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| Sacred Synod July, 2017 Source: Church in Wales |
Spot the problem(s).
The Very Revd Dr Manon Ceridwen James Elected as the 82nd Bishop of Bangor
More from the archives: Theology today
Tuesday, 16 June 2026
Tuesday, 17 February 2026
Sunday, 1 February 2026
Tuesday, 2 December 2025
Thursday, 25 September 2025
Church in Wales Saga - continued 2
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| Map of the dioceses in the Church in Wales Source: Wikipedia |
Another extension to facilitate commentators while the Chuech in Wales saga continues.
Please remain on topic and remember to add a pseudonym if you are commenting anonymously.
Postscript 21.10.2025
Sunday, 24 August 2025
Church in Wales Saga - continued
Source: Wales Online
As the Church in Wales saga continues for all the wrong reasons the volume of comments has become rather unweildy so they may be continued here. Please remain on topic.
Emphasis remains on the election of the bishop of Monmouth as archbishop of Wales, not for her spirituality but for her sexuality which has resulted in other provinces breaking ties with the Church in Wales.
Postscripts
27.08.2025
Welsh discipline case examines ecclesial and financial misconduct at Cardiff church-plant Church Times
31.08.2025
Wales: Will they learn? Anglican Ink
02.09,2025
10.09.2025
Letter from the Archbishop of Wales to the Diocese of Bangor Provincial news, Church in Wales
12.09.2025
Statement from Bishop Andy Lines and Bishop Stuart Bell on the appointment of Cherry Vann as Archbishop of Wales Anglican Ink
Wednesday, 30 July 2025
Archbishop of Wales
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| Right Revd Cherry Vann, Bishop of Monmouth and OTN Patron Source: OTN |
BBC News Wales has announced that the 15th Archbishop of Wales is to be the bishop of Monmouth, Cherry Vann.
As predicted, two more 'firsts' for the Church in Wales.
As predicted, two more 'firsts' for the Church in Wales.
Postscripts
30.07.2025
New Archbishop of Church of Wales living in blatant defiance of Christian teaching Christian Concern
01.08.2025
02.08.2025
Archbishop of Wales Election Shatters the Communion The Most Reverend Dr. Laurent Mbanda
Chairman, Gafcon Primates Council
18.08.2025
Friday, 25 July 2025
Bangor farce moves to Monmouth diocese
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| Church in Wales bishops Source: Church in Wales |
"Now a bishop must be above reproach, married only once, temperate, sensible, respectable, hospitable, an apt teacher, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, and not a lover of money."
On 29th of July the Church in Wales Bangor charade moves to the diocese of Monmouth, the see of the second most senior bishop after the bishop of St Asaph, for the election of the 15th Archbishop of Wales.
Concerns have been expressed over the venue for the election but that the pantomime takes place in Monmouth appears curiously appropriate give the obsession of the bench with sex and same sex marriage and firsts. The bishop of Monmouth is a partnered lesbian who uses the Holy Eucharist to promote her sexual preference under the banner Beware! Our God welcomes all.
All, that is, who share the views of the bench. Believers in biblical orthodoxy are not welcome. There is no longer a pretense of twin integrities. Those promises were broken years ago.
Despite the elaborate electoral college procedure, Buggins' turn usually prevails but given the advancing age of the three most senior bishops who knows.
The choice beyond Buggins' turn is lamentable. It could have been avoided had the bishop of Bangor not delayed his retirement until after the new archbishop is appointed but there is no transparency, only rumour and speculation indicating self interest rather than the interests of the Church.
Given their penchant for 'firsts', the second most senior bishop, the bishop of Monmouth, would as archbishop give the bench two more firsts but a very long way from those of the past when firsts were in Theology,
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Saturday, 5 July 2025
Something rotten in the diocese of Bangor?
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| The Bishop of Bangor, Andy John, at his Enthronement as Archbishop of Wales Source: Church in Wales |
The Archbishop of Wales, Andrew John, announced he was retiring 'with immediate effect' on Friday, 27 June, following a 'turbulent period for the Bangor diocese' but did not intend to retire as Bishop of Bangor until 31st August.
Back in 2022 I wrote in Disaster looms closer:
"This extraordinary behaviour (above) of the newly enthroned archbishop of Wales, Andy John, takes place in the sanctuary in front of the Holy Table where the holy sacrifice of the Mass takes place. Nothing it seems is sacred in the Church in Wales any longer...
"The first prediction of the bishop of Bangor after his enthronement as archbishop of Wales was 'Same-sex Church in Wales marriage hope within five years'. The Holy Grail of the renewed, diverse, and inclusive Church in Wales dominated by its bench of bishops."
