HIGHLIGHTS of the Church in ’ Governing Body meeting, September 2016 ‘Biblical stories can reveal a new understanding of same-sex relationships’ -

Taking the Bible as a whole and taking what it says seriously may lead to a very different view of same-sex relationships than the one traditionally upheld by the Church, said the Archbishop of Wales. In his final address to the Governing Body of the , Dr , responded to claims that he and his fellow bishops had been “swayed by the liberal culture of our age” and “ignored Holy Scripture” in issuing prayers earlier this year that could be said with same-sex couples following their civil partnership or marriage. He showed how the Bible contained more than one perspective on particular topics and, over time, there were shifts in that. He added that taking Holy Scripture seriously meant paying attention to Jesus’ ministry of inclusivity.

Shifts of understanding emerging Christian Church. discern, often through stories, the Dr Morgan, who will retire in January, “Foreigners were hated by the direction in which it is leading. Holy took references to eunuchs as an Jews and sexual deviants even more Scripture, in other words, contains example of shifts of understanding in so because they did not produce not just ethical injunctions but stories, the Bible. He said, “Deuteronomy children. Yet an Ethiopian eunuch is and stories convey truth about says that eunuchs are an accepted by Philip and valued as a peoples’ understanding of God. After abomination to God and are not person in his own right and his race all, Jesus spent most of His life telling welcome at worship because of their and his sexuality do not count against stories to get people to understand sexual ambivalence and because of him. Isaiah puts aside the the nature and character of God.” their reputation for having passive prohibitions of Deuteronomy with its sex with other men. The prophet purity and holiness laws and the New Freedom from oppression Isaiah disagrees and says they will Testament goes a step further and is Dr Morgan compared biblical be accepted and blessed by God, willing in the person of Philip to offer interpretations of same-sex even more than the Jews, God’s baptism to the eunuch.” relationships with those of slavery. chosen people. And all of that comes This shows, the Archbishop said, He said the biblical texts showed to pass in the Book of Acts when that the Bible has radical shifts in overwhelming support for slavery, Philip baptises an Ethiopian eunuch understanding in what it means to regarding the practice as a good who has been up to Jerusalem to discern the will of God: “It absolutely thing, and it was defended by the Mount Zion to worship. The eunuch, will not do to quote texts from parts of Church. Why then, he asked, was it a figure to be cast out according to the Bible in a simplistic way without eventually abolished? Deuteronomy, now becomes reference to their contexts. One has “Why - because if you read the acceptable to both Judaism and the to treat the Bible as a whole and Scriptures in their totality, they are

University of Wales Trinity , Lampeter on the 14th and 15th September 2016 … continued from the front page opposed to oppression, domination traditionally upheld by the Church.” New insights and abuse. ‘I have come,’ says the He argued that the few texts about The diverse views in the Bible was a Jesus of Luke’s Gospel, ‘to set free same-sex relationships in the Bible result of a growth in understanding those who are in prison, to loose were not about committed, loving, about issues, said Dr Morgan. New those who are bound, to deliver those faithful monogamous relationships knowledge and insights should make who are oppressed.’ but about pederasty and male a difference. “In spite of all the passages in prostitution. “So for past generations, favour of slavery, when you homosexual practice was examine the Scriptures as a seen as a moral failure whole and the ministry of because people had no Jesus in particular, you understanding of human realise it is about freedom sexuality and how humans are from all that diminishes and formed biologically, dehumanises people. No psychologically and socially. Christian I hope would today For them, it was a disorder. argue that slavery is good, We now know that sexual but for nineteen centuries the orientation is not a matter of Church accepted it and personal choice but of how defended it. God through His people are and that ought to Holy Spirit has led us into the make a huge difference to the truth of seeing things in a totally “Given that each of the passages way we view things.” different way today and we are rightly purported to be about homosexuality The Archbishop concluded his horrified when we read about people can be interpreted in more than one address by quoting from a book who have been kept as slaves by way, we come to the fundamental edited by Andrew Davison, called others. question as to whether taking the Amazing Love: “What all this amounts to is that Bible as a whole, we can come to the “We are most truly ourselves one cannot argue that there is one same conclusions about committed, when we live for others and we gain accepted traditional way of faithful, loving, same-sex life not by clutching to it but by giving interpreting Scripture that is true and relationships as we did about slavery. it away. Living for others underlines orthodox and all else is modern “We are not thereby abandoning the truest meaning of sexuality. revisionism, culturally conditioned. the Bible but trying to interpret it in a Christians have discovered that most Scripture itself is diverse and way that is consistent with the main people flourish best when this living theological views held in some thrust of the ministry of Jesus, who for others finds its focus in a biblical books are reshaped in the went out of His way to minister to commitment to one other person: light of experience by other writers.” those who were excluded, when a couple make a lifelong As opinions on slavery changed, marginalised, and abandoned by His commitment within which sex the Archbishop suggested, so may society because they were regarded properly belongs.” the Church’s view on same-sex as impure and unholy by the religious He said, “Those of us who were or relationships. leaders of His day, either because of are married have found that to be the “So taking the Bible as a whole and their gender, age, morality or case. Why would we want to deny taking what it says very seriously may sexuality. Taking Holy Scripture such a possibility for those who are lead us into a very different view of seriously means paying attention to attracted to their own gender?” same-sex relationships than the one Jesus’ ministry of inclusivity.”

