The Union of Welsh Independents (Welsh: Undeb yr Annibynwyr Cymraeg) is a Reformed Congregationalist denomination in Wales.
| Union of Welsh Independents | |
|---|---|
| Undeb yr Annibynwyr Cymraeg | |
Logo of the Union of Welsh Independents (Undeb yr Annibynwyr Cymraeg). | |
| Classification | Protestant |
| Orientation | Reformed |
| Polity | Congregationalist |
| Llywydd (president) | Beti-Wyn James |
| Secretary General | Dyfrig Rees |
| Distinct fellowships | Congregational Federation |
| Associations | World Communion of Reformed Churches, International Congregational Fellowship, Council for World Mission, World Council of Churches Cytûn |
| Region | Wales |
| Congregations | 400 (2021) |
| Members | 31,000 (2006) |
| Official website | http://www.annibynwyr.org/ |
History
editWelsh Congregational churches or Independents stand in the Puritan tradition. The first Congregational congregation was founded at Llanfaches, Monmouthshire, in 1639. Early founders were in the Puritan tradition. Later, several churches were founded and formed separate denominations. They embraced different theological positions. Finally, the denomination was founded in 1872 as a voluntary association of churches. It was called Independent because each congregation claims to be under the authority of Christ. Individual congregations cooperate through associations. Now the Union works through six departments: finance, mission, ministry, education, churches, communication. The Union churches have much in common with other free churches in Wales. Ministers can freely move their ministry among them. The Union's council met once a year. The Union is a free and voluntary body, its aims to help to make churches a fellowship that serve Jesus Christ.[1] The church has high emphasis on preaching the Gospel, and education, empowering church members. The latest strategy is the Welsh Independents Development Programme.[2]
Statistics
editIn 2006 the Union of Welsh Independents had 16 associations of churches, 450 congregations, 31,000 members and about 107 ministers. Its worship services are held primarily in the Welsh language.[3]
According to the latest statistics in 2021 it had over 400 congregations.[4] The president is Beti-Wyn James.[5]
Interchurch relations
editThe Union is a member of the World Communion of Reformed Churches,[6] the International Congregational Fellowship,[7] Council for World Mission[8] and the World Council of Churches.
It has friendly relations with the Congregational Federation.[9]
References
edit- ^ "Union of Welsh Independents – World Council of Churches". www.oikoumene.org. January 1967.
- ^ www.cwmeurope.org/en/about-cwm-europe/union-of-welsh-independents Archived 31 August 2014 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ www.annibynwyr.org/aboutus/index.html Archived 13 October 2013 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "Undeb yr Annibynwyr Cymraeg". annibynwyr.org. Retrieved 25 July 2021.
- ^ "Union of Welsh Independents welcomes Beti Wyn as the new President". Twitter (in Welsh).
- ^ "Member Churches :: World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC)". Archived from the original on 12 April 2014. Retrieved 19 May 2015.
- ^ "Jewelry Reviews". www.intercong.org.
- ^ www.cwmission.org/churches/europe-region/ Archived 24 October 2013 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "The Congregational Federation in Wales – what is it?". www.cfwales.org.uk.