From Beyond a joke last year:
The latest 'first' for the Church in Wales is History is made as Church appoints its youngest ever bishop. Emphasising his same sex relationship we are told that in his spare time, 'David enjoys spending time with his fiancé, Marc Penny, and his cat, Gordon'. Not a 'first'. That record goes to the bishop of Monmouth who lives with her same sex partner.
From the BBC's article Church in Wales calls for investigation of diocese: While there is no suggestion the archbishop behaved inappropriately, the church's representative body said there must be a "change in leadership, procedures and governance in the Diocese of Bangor".
The full facts are concealed by the publication only of summaries of 'two critical reports' but the resposibility for this sorry state is the archbishop's resulting from his appointments which appear to have been based on sexuality rather than sprituality to fullfil his stated dream of Same-sex Church in Wales marriage within five years'.
Andy John appointed an assistant bishop to run the diocese of Bangor while he concentrated on his duties as archbishop. He now has none while Bangor has a bishop and an assistant bishop
As senior diocesan bishop he, presumably, will be resposible for organising the election of the new archbishop.
His meddling looks set to continue along with that of his mentor, Barry Morgan.
The farce continues.
Postscripts
10 July2025 Statement on recent media coverage Church in Wales, Provincial News
BBC Wales investigates on July 10 2025 BBC iPlayer
11 July 2025 New Dean appointed to Bangor Cathedral Church in Wales
From AB archives Theology today
22 July 2025 Election of the Archbishop of Wales Church in Wales, Provincial News
Monday, 9 June 2025
The Bangor Problem
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| The Archbishop of Wales (right) and gay pride supporters, the sub-dean of Bangor and former Mayor. Source: Twitter |
A problem has occured with Blogger comments. Four comments recived today for publication have not appeared. I have not found a solution. Others have had a similar problem.
If this publication workers commentators may have more success here. Fingers crossed!
If no more comments appear readers will at least be aware of the problem.
Postscripts
25 June 2025 Representative Body Statement on Bangor Cathedral:
"The Representative Body of the Church in Wales met today to consider matters relating to Bangor Cathedral. After extensive and detailed discussions, the meeting has been adjourned, and a statement will be issued in due course."
27 June 2025
This report from Martin Shipton of Nation Cymru includes details of a letter written to the Church in Wales’ Bench of Bishops by an angered worshipper of more than 40 years. Well worth a read. AB
"Statement from the Archbishop of Wales, the Most Revd. Andrew John
Dear Friends,
I am writing to you to announce my immediate retirement today as Archbishop of Wales. I also intend to retire as Bishop of Bangor on August 31st.
It has been an enormous joy to serve in the Church in Wales for over 35 years. I cannot thank you enough for the privilege of working at your side for the sake of our Saviour Jesus Christ.
I would very much like to thank the clergy and congregations of this wonderful diocese before I retire and I will be in touch again about the way in which this might happen.
Thank you, and Christ give you joy and peace in believing.
+Andy"
1 July 2025
5 July 2025 'Any excuse to go to pub' culture at crisis-hit cathedral BBC News
Wednesday, 14 May 2025
Church in Wales in crisis
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| Archbishop of Wales Andrew John said while this had been "a sobering time, it also offers us opportunity for change" Source: BBC |
From the BBC: Multiple serious referrals made about cathedral
Among the complaints was a "culture in which sexual boundaries seemed blurred."
The Archbishop of Wales responded: "...while this had been 'a sobering time, it also offers us opportunity for change'."
Indeed. Concern was expressed in 2024 over the archbishop's judgement. He could set an example, take his own advice and go.
But if he were to go it would be out of the frying pan into the fire as the bench pushes its gay marriage agenda strongly favoured by the next in line, the bishop of St Asaph
The archbishop could hardly have made a stronger statement of intent than his appointment of the assistant bishop of Bangor, the so called bishop of Bardsey who is engaged to another man.
The Church in Wales already has an openly lesbian bishop, the bishop of Monmouth.
The direction is clear.
There can be little if any hope for the Church in Wales with such secular bishops. The archbishop should be a man of God not the zeitgeist.
Postscripts
Explained: The Bangor Cathedral scandal -Premier Christianity
Saturday, 19 April 2025
Easter 2025
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| The Resurrection by Cecco del Caravaggio (1619–20) Source: Wikipedia |
Wishing you a Happy and Blessed Easter
Thursday, 3 April 2025
True colours
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| WATCH gathering Source: WATCH/Church Times |
From the Church Times: "A CAMPAIGN to end the provisions that accompanied the women-bishops legislation of 2014, put in place to provide for those unable to accept women’s ministry (News, 28 July 2014), was launched by Women and the Church (WATCH) on Saturday.
"The campaign group hopes to see a motion brought to the General Synod, asking members to consider “whether it is right for the 2014 House of Bishops’ Declaration on the Ministry of Bishops and Priests to continue in perpetuity and, if not, to set a date for it to come to an end”. The plans were discussed at the “Not Yet Equal Conference” at St John’s, Waterloo, in London. WATCH aims to roll out roadshows across dioceses in the coming months, in the hope of getting the motion carried by diocesan synods. An alternative approach would be a private member’s motion.