The Archbishop’s full address is available online at: http://www.churchinwales.org.uk/structure/bishops/sermons-and-addresses-archbishop-barry- morgan/presidential-address-governing-body-september-2016

Page 2|September 2016|Highlights ACC 16 – playing our part in the wider Communion

From Llandaff to Lusaka – would do well to look to our sisters and brothers in other Helen Biggin represented the parts of the world. This is our Anglican Communion. This Church in Wales for the third is our Church. In Africa at ACC-16 that was the message time at the Anglican too as the people there showed us how together we can Consultative Council, which live as intentional disciples in a world of differences.” this year met in Zambia. This Canon Elizabeth Paver time she was also a member (Church of England, Diocese of of its Standing Committee. Sheffield), who was also at the The theme of the meeting, ACC meeting as its vice-chair, said Mrs Biggin, had been 'Intentional discipleship in a praised Mrs Biggin for being a world of differences’ and she described how vital worship ‘huge advocate for the work of had been in addressing that theme – from its venue in the the Communion wherever she Cathedral of the Holy Cross to daily bible study and an goes”. She praised the opening celebration service for 5,000 people which lasted contribution of members of the Church in Wales to the life four-and-a-half hours. of the Anglican Communion, including Mrs Biggin, Bishop Mrs Biggin said that while delegates were aware of a Gregory and Archbishop Barry. communique issued by the Primates in January about Ros Crawford (St Asaph), who is from the Province of ‘consequences’ in respect of same-sex marriage and that Central Africa, urged people to pray for the Communion, some provinces were boycotting the meeting, the issue “The Communion is something we ought to be taking care did not dictate the tone of the event. Rather they affirmed of – we need to make it clear to our congregations where a joint commitment to walk together as Christians as they we belong.” worked on 45 resolutions. Archbishop Barry encouraged members to refer to She said, “We may have our difficulties, our the Church’s weekly prayer cycle in which all provinces challenges here in Wales - but so many of our sisters and were included and noted that most of the dioceses had brothers in Christ are living, working and worshipping in also set up links across the globe. extreme and hostile situations throughout the world.

For them, the Anglican Communion is a lifeline.” Picture left and below courtesy of the ACC She praised the Communion as a force for positive change with real power and influence. “As we approach our centenary of disestablishment and work towards the realisation of our 2020 Vision for the Church in Wales we 2020 Vision Report

Measuring the impact of the Church’s 2020 Vision strategy for growth so far will be one of the key tasks of the group set up to oversee it. Lis Perkins (Bangor), Chair of the Implementation Group, said a comprehensive assessment of 2020 Vision was being planned to establish how it was taking the Church in Wales forward. The survey would be done once reliable data was available but the brief was being established now. Mrs Perkins said the group also planned to identify a date for an annual 2020 Vision Sunday when dioceses could focus on their growth strategies. Other work by the group included looking at the reporting of mission and ministry work within the Church, meeting the bishops and archdeacons, the communication officers and IT staff, and the children and youth officers. Mrs Perkins thanked James Turner who stood down from the Group this year after serving since its inception in 2013. HIGHLIGHTS|September 2016|Page 3 Safe Church: New team brings expert advice and support

Children, young schools, as well as to people in follow procedures and guidelines people and hospitals and homes, saying, “As a which we hope have made the vulnerable Church we are committed to enabling Church a Safe Place for those we adults were at these ministries and an important part seek to welcome and serve.” the heart of a of the work of The Archdeacon of major new safeguarding is the Morgannwg, strategy launched at the GB and provision of training for Christopher Smith, aimed at ensuring churches are clergy and lay people, who chairs the safe places for everyone. encouraging good safeguarding Archbishop Barry said the Church practice and providing committee, said the was investing in a team of expert advice and safeguarding policy safeguarding professionals to work support.” applied to everyone with its churches across the country as Safeguarding also attending church – it strengthens its safeguarding policy. provided professional both clergy and lay Led by Head of Safeguarding, practical care and support where people - as well as all church-led Elaine Cloke, the new team included good practice had broken down, he activity which may or may not be held two part-time Provincial Safeguarding said. “An essential part of our on church premises. It focused on Officers (one for North Wales, one for commitment to being a Safe Church promoting safer practice in all areas South Wales) who dealt with all is to recognise that there are times of church life, including online activity, safeguarding concerns and when we have failed in our care for taking films and photographs, allegations. There were also seven others, and to do all we can to transport and hiring buildings. It diocesan-based part-time Provincial address this, working with statutory offered clear guidelines for parishes Safeguarding Support Officers. authorities and other agencies to on how to be a safe church with a The officers came from a variety of support victims, to identify offenders step-by-step guide to responding to backgrounds, including the police, and to ensure that the correct concerns and allegations. social services and health and bring a processes are followed.” “We now have a structure and a wealth of experience in the protection Outlining the Church’s team of people to help,” he said. of children, young people and commitment to safeguarding since “Where it is not working and where it vulnerable adults. the introduction of the Children Act in needs to be improved, let us know as The Archbishop said the new 1989, the Archbishop said the Church we now have the resources to help safeguarding policy reflected the was participating fully with the and we welcome feedback.” Church’s commitment to providing a Government inquiry as into child Seconding the motion, the safe church for everyone. He paid abuse and he believed it had a , Peggy tribute to the Church’s ministry to positive story to tell. Jackson, said, “Keeping people safe children through Sunday Schools, “We are not perfect but we have is part of the Gospel message. Messy Church, Youth Groups, and worked hard to put in place and to Through our safeguarding polices

