/pobl.dewi http://twitter.com/PoblDewi June / Mehefin 2015 Yes it’s ‘No’ St Davids Diocese has voted overwhelmingly against the acceptance of same-sex marriages in church ELEGATES at the extraor- Ddinary diocesan conference, held at Bronwydd Hall outside Carmarthen on Saturday 6th June, were invited to consider three options: 1 Maintain that the union of one man and one woman is the only definition of marriage recognised by the Church in Wales, and make no liturgical provision for recog- nising same-sex relationships. 2 Make provision for the bless- ing of same-sex relationships (i.e civil partnerships or state-recog- nised marriages), but not carry out same-sex weddings. 3 Conduct marriages for same-sex Those preferring Option Two and embrace the right of every- couples pointed to the inclusivity of Angli- body to make their promises to the Voting was conducted by secret canism and referred back to the God who created them, regardless ballot in both houses: clergy and evolution of opinion over previ- of sexual orientation, if they felt laity. The voting was as follows: ously non-negotiable principles, called to the married state. Clergy Laity such as the remarriage of divorcees Central to many of the argu- Option 1 43 (61.5%) 42 (56%) and the ordination of women. ments, on all sides, was the conflict this. Which comes first? And to In the end, though, the diocese Option 2 12 (17%) 17 (23%) And supporters of Option between God and society which can what extent do they complement, spoke with a clear voice. Time will Option 3 15 (21.5%) 16 (21%) Three urged conference to respect emerge on moral questions such as or contradict, each other? tell what God decides to do about it. However, the result has no legal force. It is a recommendation to the Bench of Bishops, in common Armenian Christians make their Aelodau Eglwys Llanwinio yn dathlu with similar votes in the other five dioceses, who will bring forward annual Easter visit to Christ Church, eu nawddsant gyda gwasanaeth, proposals to the next meeting of the Church in Wales Governing Body Carmarthen cerddoriaeth a gwledd in September where the definitive vote will be taken. Full story page 17 Y stori lawn ar dudalen 13 Introducing the debate, Bishop Wyn stressed the importance of the occasion. “It will add weight and significance to our identity in our calling, our self-awareness and in the communities we serve,” he said. The 90-minute debate that followed observed the Bishop’s other imperative, that members should show due respect to the views expressed, however strongly they may disagree with them. “I don’t have to agree with you to love you,” as one member put it. Speakers favouring Option One quoted Scripture from Levit- icus and St Paul, and warned of schism if same-sex marriages were sanctioned. FOCUS ON FAMILY HISTORY RESEARCH – Pages 10 - 12 Am ddim Free 2 Pobl Dewi, June 2015 Growing hopefully About 130 people from 31 different parishes, benefices and ministry areas headed for Trinity St David’s for ‘Growing Hope 2’, as Jenny Kimber reports HIS year there were many who The keynote speaker was the Team, Plant Dewi, The Mothers Thadn’t been to Growing Hope Venerable Ian Bishop, Archdea- Union, Cursillo Cymru and Tŷ’r before and they were looking for con of Macclesfield. Using rugby Pererin. Churches Together ran an different things: “ideas on how to illustrations – always popular with excellent bookstall. expand our Sunday School . I’m a Welsh audience – he motivated The day seemed as success- interested in Messy Church . I’m us with his themes of hope and ful as ‘Growing Hope 1’, but were a brand-new Christian so I’m open growth so that, now fired up, we people’s expectations fulfilled? – to everything . need my batter- went off to one of the ten different It certainly seemed so: “I learned ies recharged . I want to try and workshops, to find knowledge and it’s important to form relationships help our parish to move forward . inspiration. in the local community . the . we’re doing Leading Your Church There were opportunities to meditation workshop pointed me Into Growth, maybe this will help. hear good news stories of growth towards prayer . I wish I could . I need inspiration as to how to in the diocese, consider pilgrim- have brought the whole parish . move on and cope with the changes age and prayer visiting as a form of . excellent and inspiring main . interested in prayer visiting.” outreach, dive into Messy Church speaker, his enthusiasm just flowed After the opening worship, or simply to be still and seek God over us – and I’ll follow it up . Bishop Wyn welcomed everyone in meditative silence. The aim of lots of ideas for our youth group . and announced the inauguration the day was that these shared expe- hope in a difficult situation . I’m of the St Davids Diocese Fellow- riences would find their way back going