"WATCH is also encouraging women clergy to log experiences of “harassment”, with a view to bringing a case under the Equality Act (2010)." Full report here.
The bishop of Croydon, Dr Rosemary Mallet (pictured above), said "The Principles 'help to reinforce' the 'unequal and iniquitous gendered culture of the current Church of England', Dr Mallett said on Saturday. The foundations of this culture lay in the 1993 settlement, which established Provincial Episcopal Visitors (PEV) and 'allowed . . . churches to limit women’s roles on grounds of theological conviction'."
Dr Mallet lays bare the guiding principles of WATCH, feminist equality in a secularised Church. Theology has no place in the minds of these deceitful women.
She went on: "With hindsight, we never really thought through how this agreement would build on those foundations, cementing in both official and unofficial practices in churches a perpetuation of women’s unequal treatment and the continued discrimination against women."
The deceit is mind blowing. Using the Church to further their feminist ideals, these women have reached their goal of women bishops by stealth, regardless of the hurt they have caused for those who on theological grounds are unable to accept their secular agenda.
Step by step WATCH have argued that it did not mean that women would become priests if they were allowed to become deacons. When they were made deacons they argued that being a deacon was preparation for the priesthood. When women were admitted to the priesthood they claimed that the Church was dicriminating against women if they were not allowed to become bishops in a three-fold ministry.
'Mutual flourishing' enabled these feminists to achieve their goal. Now they want to end the provisions that accompanied the women-bishops legislation.
Sadly the people to whom WATCH appeal have the same secular outlook. They are unable to see through the lies because many attending Church have become secularised.
WATCH's Not Equal Yet Campaign claims that "Our national Church is getting away with discriminating against women, limiting female leadership, at every level of the organisation."
It shows them in their true colours. They want those of us who do not agree with them to be left with nothing.
It is appropriate that the article is dated 1st April. WATCH have made fools of the Church.
Postscript
Tuesday, 31 December 2024
New Year's resolution
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| King Charles delivering his Christmas Day speech Source: Christian Today |
I did not have the same enthusiasm for the King's Christmas message as I did for his mother's messages.
As head of the Church of England, HM Queen Elizabeth II could always be relied on to uphold the Christian faith.
In a 2022 entry I wrote Christianity on the wane in England and Wales commenting on Charles' wish be 'Defender of Faith', rather than 'Defender of the Faith', as though all faiths are the same when they clearly are not.
The speech, broadcast from an ex-hospital chapel which is available to all faiths as if to emphasise the point, was watched by 6.8 million out of a UK population off around 69 million people. For comparison Gavin and Stacey: The Finale was warched by 12.32 million and Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl by 9.38 million.
In his 2024 message Charles said, "But, on this Christmas Day, we cannot help but think of those for whom the devastating effects of conflict – in the Middle East, in Central Europe, in Africa and elsewhere – pose a daily threat to so many people's lives and livelihoods."
King Charles went on to say "Diversity of culture, ethnicity and faith provides strength not weakness" but as commented on in Christian Today 'That is not self-evidently true'.
There is one faith/ideology that frequently appears in the news as the main source of conflict. Less frequent is the reporting of the deaths, kidnappings and other atrocities regularly perpetrated in Africa and elsewhere around the globe. According to Open Doors, three fifths of the countries listed suffer persecution as a result of this one ideology.
While the hand of friendship is extended to its adherants in the United Kingdom, blind eyes are turned to world events. Thousands of people who do not share our values continue to enter the UK seeking to replace our culture with theirs.
As demonstrations in the UK are becoming more devisive it has become risky to comment on such matters for fear of attracting accusations of a hate crime. Free speech in Britain is at risk.
Christianity is being diluted in the name of diversity. Recently I read a report “Woke” MoD Bosses to Strip Cross From Military Cap Badge as part of efforts to make the British Army chaplains department more diverse and multicultural. I wonder what Queen Elizabeth would have had to say about that.
The situation is becoming dire. We have a woke government and a woke church.
For full assessment by former Queen's Chaplain Gavin Ashenden watch King Charles Christmas Speech - A Declaration of Civil War.
A good New Year's resolution would be to pray for our increasingly dis-United Kingdom.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Postscript 03.01.2025
PRAYER ALERT: One-year-old killed as Nigerian Christians targeted at Christmas
Tuesday, 24 December 2024
Christmas Greetings 2024
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| The Light of the World, François Boucher 1750 Source: Wikipedia |
With Best Wishes for a Happy Christmas
and
Peaceful New Year
Monday, 23 December 2024
Monday, 16 December 2024
A man of integrity
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| Warren Gatland has been head coach of Wales for 149 matches Source: BBC/Photo Huw Evans Picture Agency |
On Friday 31st January 2025 France starts The Six Nations 2025 season kicking off against Wales. In the meantime Wales' head coach Warren Gatland awaits news of his fate with his customary humility.