The new team from the left: Linda Neal, Peter Doyle, Liz Tibbatts, Jim Thompson, Becks Davie-Tettmar, Archbishop Barry, Provincial Secretary , Wendy Lemon, Lynn Rees, Fay Howe, Debbie Fisher, Joy Kett and Elaine Cloke.

Page 4|September 2016|HIGHLIGHTS others should see Jesus in our life Church – it is not designed for true of those who are falsely accused – and work.” safeguarding,” she said. we are there to support everyone Pam Odam (Bangor) welcomed The Revd Richard Wood involved in this process so no one is the policy but wanted to know what (Bangor) asked for advice about how compromised and no one feels support was offered for those found to ensure other organisations that unsupported.” He stressed that the to be innocent of allegations against use church premises abided by the policy was compact compared with them. “Good pastoral care is needed safeguarding policy. those of other church denominations where cases are malicious and there The Revd Harri Williams and it would be regularly reviewed. is found to be no case to answer,” (St Davids) asked for a guarantee The committee was actively looking she said. that safeguarding training at how training could be given to Jennie Willson would be rolled out to retired clergy. right (St Asaph) retired clergy “many of The motion was carried. said the policy was whom have substantial not realistic as it responsibility in would be difficult parishes”. The policy is available on the to enforce on the Responding, Church in Wales website at: many volunteers Archdeacon http://www.churchinwales.org.uk/ running church Christopher said, structure/representative-body/hr/ safeguarding/ events, “It is a policy to protect the “We are acutely aware of the issue

Motion: That the Governing Body (i) adopt the Church in Wales Safeguarding Policy 2016; (ii) recognise the importance of promoting safer practice for children, young people and adults at risk within our churches and communities and the work undertaken by the Provincial Safeguarding team; (iii) endorse the implementation of the Policy by the Church; and (iv) request an annual report from the Head of Safeguarding to the Standing Committee on progress in safeguarding.

Evangelism:‘the task before us is not new but it is urgent’ The Andy John gave a report on the evangelism symposium which was held in Cardiff in May and attended by representatives from every diocese, as well as others in Christian ministry. Its aim, he said, had been to confer on how sharing the good news of Christ might develop in the province. Two sessions had been led by the Bishop of Chelmsford, Stephen Cottrell, and one by the Revd Mike Starkey from the Church Army who outlined the course now available on the Church Army website called Faith Pictures, a story-telling approach to evangelism. Faith Pictures, said Bishop Andy, was a simple but effective way about filling churches or replacing the diminishing but tool. He said that responses from the discussion groups faithful folk who are not being replaced. It is simply about on how their own dioceses could commit to evangelism, being faithful to our identity as Christians and were being fed into the work of the Provincial Evangelism repossessing a confidence in the gospel which can Group, which planned to bring proposals to the Governing transform human existence. I hope this new energy will Body next year. allow us to bring creative edge to this task.” Commending the The way forward, he added, was to create hope and report, Bishop Andy opportunity, confidence and a culture of witness. “We said, “The task before have to go to where people are and we have to start by us is not new but it is listening to what people are saying, rather than just urgent. It is not in any shouting louder,” he said.

Evangelism symposium HIGHLIGHTS|September 2016|Page 5 Confirmation no longer required for Holy Communion - Bishops’ letter

