Diocesan Conference 2025

More than 150 people braved Storm Claudia to attend our Diocesan Conference on Saturday at St Teilo’s High School.

Unfortunately, the weather was too bad for some, and we had several apologies from delegates who could not make it. Scientists have suggested that climate change is making the heavy rainfall associated with autumn and winter storms more frequent and intense, so how fitting and relevant that the theme of our conference was caring for the environment.

Following a lovely opening worship, Archbishop Cherry made her presidential speech.

She opened with the question – “Who do you think you are?” - a question which she explained she had been thinking about since being enthroned as Archbishop of Wales.

She said: “I’ve been doing quite a bit of thinking myself around who I think I now am – and others have too. When I walked into a meeting the other week, someone asked me, ‘what do we call you now?’. Am I Bishop Cherry? Archbishop Cherry? Or just simply Cherry? Of course, I’m all of those things, but I wear different hats (not quite literally) in any given situation and I’m not always sure which one.

“I’ve found myself standing in the office with documents to sign or emails to write asking myself, ‘who am I?’ Am I writing or signing this in my capacity as Bishop of the Diocese, or as Archbishop – because essentially, I’m both.”

She went on to explain that “identity and belonging matter,” adding, “and they do in the church too. Not because of titles and roles but because of who we are in Christ.”

Each of us play our own unique part in our life together as Christians and “just like the body, the church, the ministry area, the diocese works at its best, its most effective, when all the parts work together, in harmony; each wanting the best not just for themselves but for others and for the whole.”

“….We are servants of Jesus Christ and members of his body. May we use this new season to renew our resolve to work together for our good, for the common good and for the sake of God’s mission in this diocese of Monmouth and the communities all of us seek to serve.”

Next came Conference business, with lots of new elections as we start a new triennium, including 77 elected lay members.

During the break, people had an opportunity to look around the 14 stalls which were set up in the hall. Lots of different organisations were represented, including St Mary’s in Usk which is the first Gold Eco church in the diocese. They answered many questions and inspired others to embark on the eco church journey.

The two guest speakers were introduced by Ven Stella Bailey and were inspirational, engaging and challenging!

Mother Katherine, Society of the Sacred Cross, Tymawr Convent, Monmouth, shared how the sisters embarked on “radical change” to proactively engage with the climate crisis and reduce the carbon footprint!

She shared their incredible story, ending by saying: “Whilst we know that there is more to tackle, we are pleased that today we can say that we have reduced our carbon emissions by 90% and will continue to do so year after year. We have discovered that we can work together and reach a consensus on complex and far-reaching issues that achieve radical change that is a benefit to our climate and all the creatures it supports. And, we can more honestly speak of hope and the love of God in Jesus Christ and reflect these in our lives.

“Just as we love one heart at a time, so every step, small or large, on this pilgrimage of change is essential. Step out with courage.

“Finally, when you achieve a reduction in your church’s carbon footprint, don’t forget to celebrate and thank God for his goodness. Alleluia!”

Next to speak was Reverend Sue Parfitt from Bristol, who is a member of Christian Climate Action. She is passionate that Christians should be leading the way in addressing the impending climate catastrophe and has been arrested many times for taking part in peaceful protests,

During her challenging address she spoke of how her Christian faith and discipleship motivates her to resist and protest about the climate crisis.

She spoke of her belief that “God, as the creator of all that He has made, grieves beyond measure at the destruction of His creation….” And reminds us that “God has done us the supreme honour of calling us into life at this unique moment in the history of His Creation and He has given us a profoundly important role to play.”

After offering several practical examples of we can help, she implored us to be ‘radical’ – “God has given us Christians some special tools to use during our short lives here on earth - the tools of loving commitment to our neighbour above ourselves, especially the poor; His own yearning for justice and truth and His own courage without measure to do what needs to be done. Let’s use them!”

A summary of the 2024 Monmouth Diocesan Board of Finance Annual Report and Accounts was presented to delegates at our Diocesan Conference on Saturday.

It highlighted some of the amazing work that goes on across our diocese to promote our vision, culture, wellbeing along with evangelism and growth.

Faith in our Future planning sessions, Celebration of Lay ministry, Culture Day and our Diocesan Celebration Service all helped to embed our values, continuing to build on the previous year.

The DBF also launched new evangelism and church growth projects. Two new hub churches were established in Tredegar and Chepstow, supported by dedicated staff. Funding was made available for four Schools Engagement Pioneers and two have already been appointed to build connections between churches and schools, inviting families into new worshipping communities.

Ministry continued to be the biggest expenditure and the diocese was served by 47.5 paid clergy, 14 unpaid clergy, 8 residential unpaid clergy, and 32 licensed lay ministers. Support services were expanded to offer hands-on help for our Ministry areas in governance, finance and property – giving them more time to offer ministry and mission in their areas.

2024 was a successful year and next year looks to build on these successes. Events like the Culture Day and Diocesan Conference will continue, and new workshops will support team building and lay ministry training. The DBF will help ministry areas apply for funding to start new worshipping communities and improve communications through websites and social media. A trustee guide will be produced to support good governance, and ministry areas will be encouraged to become Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs) for better legal protection.

A copy of the DBF Annual Report and Accounts can be downloaded here