Questioned after a record 11th successive Test match defeat he said he agreed "whatever the best decision is for Welsh rugby".
Wales has had a disappointing run of results as have other teams over the years but let us put it into proprtion.
Country populations published for the 2023 World Cup showed Wales with a population of only 3 million compared with England's 57 million, Ireland's 7.2 million and Scotland's 5.5 million. Italy was 61 million, France 68.5 million and Japan a whopping 123.7 million.
When it comes to most registerd players France leads with over half a million compared with Wales' 83,120 registered rugby players. South Africa has the second highest number with 405,438 while England is third with 382,154 registrations. New Zealand comes 4th after Australia. Ireland is tenth and Scotland 15th.
Wales have punched well above their weight over the years and, like Scotland and Ireland, will do again.
Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) bosses have been reviewing the outcome of the autumn series and will determine if Warren Gatland will be in charge for next year's Six Nations season.
The Review should be completed before Christmas. Hopefully it will be a happy one for a coach who has given so much to Welsh rugby.
Postscript 20.12.2024
Warren Gatland will remain as Wales' head coach for the 2025 Six Nations
Tuesday, 10 December 2024
Restoring the Value of Parishes
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| All Saints Bakewell, a parish church in Derbyshire Source: Wikipedia. Photo: Bert Camenbert |
From CIVITAS
Restoring the Value of Parishes: The foundations of welfare, community, and spiritual belonging in England
Esme Partridge, November 2024
The parish church has been a foundational part of cultural life in England for hundreds of years. England’s 12,500 parish churches are ‘treasure houses’ of national history, containing the memories of our ancestors as well as the rich architectural and musical heritage of Anglicanism. Parishes also bring together local communities, providing charitable services – including food banks, childcare and counselling – worth billions of pounds per year.
Yet parish churches across the country are now in crisis. Crumbling buildings, declining attendance, and sharp reductions in clergy all pose a considerable threat to their survival. In the past 50 years, over 2,000 churches have been made redundant, with some 300 of these closing between 2016 and 2021 alone. Congregations have been shrinking in size since the 1960s, but fell by a further 19 per cent following the pandemic. Meanwhile, the number of stipendiary clergy in the Church of England has almost halved since 1959, leaving many churches without a priest dedicated to the parish.
Though this decline can to some extent be attributed to lower levels of religiosity and community attachment in today’s Britain, this report argues that management decisions made by the Church of England itself have also played a major role. These include moves to cut funding to local churches and ministers – in some cases merging up to 23 parishes into one ‘mega-parish’ served by a single team of clergy – and instead directing resources towards central bureaucracy: on average, the Church now employs one administrator for every three and a half priests. Hundreds of millions of pounds have also been funnelled into ‘strategic development funding’, intended to experiment with radical new ways of attracting people to the Church. These have mixed results and, according to some critics, often represent a departure from Anglican traditions and belief.
Restoring the Value of Parishes diagnoses what has gone wrong with the Church of England in recent years, and makes the case for returning to what works: supporting local clergy to continue serving their communities via parish churches. This will require Church management to restore its confidence in the parish as an institution that is uniquely placed to provide a refuge from the challenges of modernity. At a time when the public sector is diminished and invisible in many communities, the parish can be an ideal starting point for the renewal of civic life. If the Church wants to be more ‘relevant’, the author argues, it should stop trying to reinvent itself and instead embrace its unique position as a source of tradition, sanctity, and community solidarity in an uncertain world.
...
Friday, 6 December 2024
Monday, 25 November 2024
Assisted living, not assisted dying
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| "It’s assisted suicide, not assisted dying." Source: Christian Concern |
The assisted dying bill is to be debated by MPs on Friday. If the bill becomes law it will allow some terminally ill people to have a medically assisted death but as Christian Concern explains, it will be assisted suicide, not assisted dying.
The motivation is understandable. A slow, painful death from an incurable disease is a burden most would seek to avoid but a quick easy death cannot be guaranteed. With proper palliative care that is not an option people would have to face.
Recognised as the founder of the modern hospice movement Dame Cicely Saunders said: "You matter because you are you. You matter to the last moment of your life, and we will do all we can, not only to help you die peacefully, but also to live until you die."
A few months ago a relative who was terriried of dying was admitted to a hospice. She died peacefully under their loving care. Such care should be available to all.
If patients can be kept pain free, even if it results in death, that is a far better alternative than the slipery slope of assisted suicide with its added pressure of 'doing the right thing' to relieve others of the strain.
Postscript [28.11.2024]
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