Anyone who has been baptised Communion. It is our conviction that to do that with our own children is will be able to receive Holy all the baptised, by virtue of their quite extraordinary.” Communion in church, regardless Baptism alone, are full members of Mark Durbin (Monmouth) of whether they have also been the Body of Christ and qualified to welcomed the change from his confirmed, under new guidance receive Holy Communion.” experience as headteacher of a coming into effect in November. The Archbishop explained that as Church in Wales primary school, children under five were not allowed “This will be great as you often see In a pastoral letter released during alcohol, they should only be offered parents go up for Communion but the meeting, the bishops announced Communion in one kind, the bread. they can’t take their children – it their decision to readopt the practice Parental permission would also be doesn’t seem right.” He asked for of the early church on admission to required for older children to receive training and leaflets for church Communion in an effort to strengthen the wine so parishes would need to schools too. ministry to children and young people keep clear records. The Revd Adrian Morgan in particular. It will come into effect The bishops hoped the policy (Co-opted) from the First Sunday in Advent – would lead to a strengthened suggested November 27 – and the first year will understanding of the rite of teaching be seen as a time to inform and teach Confirmation. people more congregations about the changes. “It will be no longer the gateway to about baptism, The letter was introduced by Communion, but take its proper place “Preparation Archbishop Barry, together with in the sacramental acts of the Church for that is too three as a channel of God’s grace, often simply explanatory affirming disciples of their place in the reduced to leaflets – one fellowship of the Church and a five-minute phone call and a form on the commissioning them for service in the sent out which people just return.” theology, one Church and world.” to guide Bishop Gregory said, “This is a church leaders very significant change in our practice and one for if not our theology and we have to congregations. prepare our churches, families and The letter said, “In the Church today, children. There will be permission The Bishops’ pastoral letter there are many who believe that the from Advent but there will be a and guidance notes for witness of the Church to Jesus process of reception which will be churches and congregations Christ, and the process of nurturing completed by next Advent Sunday – can be read at: children and young people in the a process of reflection, teaching and http:// Christian faith, would be understanding into the new practice www.churchinwales.org.uk/ immeasurably strengthened by of the church.” faith/believe/admission-to- recovering this earliest symbolism. He stressed the significance of the holy-communion-pastoral- Baptism alone should be seen as the change, “It would be easy to letter/ gateway into participation in the life of underestimate it. It is about the the Church, including admission to radical inclusion that baptism creates the Sacrament of Holy Communion. for the people of God. We hope it will “In conjunction with advice from aid our mission and our welcome.” the Doctrinal Commission of the Canon Patrick Thomas Church in Wales, and from the (St Davids) welcomed the change. Governing Body, the Bench of As the honorary pastor to Armenian Bishops wishes now to re-adopt the Christians in Wales, he said the practice of the early Church with “most wonderful thing was giving respect to admission to Holy Communion to babies – the chance

Page 6|September 2016|HIGHLIGHTS Private Members’ Motion: age limits for wardens An attempt to abolish age limits for churchwardens and subwardens led to a lively debate and a fair amount of procedural gymnastics for Canon Steven Kirk, who was chairing the item, and had to steer a path through several amendments and clause-by-clause voting.

In the end, the motion, brought had to value and respect the wisdom of the elderly, but also on behalf of St Davids Diocese by nurture the skills and abilities of young leaders. Elizabeth Thomas and Canon “We are an old church and getting older,” warned the Paul Mackness , failed to win total Revd Justin Groves (Monmouth). “New blood does not support. just appear, it only comes when we are intentional about it. However, In order to regenerate our church communities, older its second church wardens should help recruit and train a new church clause – to warden. The baton needs to be let go and passed on.” enforce the six-year service limit The Revd Dr Kevin Ellis (Bangor) said people would was accepted and a new clause continue to serve God when they left added which will lead to a review of office – “We need to be courageous the role and a look at ways of but not ageist in opposing the motion,” encouraging younger people to apply. he said. “Always recognising that Moving the motion, Mr Mackness argued that age was no service to God never ends.” barrier to achievement or ability, citing examples of the child Proposing the amendment to prodigy Mozart on one hand and Noah, on the other, who review the role of wardens, Clive was 600-years-old: “We are called, all of us, through our Myers (St Asaph) said, “One of the common baptism, to be disciples of Christ, from which there concerns of the working group was to re-educate is no age limit and no humanity-imposed mandatory congregations that church wardens were nothing to do with retirement age,” he said. “In a time in which the Church handing out hymn books and locking up churches.” needs to marshal every resource if possesses… we need to use the gifts of all our people… We do not need to hamstring ourselves in our mission and ministry by placing limits on Motion: That the Governing Body ourselves that don’t benefit anyone. If people are willing to (i) Strongly encourage Dioceses to enforce serve then we should encourage them.” the six year rule in relation to the length The Revd Harri Williams (St Davids) disagreed with the of time a Churchwarden or Sub-warden motion, arguing that there needed to be a point where we holds office and to monitor the need for and number of dispensations granted. gave thanks for people’s ministry and moved on. He believed that the motion was deflecting attention from the (ii) Request the Standing Committee to review and clarify the role of real problem - that there was simply nobody in some Churchwardens and to identify ways of churches under 75. encouraging church members to take on The Revd Dr Adrian Morgan (Co-opted) said that we the responsibilities.” The Standing Committee Report

The Report of the Standing Committee was presented by its Chair, His Honour Philip Price QC. He highlighted the Committee’s ideas for celebrating the Church in Wales’ centenary in 2020 and invited members to send in any suggestions they had too. The committee also recommended age limits. It said that lay licenced ministers (originally Readers only) should not be licensed over the age of 75 and that age limit should apply consistently across the Province. Meanwhile, the age limit of 70 years should apply for all future Legal Appointments. All recommendations, seconded by Helen Biggin (Llandaff) deputy Chair, were agreed unanimously.