to organise a ‘pylon pilgrim- ship of Vocation (FOV), designed to individual churches and act as age’ . was inspired to help the to offer to those who feel called by the fertiliser for new growth. church to change and support our God a chance to meet others in the There was display material priest in achieving it.” same boat and to help them explore from the World Mission & Ecumen- that call. ism Team, Pobl Dewi, The Tourism Kingdom Values Fellowship of Vocation Reaching out to those in need is a biblical imperative, A new means for people who feel called to Christian ministry says Jeni Parsons, St Davids Social Responsibility Officer in St Davids Diocese to share their experiences was officially launched by Bishop Wyn at the conference. OCIAL Responsibility is our aware of areas of social hous- people need help with transport or call to live out the actions and ing in our communities is a start. filling in forms? Do local people S HE Fellowship of Voca- Fellowship members will be values of God’s Kingdom in our Churches and individual Chris- have relatives in prison or hospital tion will provide opportunities able to attend up to three dioc- lives, our churches and our diocese. tians have to know where the need and need help to visit them? Could T for anyone who feels called by esan events a year, two weekends We follow Jesus and his understand- is so that the love of God can be churches locally provide play God to explore their calling in the and an afternoon with the Bishop ing of his Bible (what Christians shown and acted out. Are there space for access visits for separated company of others making the during which there will be various often call the Old Testament) to lonely people in your neighbour- parents to meet with their children? same journey. opportunities to talk about your understand the values of God’s hood who would welcome a visit All of these have been done by Membership is automatic for and their journeys in faith. The first Kingdom for today. The prophet or local activities they could go to? churches in this diocese and else- those already undergoing training. event will take place in Tenby in Amos calls us to “do justice, love Are there people who need help where and are signs of the love But anyone can sign up by contact- November. mercy and walk humbly with God” of God abroad in our community. with food, clothing or furniture as ing their Vocations Adviser. and the people of Israel were told they seek to rebuild their lives? Do Could your church do any of this? that their love for God would be judged by how they cared for “the The hunt is on for a new logo for the new Fellowship, orphan, the widow and the stranger and we are asking you to come up with one for us. in the land”. Jesus, in the parable Bright ideas and eye-catching designs are welcome. of the sheep and goats, is heard to Please send your submission to: [email protected] say when you feed the hungry, give a drink to the thirsty, welcome a stranger, clothe the naked, care for the sick or visit the prisoner, you do (Silver and Bronze). All were it to him. As Christians we try to successful and are to be congratu- understand what that might mean lated. They will be presented with in our lives and our communities. T is always a special pleasure to their medals and certificates by the So, local churches support food Iannounce successes in the Royal Dean of St Davids at the Area Festi- banks, collect clothes for the Plant School of Church Music’s Voice val Service in Holy Trinity Church, Dewi charity shop to sell cheaply, for Life scheme. Many candidates Aberaeron, on Saturday 13th June. welcome new people into their have had to get used to the new Bishop’s Award: neighbourhoods. syllabus for this year, but all have Rhian Barwick The Diocesan Council for demonstrated a fantastic depth of Lewis Davies Social Responsibility has the task knowledge of the music, musical Joanna Foster of supporting what churches are context and understanding of the Georgia Gillespie doing and extending it, linking up liturgy. Reuben Mansfield with other agencies which do simi- In March, several candidates put Sara Rothwell-Stemp lar work to further Kingdom Values themselves forward for examination Dean’s Award in our society. in the Bishop’s and Dean’s Awards Carys Reynolds My job as Social Responsibil- ity Officer for this diocese is to encourage, assist and inspire new ways of living out Kingdom Values St Patrick’s Church, Pennar, runs a cafe from 3-5pm where The RSCM has earmarked 21 June 2015 as Music Sunday when churches and that’s why the theme for the anyone can have a snack and a drink, find some peace, meet are invited to give thanks for the power of music in worship and to affirm Archdeacons’ Visitations is ‘Look- their friends, find someone to listen to their concerns and get the work of those who make it.