Church leaders from across Europe meet in Wales
It was a great privilege for many of us over Palm Sunday weekend to welcome the European Region Steering Committee of the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC) to Wales. The main purpose of the visit was to strengthen links with the three Welsh denominations and union that are members of the Communion: the Union of Welsh Independents, the Presbyterian Church of Wales, and the United Reformed Church National Synod of Wales. Representatives of the Steering Committee had travelled from Romania, Sweden, Switzerland, Germany and north‑east England, and over three days of discussion there was an opportunity to demonstrate unity, explore the ecclesial and political context, and experience Welsh culture, language, sport and food.
A special presentation
The main meeting was held on Friday morning at the offices of the United Reformed Church National Synod of Wales. Alongside contributions from members of the Communion in Wales, there was a very special presentation by Cynan Llwyd, Secretary of Cytûn, giving an overview of the context of churches in Wales and the development of ecumenism in Wales (this generated considerable interest and discussion among the Steering Committee). This was followed by contributions from Iestyn Davies of Cytûn, and Peredur Owen Griffiths MS, as they reflected on political and social aspects, including Wales’s relationship with Europe in a post‑Brexit context.
On Saturday, the Steering Committee had the opportunity to visit the National Museum of Wales, St Fagans, before sharing a meal together in Cardiff Bay in the evening. On Sunday, members of the Committee attended worship services in local churches.
A valuable visit
There is no doubt that this visit provided a valuable opportunity for shared learning, dialogue and fellowship within the wider family of the Communion. This is what Jenny Dobers, President of the European Region of the Communion, said as she departed:
“We are leaving with our hearts full of the warmth of the people of Wales, the care shown by the members of your churches, the beauty of Welsh nature and culture, and a wealth of wisdom and inspiration on how to live out the Gospel in our time. We thank God that we are in communion with you. It is a comfort to know that, even across distance, we can pray together for a world that so desperately needs peace.”