HIGHLIGHTS|September 2016|Page 7 Ministry Report - the faces behind the figures

From pioneers to lay chaplains – Rocsand Bateman (St Asaph), stimulating the Church. That included the people behind the statistics on a lay evangelist, formation of licensed ministry, ministry numbers led the said she continued development, ministry presentation of this year’s report. focused on policy and research. They helped paint a vivid picture of people who “St Padarn’s is happening,” he the changing face of ministry in would not step said. “In one sense it is just the six the church today. inside a church. dioceses working together, coming Introducing the report, the Bishop “Evangelists together in a new way, giving up a of Monmouth, work on the fringes – what we see little independence in order to said, “The are the lost sheep and we want to achieve what we all want – the figures in the bring them back into the fold. We flourishing of the whole Church in report provide walk alongside them, not afraid to try Wales. It is a new wine skin for the the number of new things. But we are not lone new wine.” licensed wolves – they are dangerous for the Seconding the report, Bishop ministers and sheep and for the church - we are Gregory said the challenge of the also those who are in training. They always rooted in the community.” report was to “build God’s church”. say it as it is. But of course behind Sue Last (St Asaph) described He said, “Our priesthood and these numbers there are the stories her work as a lay hospice chaplain. “I ordained ministry must flourish but it of God’s faithfulness as he calls am not there to overtly evangelise but is no longer just about that – it is people into ministry. that happens as I respond to people’s about what the whole Church offers “I have been impressed at the need,” she said. “Nuggets of in ministry.” He pointed out that in St level of commitment and passion conversation often end up with Asaph 8% of the membership – 640 among lay and clergy who want to something rewarding. The Gospel is people - was involved in active work with God. This can be done proclaimed in many different ways.” ministry, more than ever before. “God through a whole range of ministries. St Padarn’s Institute is doing new things among us,” he Traditional ministry done well still has The Revd Dr said. “There are parts of the church a place in the diocese but it is not Jeremy Duff, which have had their day but God is enough to reverse the decline. We Principal of very real and is doing something need the bridge builders too.” St Padarn’s, new.” The presentation was shared said the launch Jennie Willson (St Asaph), a lay between Monmouth and St Asaph of the new evangelist, emphasised the dioceses. Helen Shepherd institute in July importance of individual discernment: (Monmouth) showed how the Church was able “I hope we can be flexible and described her to change. “Growth through prayer recognise that each individual has an role as the is what St Padarn’s is all about,” he individual calling – not try to put diocesan said, noting that this year’s fulltime people in boxes,” she said, adding pioneer ministry programme had almost twice the the importance of lay ministry should development number of students as previous be modelled throughout the church. officer. Pioneer years while the number of part-time The Revd Jonathan Durley ministry, she said, was about students was almost three times as (Llandaff) urged members to seek the exploring new paths and focussing on many. That meant that the summer support of the Church Army which many different projects, such as school had to be held in a marquee was a major resource for evangelists. walking groups, community cafes, – “a wonderful visible sign that Bishop John (S&B) said clergy monastic communities, clothes swap buildings were not big enough”. needed to see the challenge facing groups and family church: “It’s about Dr Duff said a strategic them: “I am tired of saying the same planting a forest, not just a few oaks. development plan was being thing to disinterested clergy who are There can be many different forms of prepared and would go out to the ‘suffering the ministry of lay people’. church sitting alongside each other – dioceses for approval. The institute There are some clergy who just want a mixed economy of churches had many roles but they revolved to keep the show on the road and supporting each other.” around supporting, resourcing and don’t see the challenge the church

Page 8|September 2016|HIGHLIGHTS Funeral Services faces - but they expect me to do The introduced a discussion of something about that. That won’t do – Funeral Services. Since 2008 the services have been they don’t get it and don’t want to get in regular use on an experimental basis and now the it – they don’t see the crossroads and bishops want to bring forward a Bill to authorise them don’t see the challenge. I want every for permanent use. Before doing that however, they member of the Governing Body to try are asking for feedback and Bishop Gregory invited hard to get other people to get it – members to make their comments and suggestions. help me to help them see the challenge.” “Funerals are a major point of contact between members and non- The Revd Justin Groves members of the church,” said Bishop Gregory. “We want to know how we (Monmouth) can best perform our ministry to the nation when we are asked to conduct said people a funeral service.” had to be The suggestions put forward focussed on usability - making a booklet prepared to easy to use with everything in one place; accessibility – bridging the gap invest in risks. between the language of church and that of everyday; and breadth of “I am resources. passionate “We are very big on funerals in West Wales,” noted about pioneer ministry. It has cost me Canon Patrick Thomas (St Davids). “Particularly in a lot of time, money and hassle but it the country where we get enormous congregations. as to be seen as an investment, not They can involve three separate services and that an expense. It will cost us if it is not to requires quite a lot of material. It is important to have be just a sideshow. We all have to those texts available with you – we often end up commit to new paths, new terrain. borrowing from our ecumenical partners.” The Lab 11 years on is still experimenting, going off piste, as everyone is entitled to hear the good Trinity Saint David news on their own terms. It is time to Gwilym Dyfri Jones Associate Pro Vice- step up – it’s a huge investment at Chancellor, University of Wales, Trinity Saint every level and I welcome this David, introduced a report from the University. report.” He referred to the recent partnership agreement Bishop David (Llandaff) said signed with St Padarn’s Institute to provide training evangelism was “not the icing on the and education for ministry. Bishop John cake – it is the cake”. He challenged (Swansea & Brecon) thanked the Vice Chancellor for proactively members to raise their hands if they working with the bishop to back a well-supported chaplaincy service in were for Christ. “We need to give the Swansea campus. The Revd Steven Bunting (Swansea & people the confidence to say those Brecon), priest-in-charge of this area, also spoke in support of the words and the words to follow University’s work on the Swansea waterfront. through,” he said. Carol Cobert (Llandaff) said a Widows, Orphans and Dependents church had to be part of its community in order for people to feel it mattered to Society them. “We must ask where is our church in the community – do the More than £79,000 was distributed to widows and dependents of community recognise it as their church? clergy this year. The Archdeacon of Newport, Jonathan Williams, We should be looking at the function of presented the annual report of the Widows, Orphans and Dependants our church – it is where we worship but Society (WODS) for the first time. He highlighted the good work in it is also for the community.” dioceses and provincially to give practical help to those in need and The report was accepted. thanked all who gave generously to the fund. If church members wished to be involved or have questions on this work, he asked them to contact Louise Davies, (Head of Finance) in the Provincial Office (029 20348 200).

HIGHLIGHTS|September 2016|Page 9 Membership and Finance Report - decline noted ‘with a heavy heart’

The motion was simple – members “I want to know what those places The Revd Adam Pawley (St Asaph) were asked to “take note” of the of growth have in common with each raised a concern about Membership and Finance report. other; and, in contrast, what is different the connection However, following the report’s about those which are not growing. between growth in presentation, there was a swell of What common features prevail in both church numbers and feeling that merely taking note was camps? We need to give oxygen and the rise of the parish simply not enough. life to where there is hope.” share. He admitted The reason was the latest He said the Church needed to fudging some figures attendance figures which revealed prune its dead wood, “My guess is in to keep the costs down. “substantial decline” over the past many churches faith is weak or has Canon Steven Kirk (Llandaff) said year with average Sunday even died and we are just going while the attendance down five percent to just through the motions. There is nothing expression more than 29,000. That meant that wrong with pruning – can we now call “with a heavy less than one percent of the time on that which has died? We have heart” was not population of Wales now went to a such great treasure but it is locked strictly legal Church in Wales church on away in structures that are not language it Sundays. working.” was a reflection Presenting the report, James The amendment was seconded by of what was felt and he urged Turner, chair of the Representative Bishop Andy (Bangor). “Expressing members to accept it. Body, said, “Attendances appear to be sorrow for the way things are is not to Robert Wilkinson (St Davids) went falling, but that is not the case in nearly be negative but to be realistic,” he said, further – “a heavy heart” half of our parishes…there are adding that learning from growing was an inadequate indications that, through hard work and churches would enable the Church to response, he said. “I intentional investment, good things are do ministry and mission is a way that would be happy if we happening around the country… was “more faithful, more hopeful and said we were to repent “It is equally true to note that this more engaged”. on the issue.” decline can be measured as less than The Revd Steven Bunting Sandy Blair (Co-opted Monmouth) two people per parish,” he said. “We (co-opted) said was more optimistic. “Things are being should remain confident in our ability to the figures were done but you have to have both reverse the decline and plan for growth. a disaster and patience and hope,” he said. “It’s not It is important to remember change is warned that the end of the game - the game is on possible.” clergy morale and we will win.” However, the Revd Richard Wood was low. “These Bishop David (Llandaff) agreed (Bangor), called the figures are an that much more was happening than report “devastating” alarming picture that people in Wales could be recorded by statistics, “We are and an are rejecting what we are offering. My beating ourselves up and I am sorry embarrassment. generation has never even seen the about that,” he said. “There’s a lot “I would hate to just inside of a church, let alone walked out going on – God does not depend on take note of it,” he said, because it is boring. Clergy colleagues our contribution to thrive. We need to moving an amendment to say the have lost their mojo – we have to dare joyfully let down the nets and go fishing Governing Body received the report to be joyful because no one wants to at His command.” “with a heavy heart” and called for get on a plane and see a depressed Mr Turner said the amendment gave more research into what made a pilot. This is a call for us to stop and members a “much stronger motion”. growing Church. take action.” The amended motion was carried.

Motion: That the Governing Body (i) Do take note of this Report with a heavy heart; and (ii) Request that the Standing Committee, as a matter of urgency, identify the minority of parishes which are growing, investigate the factors behind this, and suggest what we might learn and implement from this good practice.

Page 10|September 2016|HIGHLIGHTS Representative Body Report The total value of the Representative Body’s due on 31 December 2016. The fall in bond yields has a investments increased by 1% to £542m in 2015, direct and negative impact on the valuation of the Pension said Paul Marshall, chair of the investment committee. Scheme liabilities.” The Brexit vote this year had James Turner, chair of the RB, created a “new uncertainty for said the RB was spending £2m the world economy”. Stocks had more than it received in income. been hard hit initially as the This, he said, was a conscious pound fell but the high proportion investment decision to ensure the of overseas stock had provided Church received crucial support in a buffer, for the RB, he said. key areas, such as the Clergy Pension Scheme, ministry “By May 2016 our stock exchange investment had training and the 2020 Vision Transformation fund. recovered back to the position at the end of 2015, and yet “Such an approach cannot be sustained for ever but can by the end of June had increased by 4% - some £20m. be justified for now whilst the Church undergoes a period of Our portfolio has continued to increase in value since the significant change. It is hoped that, by making additional end of June and by the end of August is 10% higher than resources available during this period, the Representative at the start of the year. Body will play a full part in reshaping and re-equipping the “Although this is excellent news, the downside is that Church in Wales for its future mission.” the triennial valuation of the Clergy Pension Scheme is Clergy Pension Scheme Following consultation with clergy and discussions with dioceses, the RB recommended increasing the normal pensionable age for stipendiary clergy from 65 to 67, said Mr Turner. The change would only affect future service for serving clergy and as part of the consultation, all clergy had been given an analysis of the impact such a change would have for them. “This approach reflects changes in secular society, where the retirement age for the State Pension has recently increased. It has also been calculated to enable the costs of the Scheme – to both the RB and dioceses – to be maintained at a prudent level, thus helping to safeguard the viability of the Scheme for the future,” said Mr Turner.

Motion: That the Governing Body (i) Clergy Pension Scheme – that the provisions of the Clergy Pension Scheme be amended to increase the normal pensionable age from 65 to 67 from 1 January 2017 (ii) That the Report of the Representative Body be approved.

Dr Gill Todd thanked by the Archbishop

Dr Gill Todd was unable to be present at this meeting, due to illness, and the Archbishop warmly thanked her at what would have been her last meeting. He said Gill had made a significant contribution to the life of the Governing Body since 2001 when she was first co-opted as a member while then living in the . She had also served for some years as a member of the Standing Committee and had been a member of the Panel of Governing Body Chairs for 13 years. Gill was best known for her work in chairing a number of working groups appointed by the Standing Committee to monitor and advise on the representation of women in the church. She was also a member of the Provincial Discernment Panel, working to ensure best practice in selection of Ordinands for the church of the future and was the chair of the safeguarding committee in her home diocese of Swansea & Brecon.

HIGHLIGHTS|September 2016|Page 11 Farewell to Archbishop Barry The Archbishop was thanked for his “extraordinary” GB demonstrate that focus. As well as church governance service to the Church at a meeting of its Governing matters, women bishops, the Anglican Covenant etc, you Body. Dr Barry Morgan will retire in January next have explored devolution, climate change, Gaza, gender year after nearly 14 years as Archbishop. and sexuality, parenting, assisted dying, organ donation Judge Philip Price, as chair of and much more. You use public media so effectively that the standing committee, said on all these issues the imperatives of the gospel are Dr Morgan had led from the heard. They are always carefully constructed, based on front, tirelessly and extensive reading and scholarship, and learning lightly courageously. He praised the worn. They are listened to with respect even by those Archbishop’s ability to expert in their own field.” communicate effectively while Speaking in Welsh, Mr Price also paid tribute to the also underpinning his arguments Archbishop’s contribution to the life and culture of Wales with scholarship. Meanwhile, the as a nation, and to the importance of the Bishop of Swansea and Brecon, for reaching the whole community. John Davies, thanked him for But at heart, he said, the Archbishop was still a parish his compassion, kindness and priest. “Yet with all this achievement, the picture I think commitment. that will stay longest in my mind is travelling with you on Addressing the Archbishop, Mr Price said, “You are, I trains back from long and exhausting meetings in think, one of the best communicators of your generation Shrewsbury, or Llandudno, or wherever, and people and you have used your exceptional gifts to engage with coming up to you whom you had never met but who Wales, to meet the society where it is with all its recognised you and wanted to talk. You never failed to preoccupations and problems. To do so, you have respond with warmth and a genuine interest in them and adopted a punishing programme, all to help the Church’s their lives. It usually ended with helping them manage voice to be heard and to shape opinion and decision. their suitcases down the long flight of steps at Cardiff “Your Presidential Addresses and the sermons at the station. At heart you are still a parish priest.”

Page 12|September 2016|HIGHLIGHTS Bishop John, the However, sensible examination of them demonstrates that senior bishop, said the life of the secular world and those who govern it and Dr Morgan had led the call of the gospel are not dissonant things that are the Church through opposed to each other because what better recipe or challenging times, manifesto can there be for the life of the nation can life in “You have led the all its fullness for anyone seeking to govern the principles Church in Wales at of others than the Sermon on the Mount? And you have a time when sought to infect the public life of wales with the principles significant changes in society have caused us to examine that are thoroughly Christian, thoroughly just and decent.” some of our own disciplines, some of our own opinions Bishop John criticised those who attacked Dr Morgan and practices… from the “veil of anonymity” in the “most shameful way”. “Your approach to walking those paths to examining “That is something we would all regret,” he added. possible changes has been to remind us of scripture, In response, the Archbishop quoted the late Cardinal tradition and reason but also encouraging us in the name Basil Hume: “When people say nice things about you of a compassionate God revealed in Jesus that maybe enjoy but don’t inhale.” He continued, “I’m not one of change has to come and should come that the incarnate these people who dreads coming to the Governing Body Christ who has the love of all humanity demands that but I can’t say I will miss it – enough is now enough. I do even if we are not ready to embrace change at least we feel a bit tired and will look on from the sidelines with start to consider change. You have done that cogently, interest and I promise you I will never make another public consistently and compassionately.” utterance from February 1!” Bishop John said the Archbishop’s voice had been Governing Body members applauded him with a heard clearly in public life. “Your clear, direct contributions standing ovation. have not always had universal support or welcome. , Wyn Evans, retires

Archbishop Barry paid tribute to the Bishop of Dr Barry Morgan described Bishop Wyn Evans as a St Davids, Wyn Evans, who was retiring after eight “quintessential Dean and a rather reluctant bishop” whose years in the role. ministry had been greatly appreciated. He said, “Wyn began his ministry as a curate at and later returned as its Dean. The restoration work he led there, particularly the cloisters, is a monument to what can be achieved in a cathedral to make it open and accessible. He was a quintessential Dean and a rather reluctant bishop, but he has found he has enjoyed the role. He took over the diocese at a difficult time but he knew it intimately and his pastoral ministry has been greatly appreciated. I thank him for his many years of service to the Church and wish him every blessing for his retirement.”

HIGHLIGHTS|September 2016|Page 13 Worship Canon Paul Mackness (St Davids) Governing Body Worship Coordinator, led the opening Bible study. On Wednesday evening the Eucharist took place in the University Chapel of St David and the Archbishop celebrated and preached. Members from Llandaff diocese prepared the service. Morning Prayer on Thursday in the Chapel was prepared by members from St Asaph diocese and was led by Jennie Willson (St Asaph). The Collections will be given to LATCH – the Welsh Children’s Cancer Charity. The amount raised (including Gift Aid) was £1,560.56.

Welcome to Simon Lloyd In Memoriam The Archbishop welcomed The Revd Canon Gwynn ap Gwilym, Mr Simon Lloyd, (Provincial the Bishops’ Adviser on Church Affairs Secretary), to his first Governing and the Church’s Language Officer, Body meeting as Provincial died in July following a long illness. Secretary of the Representative Members stood in tribute to him Body. Simon joined the Church and gave thanks for his contribution to in May, following the retirement the life and work of the Church. of John Shirley. Previously, he was diocesan secretary Originally from Machynlleth, Gwynn served in the for Coventry for 10 years and also a Lay Canon of Church in Wales in the dioceses of Bangor and Llandaff Coventry Cathedral. before taking on the roles of Bishops’ Advisor for Church Originally from Cardiff, Simon began his career in the Affairs and Language Officer. He translated all the Church’s manufacturing industry, having graduated in electrical liturgy over the past decade into Welsh and also wrote an engineering and trained as a design engineer with the acclaimed translation of the metrical psalms. GEC (General Electrical Company). He held a succession Gwynn began his ministry in Bangor Diocese after of positions in marketing, factory management, graduating from the University of Wales, Bangor, and international sales and as a managing director with training for ordination at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford. He was companies manufacturing electrical products. Rector for 16 years of Penegoes and then Mallwyd, serving He is married to Faye, who is from Blackwood, and churches in the Upper Dyfi Valley area. In 2002 he moved they have two adult children. to Llandaff Diocese, serving in Penyfai and then Eglwys Dewi Sant – a Welsh language church in the heart of Cardiff – until 2007 when he was appointed Bishops’ Advisor and Thank you to our guests Language Officer. The Reverend Sally Thomas In 1983 he won the Welsh Arts Council prize for his Cytûn & the Covenanted Churches in Wales volume of poetry, Grassholm, and 30 years ago, in 1986, he also representing The United Reformed Church was Poet Chair at the National Eisteddfod in Fishguard for The Reverend Dr Stephen Wigley his ode, Y Cwmwl The Methodist Church He published three volumes of poetry -Y Winllan Werdd, th Professor John Gwynfor Jones Gwales ac Yr Ymyl Aur – and co-edited an anthology of 20 Presbyterian Church of Wales Century Welsh poetry – Flodeugerdd o Farddoniaeth Gymraeg yr Ugeinfed Ganrif. (lay) Canon Elizabeth Paver Archbishop Barry asked members to remember The Church of England Gwynn’s wife Mari, his brother Ifor and their families.

Date and Place for next meeting The next meeting of the Governing Body will take place on a weekend. It will be held on Friday 21st to Sunday 23rd April 2017 at City Hall, Cardiff.